Autism-related workshops offered

[April 06, 2013]  PEORIA -- Easter Seals is recognizing National Autism Awareness Month by offering autism-related educational workshops geared toward parents, caregivers, health care providers, therapists, teachers and community members.

Participants can choose from a variety of topics:

• April 9 in Peoria; April 10 in Bloomington: Autism 101 -- Learn about the fundamentals of autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, and interventions available in the community. Approved for 1.5 contact hours through the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois Early Intervention credit pending.

• April 11 in Peoria; April 15 in Bloomington: Changing Challenging Behaviors -- functions of behavior, replacement behaviors and reinforcement of new behaviors will be discussed. Approved for 1.5 contact hours through the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois Early Intervention credit pending.

• April 16-17 in Peoria: ADOS-2 Training -- Learn how to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, a tool widely known as "the gold standard" for observational, diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorders. Approved for 6 contact hours through the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois Early Intervention credit pending.

• April 16 in Peoria; April 18 in Bloomington: P.L.A.Y. Project Let Them Lead -- Learn P.L.A.Y. strategies and observe videotaped P.L.A.Y. Project sessions. Approved for 1.5 contact hours through the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois Early Intervention credit pending.

• April 23 in Peoria: Autism and Medication -- Focuses on a comprehensive understanding of autism as well as behavioral and pharmacological interventions that may help a child with autism. Approved for 1.5 contact hours through the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois Early Intervention credit pending.

Presenters are Jamie Hollis, M.A., L.P.C.; Wendy Trotter, M.A., S.L.P.; Dona Weibler, S.L.P., B.C.B.A.; Debra Detrich, M.S., N.C.S.P., school psychologist; Malinda Cumbow-Radloff, M.Ed., certified P.L.A.Y. Project consultant; and Ronald Lindsay, M.D., F.A.A.P.

A complete schedule and online registration is available at www.ci.easterseals.com or by calling 309-686-1177.

[Text from file received Easter Seals Central Illinois]