This professional development is geared toward assisting the novice (1st or 2nd year) self-contained classroom teacher and instructional assistant working with students with Autism (AU). While this three-day workshop is intended for self-contained classroom teachers and assistants, any educator working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is invited to attend. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the learning styles of individuals with ASD, along with an introduction to specially designed instruction for students with autism which includes the use of specific evidence based practices such as environmental design and visual supports to provide meaning and promote independence. Participants will also learn a behavior problem solving process that is designed for teachers to utilize in order to effectively understand behaviors and how specially designed instruction can be an effective behavior management tool. The format of this workshop will include presentations, videos, interactive discussions, and small group activities.

After the first two days, participants will return to their classrooms and implement interventions and design a program based on an assessment of their students’ learning styles and needs and understanding of specially designed instructional techniques.

Participants will complete a homework assignment about the strategies they implemented with one student and share that assignment with a NC Department of Public Instruction Autism Consultant prior to attending day three. The homework is optional but required to receive CEUs.

Completion of the 3 Training days and the homework is necessary to obtain the 2.5 CEU's.

Locations and dates are as follows:

(please note: when you register for day 1 and 2, you are automatically registered for day 3)

Charlotte: Sept. 28-29, Nov. 17. Smith Smith Multipurpose room: 1600 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Greenville: Oct. 3-4, Nov. 21 Pitt Community College

Greensboro: Oct. 18-19, Dec. 14: Guildford County Schools, PTA Room: 712 N. Eugene Street, Greensboro 27401

RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER: NEW DATES: Feb. 9-10, March 10: Lillington NC: Harnett Health Sciences Center 51 Red Mulberry Way Lillington, NC

Wilmington: Jan. 18-19, March 14: Carolina Beach Complex 2814 Carolina Beach Rd, 28412

Asheville: Dec. 15-16, March 3rd: Asheville County Schools: Board room 85 Mountain St. Asheville, NC

Chapel Hill: Feb. 23-24, April 11: LOCATION CHANGE: Feb. 23-24: AL Stanback in Orange County: 3700 NC 86s Hillsborough NC 272778. April 11: Carolina Living and Learning Center 325 Russett Run Pittsboro, NC