Early Intervention for Autism: Assessment & Treatment Strategies for Birth to 5 – Susan Hamre

Course Description

Early Intervention for Autism: Assessment & Treatment Strategies for Birth to 5 – Susan Hamre

• Assessment tools to identify the early and subtle signs of autism
• 8-step framework to effectively treat -˜coping behaviors’
• Strategies to reduce meltdowns, sensory challenges, repetitive behaviors and more

Watch autism expert Susan Hamre, MA, CCC-SLP, and spend time sharpening your critical observational skills at recognizing the early and subtle signs of autism. The behavioral differences between a neurotypical infant and one with autism are so subtle-easily missed and can become deeply ingrained into the child’s neurological system.

You will learn treatment techniques that effectively interrupt and replace the development of many -˜coping behaviors’ exhibited by children with autism (ages 0-5), such as:

• Meltdowns/tantrums
• -˜Stimming’
• Sensory seeking/avoiding
• Reduced engagement
• Reduction of social reciprocity
• Hyper-focusing
• Resistance to cuddling/being held
• Eating/sleeping challenges
• Repetitive behaviors
• Under-developed communication

1. Characterize the six developmental milestones found in young children as it relates to case conceptualization for the treatment of autism.
2. Analyze the 14 -˜red flags’ found in a young child who is at-risk for autism and utilize this information to assist with assessment and treatment planning.
3. Explain the subtle differences in neurotypical and at-risk infants for purposes of parent/family psychoeducation.
4. Utilize six screening and assessment tools to determine if autism is present in a young child.
5. Employ specific clinical strategies/techniques to reduce and replace challenging behaviors inherent to autism.
6. Characterize aberrant play behaviors in children that can be an early identifier to the possible risk for autism.

• Screening and Assessment
  • Measure developmental milestones
  • -˜Red flags’ of autism
  • Subtle differences in neurotypical and at-risk infants
  • Latest research in early intervention
  • Video case studies:
    • Neurotypical and at-risk development
    • Subtle, easy to miss signs of autism
    • Distinct results of early intervention
• Treatment Framework: Interrupt/Replace Coping Behaviors
  • Underpinnings of displayed behavior
  • Recognize and support sensory seeking/ avoiding actions
  • Pair preferred and non-preferred actions/activities to enhance change
  • Replacement activities that can interfere with aberrant behaviors
  • The power of distraction that can alter rigid behaviors
  • Stimulate engagement as initially related to their interests
  • Unstick the -˜sticky’ attention
  • Steps to broaden child’s play-based activity
• Strategies/Techniques to Treat -˜Coping Behaviors’
  • Meltdowns/tantrums
  • -˜Stimming’
  • Sensory seeking/avoiding
  • Reduced engagement
  • Reduction of social reciprocity
  • Hyper-focusing
  • Resistance to cuddling/being held
  • Eating/sleeping challenges
  • Repetitive behaviors
  • Under-developed communication
  • Resistance to change
• Treatment Case Studies:
  • How to begin treatment with a 9 month old
  • 14 month old who does not respond to pain
  • 2 year old with hyper-focus issues
  • Build Customized Treatment Plans
  • Practice designing realistic goals
  • Dissect behaviors to build effective treatment plans
  • Design a treatment plan for your client
  • Reduce Insurance Denials
  • Writing obtainable goals
  • Documentation: Treatment steps to show progress