Please join CA and Norm Geller, Ph.D, for this training workshop for ADOS-2.
Six. That’s the average age of diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. And that’s a shame. Because a reliable diagnosis can be made as early as age two. And when it comes to diagnosing ASD, the sooner, the better.
We’re thrilled to have Norm Geller, Ph.D., leading this new, progressive approach to teaching clinical professionals to diagnose autism using the second edition of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). We recognize that confidence and expertise come from practice and experience, so in addition to a three-day workshop, this program includes three follow-up coaching sessions, live webinars and peer support.
“After all,” explains Dr. Geller, “if we can understand the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, we can dramatically improve outcomes and quality of life.” And because referrals can cause lengthy delays, being able to make the diagnosis yourself saves precious time. So, we’ve designed this program for professionals on the front line— psychologists, licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers and speech pathologists— empowering you to intervene at the first suspicion of a developmental delay.
ADOS-2 is the latest version of what was already considered the gold standard for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having ASD, from non-verbal toddlers to verbally fluent adults.
Because of the hands-on, interactive nature of this workshop, participation will be limited to 25 people.
You’ll learn to:
-Explain the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to your colleagues and clients.
-Use the ADOS-2 to diagnose autism spectrum disorders in clients as young as age two.
-Explain testing results to clients and caregivers and refer them to support services.
-Seek and provide support and guidance within a network of fellow practitioners.
You may be able to earn continuing education credits for this workshop. Please contact us for more detail.
The ADOS-2 Training Program has three components to provide plenty of practice and reinforcement:
#1 Three-day Instructor-Led Workshop
-Introduces participants to the ADOS-2 and ADOS-2 toddler modules.
-Allows participants to observe the administration and scoring of the assessment.
-Teaches clinical practitioners to recognize when and how to administer the assessment.
-Provides practice scoring an assessment.
#2 Three Follow-Up Coaching Sessions At 1 month:
-Participants videotape themselves performing the ADOS-2 assessment, submit their videos, and then receive feedback during small group reviews.
-Participants complete and discuss coding decisions.
At 3 months:
-Pods of learners reconvene in a research facility and select participants perform a live assessment in an observation room with a real client.
-Participants discuss the assessments they observe and practice coding.
At 6 months:
-Participants who wish to pursue the research and reliability training option (an advanced certification) reconvene for additional training.
#3 Learning Circles
-Regularly scheduled live webinars.
-A private, online forum to share and request feedback, support and guidance from fellow learners.
**NOTES:
Registration will close on 1/14/19. The deadline to cancel your registration with a refund is 1/6/19. After 1/6/19, you will not be able to receive a refund.
Participants will be provided with all training materials and a certificate of attendance.
An hour lunch break will be given with lunch on your own.
About Our Instructor:
Norm Geller, Ph.D., the only ADOS-2 trainer in Virginia, believes each and every child has the capacity to lead a happy, fulfilling life. “But some children,” he explains, “need a bit more assistance in finding that path.” Dr. Geller has been helping children, adults, and families navigate that path through assessments, evaluation and education program planning for more than 35 years. Geller earned his master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his doctorate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Geller holds appointments at both VCU’s School of Education and the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law. He specializes in in training professionals in the clinical use of the ADOS-2.
About the Organizer:
In 1995, a frustrated but visionary group of parents of children with autism started our organization to bridge the services gaps their families faced. We’re still passionate about serving people with Autism, but our mission has expanded to include systems level work for all types of developmental disabilities. Since our humble beginnings around a kitchen table, we’ve grown to an organization with a budget of $3.7 million.
It’s an exciting time at CA. We’re doing things differently. In order to amplify our impact we work in both the public and private sectors. And although we provide some direct services, we concentrate on reimagining human services systems. We focus on:
-Identifying gaps, building awareness, and creating a vision for improving systems.
-Educating, training and supporting our communities.
-Modeling and replicating best practices and services in inclusive settings.
This systems change work often takes longer, but it can be transformational, and that’s why we’re here. Every day, we work toward a future where the most vulnerable Virginians of all ages can participate in every aspect of our community and realize their full potential.