Engage, Play, Connect

Training

Engage, Play, Connect: Practical Strategies for Young Children with Autism and Their Families

Cost: free

This training series is designed for professionals working with children from birth to age 3 with, or at risk for, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the primary focus is on toddlers, preschool providers working with children up to age 5 are welcome and will find the strategies applicable to their work..

Training Format

Two full-day, in-person sessions: Participants will explore evidence-based strategies and gain a deeper understanding of how to support young children with ASD and their families.

Two 1.5-hour online case study sessions: Structured full and small group discussions will allow participants to present information about a child from their own caseload. These discussions will help apply the knowledge gained in the full-day sessions to real-life scenarios, enhancing practical understanding.

Attendance at all four sessions is required to ensure adequate translation of knowledge to application.

Key Areas of Focus

• Current understanding of ASD in young children
• Individualized engagement strategies
• Play and social interaction
• Expressive communication (with an emphasis on augmentative alternative communication (AAC))
• Participation in self-care and family routines

Accommodation Requests

For questions or accommodation requests, please contact Pamela Cummings via this contact form, or by emailing her directly at pamela.cummings@uvm.edu.