Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center

Assessment of Screening, Diagnosis and Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Virginia (external website)
VCU Autism Center for Excellence

To help improve services for those with ASD and their family members, the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE) convened an interdisciplinary task force to study issues related to medical and educational assessment. The task force evaluated three different topics related to identification of ASD: screening, diagnosis, and systems change. This white paper describes these evaluations and provides recommendations to improve services related to screening, diagnosis and identification of ASD in Virginia.

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JLARC Resources
These resources relate to the JLARC assessment of services for children and adults with ASD in Virginia.

Assessment of Services for Virginians with Autism Spectrum Disorders (external website)
Report of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission To the Governor and The General Assembly of Virginia House Document No. 8 2009

JLARC in Brief: Assessment of Services for Virginians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF)

Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Organizational Information (PDF)

Response to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission Report | Establishing a Detailed Action Plan for Serving Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (external website)

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Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families  (PDF)
Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia Guidance Document (Jan 2012)

This Virginia early intervention guidance document provides information for families and service providers about:

• Early signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Virginia's early intervention process
• Referring young children for further diagnostic testing
• Virginia early intervention supports and services
• Evidence-based practices for working with young children with ASD
• Screening & diagnostic tools for toddlers with ASD, and
• Information on focused practices and comprehensive intervention models

This guidance document was developed as a collaborative effort of the VA Dept. of Behavior Health and Developmental Services, Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU, Virginia Dept. of Education, Commonwealth Autism Service, the ARC of Virginia, and local Part C early intervention providers.

Download a 2-page summary document to share with physicians, child care providers, and other referral sources.

Handouts and Documents

A Parent’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism (external website)

National Autism Center  (external website)

The National Autism Center is the May Institute’s center for the promotion of evidence-based practice. Their latest publication for parents is available as a free download. Click on the Parent Guide link, enter your information, and then you will be given access to the booklet.

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Autism 100-day Toolkit (PDF)
Autism Speaks

This booklet is written for parents to guide them in what to do following their child’s initial diagnosis. This booklet is posted here with permission from Autism Speaks.

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Booklist of Autism Resources (PDF)
Valley CoPA

This 4-page booklist contains the titles, authors, and descriptions of print resources related to ASD.

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The Donovan Family Case Study: Guidance and Coaching on Evidence-based Practices for Infants and Toddlers with ASD (external website)
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this case study is to describe the coaching process in the context of early intervention and to outline two parallel coaching processes. This case study provides a description of how an early intervention provider, Jillian, supports the Donovan family through coaching on the use of evidence-based practices with their two-year-old son, Joey, who has autism.

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Concerns about Autism: Talking with Families (PDF)
Adapted by VA Community of Practice in Autism (CoPA)

This handout provides EI practitioners with guidance for how to talk to families about autism spectrum disorders under two common circumstances: when the practitioner has a concern and when the parent expresses a concern. This handout was adapted with permission from a similar resource from the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early Campaign.

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Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (external website)
Autism Evidence-Based Practices Review Group | Frank-Porter Graham Child Development Institute

According to the authors: “The purpose of this report is to describe a process for the identification of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and also to delineate practices that have sufficient empirical support to be termed “evidence-based.” (p. 1)

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Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism: A Parent’s Guide (external website)
Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN)

Written by medical experts, through their participation in the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), this free publication is designed to help families affected by autism understand eating behaviors, give guidance on how to address feeding issues and review some common questions that families have about eating problems.

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INSIGHT from Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF)
Sally Chappel, M.Ed., Coordinator, Region 5 T/TAC @ JMU

This handout shares guidance for working with children with ASD based on insights learned from persons with ASD themselves.

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Identifying Autism in Young Children: A Collection of Recommended Resources from Autism CARES Grantees (2015) (PDF)
Autism CARES

This document is a compilation of resources focused on the identification of autism in young children. Resources topics include: community practice guidelines and initiatives; databases; research and scholarly literature; resource guides and directories; policy, advocacy, and awareness; screening and diagnostic measures; tools for families; and training materials and opportunities for professionals. Each resource includes a description and links to access it online.

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Sensory Differences in Autism (external website)
Donald Oswald, PhD | Commonwealth Autism Service

In this paper, Dr. Oswald shares insights into recent autism-related research reports on sensory differences. Terminology and definitions are reviewed as well as the evidence related to sensory differences in children with autism.

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Tips for Early Care and Education Providers: Simple Concepts to Embed in Everyday Routines (external website)

This resource provides tips from top researchers for helping care providers and teachers work with young children with ASD. Each tip addresses why a concept is important and includes step-by-step instructions for how to include it in daily routines. Concepts include engagement, interest-based learning, using visual cues, joint attention, learning words, book sharing, managing behavior, etc.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Autism (external website)
Laura Shulman, M.D.
US News Health

This article, written by a developmental and behavioral pediatrician specializing in autism spectrum disorder, describes 10 important pieces of advice the author suggests that people remember about children with autism.

