Autism for Rural Providers

This session will introduce participants to parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) and parent-implemented interventions (PIIs), highlighting their key differences and practical applications across various stages of a child's life. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these approaches empower parents to actively support their child's development, from early childhood through adolescence. The session will also provide valuable resources and tools for implementing PMIs and PIIs in diverse settings. By the end, participants will have a comprehensive overview of these interventions and actionable strategies to enhance their practice in supporting children's growth.

Presenter: Ashley Thiel, M.S., Doctoral Student at the University of Idaho, URLEND Trainee, Special Education

Emerging evidence indicates a link between nervous system dysregulation and autism. This presentation will introduce the nervous system's role in regulation, how to view autism from a nervous system perspective, and simple yet impactful exercises to tap into nervous system regulation.

Presenter: Amy Rieser, MPA, Senior Project Coordinator for Community Education and Training at Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), Wyoming Data Ambassador, URLEND Trainee, Public Health

This session will explore considerations for assessment and intervention for learners with dual sensory loss. As a Project Director for the state's deafblind project and expertise in low-incidence sensory disabilities, the presenter will explain vision and hearing and the impact of limited distance senses on the sensory system. The presenter will share information on autistic-like behaviors in CHARGE Syndrome and sensory considerations for children who are deafblind.

Presenter: Lacey Long, Certified Teacher of students with visual impairments, Teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, orientation and mobility specialist, Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, URLEND Trainee, Special Education

This session focuses on the social supports that promote successful career planning for autistic young adults. Participants will gain an understanding of the literature on the significance of employment, strategies for assessing and enhancing self-determination and engaging families as collaborative partners. We will also address key topics like double empathy, autism disclosure, executive functioning challenges, and workplace accommodations. Emphasis will be placed on building supportive relationships, fostering communication, and equipping providers with resources and tools to guide individuals toward meaningful employment.

Presenter: Deborah Tor, Doctoral Student at the University of Utah, URLEND Trainee, School Psychology