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Boyd, B. A., Odom, S. L., Humphreys, B. P., & Sam, A. M. (2010). Infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: Early identification and early intervention (external website). Journal of Early Intervention, 32(2), 75-98.

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Ingersoll, B., & Schreibman, L. (2006). Teaching reciprocal imitation skills to young children with autism using a naturalistic behavioral approach: Effects on language, pretend, and joint attention (external website). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(4), 487-505.

This study assesses the benefit of a naturalistic behavioral technique for teaching object imitation to young children with deficits in social-communication.

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Johnson, C. P., Meyers, S. M., & Council on Children with Disabilities (2007). Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders (external website). Pediatrics, 120, 1183-1215.

This article provides information for pediatricians about their role in early identification of ASDs. Information is covered related to diagnostic criteria, etiology, clinical signs, screening, and evaluation.

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What It's Like to Have Autism (external website)
R. Morgan Griffin

This article provides information for caregivers to help them understand and cope with the symptoms of autism.

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Zwaigenbaum, L., et al. (2015). Early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder under 3 years of age: Recommendations for practice and research (external website). Pediatrics, 136, S60-S81.

This article reviews current evidence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions for children aged 3 years, based on peer-reviewed articles published up to December 2013. The central role of parents has been emphasized, and interventions are designed to incorporate learning opportunities into everyday activities, capitalize on “teachable moments,” and facilitate the generalization of skills beyond the familiar home setting. This review identified several comprehensive and targeted treatment models with evidence of clear benefits.

eLearning

ASD Strategies in Action (external website)
Autism Certification Center 

Visit this site to preview the Toddler and Preschool Age course which will introduce you to evidence-based strategies that can be used in natural environments during typical routines and activities. Information about fees to subscribe and complete the courses on the site is available. This site also houses a video library featuring videos from the courses which can be viewed at no charge.

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Autism Internet Modules (AIM) (external website)

The autism internet modules are written by experts in the field of autism are available for free, and cover a wide array of topics focusing on interventions for children and adults with ASD.

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Autism Learning Paths

Visit the Learning Paths page for information about two autism learning paths that include online modules/courses, videos, articles, and links to websites which can be viewed to earn a certificate documenting professional development (PD) hours. You can also link directly to each path here:
Autism Learning Path #1: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (8 PD hours)
Autism Learning Path #2: Early Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3.5 PD hours)

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Autism Navigator (external website)
Autism Institute at the Florida State University College of Medicine

Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses developed to bridge the gap between science and community practice. The site has integrated the most current research into a highly interactive web platform with extensive video footage to illustrate effective evidence-based practice. The video clips come from the unparalleled library of video footage from federally funded research projects at the Autism Institute at Florida State University.

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Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders Learning Module (external website)
ASD Toddler Initiative | FPG Child Development Institute

This module addresses early identification of ASD, characteristics of ASD, screening and diagnostic assessment practices, and national resources related to follow-up and referral to supports and services.

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Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers – Online Module (external website)
FITT

This module explains Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers (FITT), which is a collaborative parent education and support model designed to help families better understand and engage with their toddler with autism spectrum disorder. Based on and adapted from the TEACCH model, FITT uses Structured TEACCHing strategies to facilitate toddler’s receptive and expressive communication, social communication, and play skills.

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Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (external website)
VCU Autism Center for Excellence

This self-paced course will provide participants with an understanding of the primary characteristics of ASD, which include impairments in communication and social development and the presence of repetitive patterns of behavior as well as sensory processing issues. Secondary characteristics, including executive dysfunction, imitation, sequencing, and motor deficits as well as common co-morbid conditions will also be explored. The course will discuss the myths and facts surrounding ASD as well as the supports and services available to those with ASD and their families. The course will also provide an overview of the history, cause, and early signs of ASD as well as discuss the importance of understanding and utilizing strengths and interests. This course will also examine ASD throughout the lifespan.

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Learning Modules Practices (external website)
ASD Toddler Initiative | FPG Child Development Institute

Visit this site for modules on focused intervention practices that were found efficacious for use with toddlers as well as with other age groups of children with ASD. These practices were identified from a review of the research literature conducted by staff of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC on ASD) in 2013-2014. Modules include:

• Prompting
• Naturalistic Intervention
• Pivotal Response Treatment
• Functional Behavior Assessment
• Reinforcement
• Video Modeling

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The Parent Playbook (external website)
VCU Autism Center for Excellence

This self-paced course is designed to introduce families to information about Autism Spectrum Disorder, including tips specifically for caregivers, information about the DSM-5, characteristics, interventions, and recommended programs and services. EI practitioners can also benefit from this course by learning information and strategies to share with families.

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VCU Autism Center for Excellence (ACE) (external website)
On the VCU-ACE website you will find lots of resources related to supporting individuals with autism, including free monthly webcasts, online courses, resource materials available through the Virginia Autism Resource Center, etc.

• Access free archived webcasts on a variety of topics related to young children with autism spectrum disorder, including sensory, communication, and social-emotional development. When you reach the page, scroll down for access to the webcasts.
  
  
• Access free online courses such as the Foundations in Autism Spectrum Disorders course. This course provides participants with an understanding of characteristics of ASD, the impact ASD has on the person and family unit, and an overview of learning styles, history, cause, and early signs of ASD.

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Webinars

Check Them Out: Great Resources to Support Infants and Toddlers with ASD and their Families 
VA’s Integrated Training Collaborative  | Partnership for People with Disabilities 
Presented by Deana Buck and Dana Childress 

This webinar provides information about a variety of resources related to supporting families of infants and toddlers with or who are suspected of having ASD. The CDC Act Early Campaign is highlighted, as well as the document, Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families: Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia Guidance Document. 

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Neurotypical Brain Development: "How Different Is It from Autism, ADHD, Language Delay, etc.?"
VA’s Integrated Training Collaborative | Partnership for People with Disabilities
Presented by John W. Harrington, MD

In this webinar, you will learn about typical developmental of the human brain and how it differs in children subsequently diagnosed with autism. Understanding this development will better provide you with clues into strategies that we can provide to support families of children with autism and possibly improve the overall developmental trajectory.

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Using BCBAs as Providers of Developmental Services
VA’s Integrated Training Collaborative | Partnership for People with Disabilities
Presented by Catherine Hancock, Selena Layden, Carol Burke, and Cori Hill

During this web discussion, information is provided about how Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) can provide developmental services. Click the link above to visit the 2016 Talks on Tuesdays Archive and scroll down until you find the webinar.

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Practical Strategies for Working with Children with Autism Webinar Series (external website)
Texas Early Childhood Intervention

This free webinar series features 1-hour recordings on topics including establishing relationships and coaching, structuring the environment, embedding learning into daily routines, teaching specific skills, and current research.

Learning Bytes about Autism

Learning bytes are brief learning activities that supervisors, faculty, or other leaders can use to facilitate professional development with staff and students. These activities are designed to be of short duration and include instructions, handouts, links, worksheets and answer keys (as needed) to help you facilitate the activity with small or large groups. The learning bytes below focus on topics related to supporting families of young children with (or who are suspected of having) autism spectrum disorder. Visit the Learning Bytes page to review or download the learning bytes or look for additional activities.

• Handy Dandy Autism Resources
• Prematurity and Autism Pop Quiz
• Supporting Caregivers to Engage their Toddlers with Autism

Autism Video Glossary (external website)

The glossary is a free web-based tool that contains over 100 video clips illustrating the subtle differences in behaviors of young children that are typical in contrast with those that are red flags for ASD. The glossary also features a treatment section which includes videos in five categories: behavioral interventions, developmental interventions, structured teaching and supports, clinical therapies, and toddler treatment models.

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Bringing the Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders Into Focus (YouTube, video)
Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Kennedy Krieger Institute

This free online video tutorial was developed to help pediatricians, parents, and EI providers recognize the early signs of ASD in one-year-old children. The video is 9-minutes long and consists of 6 video clips comparing toddlers with early signs of ASD with toddlers who do not show signs of ASD.

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National Database for Autism Research (YouTube, video)

This video features information about autism spectrum disorder and the National Database for Autism Research.

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Sound Advice on Autism from the American Academy of Pediatrics (external website)

To answer parents' questions about autism spectrum disorders, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a collection of interviews with pediatricians, researchers and parents.

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Talking to Parents about Autism (YouTube, video)
Autism Speaks

This video provides very practical guidance that child care providers, preschool teachers, and other service providers can use when discussing developmental concerns related to autism spectrum disorders with families.

Websites and Programs

ASD Toddler Initiative (external website)
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This project focuses on promoting evidence-based practices for young children, ages birth to 3, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Visit the site for a variety of resources, including information on coaching practices, presentations, learning modules, and other training resources.

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Autism Case Training (ACT) (external website)
Learn the Signs. Act Early | CDC

The "Autism Case Training (ACT): A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Curriculum" is designed to educate future healthcare providers on fundamental components of identifying, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders through real life scenarios. EI practitioners and administrators may find this information useful when collaborating with referring physicians in their areas.

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Center for Autism and Related Disorders (external website)
Kennedy Krieger Institute

CASSI is an interdisciplinary program that supports children, families and practitioners in the ASD community through research, clinical service, day support, and training programs. To learn more about CASSI, read their Fact Sheet.

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National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (external website)

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders is a multi-university center to promote the use of evidence-based practice for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Visit this site to find information about evidence-based practices and early identification.

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Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorders Research (external website)
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)

Each year, the IACC releases its annual list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The Summary of Advances provides short, plain language summaries of the top research breakthroughs selected by the IACC from a pool of research articles nominated by the members.

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VCU ACE Early Childhood
VA Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence

Visit this site for resources for families about raising and supporting young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You will also find resources for educators and providers as they learn more about ASD and how to use evidence-based practices.