Autism 101: Foundations of Autism

This foundational training provides an up-to-date overview of autism. Depending on the length of the presentation, topics may include: diagnostic characteristics and school eligibility, prevalance rates, strengths and challenges, and the discussion and implementation of effective evidence-based practices for students with autism.

Learning Targets

• Describe the current characteristics and prevalence of autism.

• Differentiate diagnostic characteristics from educational eligibility criteria.

• Identify evidence-based practices that support autistic individuals in the educational setting.

• Locate resources available to colleagues and families to enhance their understanding of autism. 

The Big 5: Essential Evidence-Based Practices

This training, "Ensuring Success for Students with ASD: The Foundational 5 EBP's All Classrooms Should Have, explores five foundational evidenced-based practices that improve outcomes for autistic students across educational settings: Antecdent-Based Interventions, Visual Supports, Social Communication, Systematic Instruction, and Reinforcement.  Participants gain practical implementation strategies that promote independence, engagement, and meaningfull participation. 

Learning Targets

• Describe the five core evidence-based practices for autism.

• Identify when and how to implement each practice.

• Apply concrete strategies and resources that increase student independence.

• Emphasizes consistency, independence and building on student strengths.

Inclusion-Based Practices for General Education & Preschool

What is autism? How do we support all students in the general education classroom? How can I use EBP’s to help school staff increase the success of autistic students in the general education setting? EBP’s that could be included:  ABI, Reinforcement, Visual Supports, Direct Instruction, Prompting,  and Social Narratives. Optional additions:  Universal Design for Learning and/or Executive Functioning Skills & Their Relationships to Autistic Students & the Effects on the Classroom Experience

Learning Targets

• Recognize and understand the characteristics of autism.

• Implement evidence-based classroom supports to support meaningful inclusion.

• Increase access to curriculum through practical instructional strategies.

• (Optional) Explore starter suggestions for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and executive functioning supports.

Supporting Challenging Behavior

What do we do when our student is stuck in an escalating cycle of behavior?  Have you ever felt trapped because you are doing or saying the same things repeatedly, and it does not seem to be helping the student de-escalate their behavior? This session will review the escalation cycle to provide insight into the best time for intervention. We will discuss specific evidence-based strategies and provide starter resources to support student behavior. 

Learning Targets

• Explain the stages of the escalation cycle.

• Identify evidence-based prevention strategies: ABI, Visual Supports, FTC, Reinforcement

• Design an action plan for teaching replacement behaviors

• Teach alternative skills for adult and student responses during behavioral challenges.

Communication Supports

This training explores communication differences in autism and introduces evidence-based strategies that strengthen both receptive and expressive communication across home, school, and clinical settings.

Learning Targets

• Recognize communication differences associated with autism.

• Understand how to support receptive and expressive communication needs.

• Identify evidence-based communication supports: low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech

• Learn how to implement communication strategies across settings, including home, school and/or clinical therapy settings.

Self-Regulation & Co-Regulation

What is self-regulation? How does co-regulation play into learning self-regulation? How can classroom personnel support successful co-regulation or self-regulation in autistic students? In this session, we will look at both aspects of co-regulation & self-regulation and how to support successful regulation in the school setting. 

Learning Targets 

• Learn about the Incredible 5-point scale. 

• Make a personal 5-point scale. 

• Learn about zones of regulation. 

• Differentiate co-regulation and self-regulation and learn strategies to promote both.

Training for School Resource Officers

Designed for School Resource Officers, administrators, and school counselors, this training provides practical strategies for supporting students with disabilities while promoting school safety and reducing unnecessary disciplinary responses.

Learning Targets

• Describe disability categories under IDEA, particularly autism, EBD and ADHD. 

• Recognize the effects of trauma on student behavior and brain development.

• Apply trauma-informed and de-escalation strategies.

• Strengthen best practices collaboration between SROs and school staff.

Sensory Processing & Autism: Basics for Preschool & Elementary Classrooms

Participants learn how sensory processing influences behavior, learning, and participation while exploring practical strategies for creating sensory-supportive classrooms.

Learning Targets

• Explain the eight sensory systems.

• Recognize how sensory processing differences affect participation.

• Identify sensory-friendly classroom supports.

• Select tools that promote regulation and engagement.

Executive Functioning: Common Challenges & Practical Solutions

Executive functioning skills impact organization, planning, flexibility, emotional regulation, and independence. This session provides practical strategies for supporting executive functioning challenges.

Learning Targets

• Explain the foundations of executive functioning.

• Identify executive functioning strengths and challenges.

• Recognize factors that influence executive functioning.

• Apply evidence-based accommodations and supports.

Sensory Tools: Make-and-Take Workshop

This interactive workshop combines learning with hands-on creation of practical sensory and visual supports that participants can immediately implement in home, school, or community settings.

Learning Targets

• Explain the purpose of sensory supports.

• Select appropriate sensory and visual tools.

• Create individualized sensory supports.

• Implement tools that promote regulation and independence.

Understanding Play

Play is essential to learning, development, communication, and social connection. This training explores how play develops and provides practical strategies to support meaningful engagement.

Learning Targets

• Describe the importance of play in child development.

• Recognize common barriers to play.

• Identify developmental stages of play.

• Apply strategies that increase engagement.

What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Neuro-Affirming Practices

This session introduces the principles of neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice while providing practical strategies for creating environments that value and support neurological differences.

Learning Targets

• Define neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice.

• Describe characteristics of autism and ADHD.

• Create more inclusive, sensory-friendly environments.

• Apply neuro-affirming strategies in everyday practice.

Supporting Autistic Individuals Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

This training explores the intersection of autism, sensory processing, and trauma while providing practical strategies that reduce stress and promote psychological safety.

Learning Targets

• Describe trauma through an autism-informed lens.

• Identify factors that increase trauma risk for autistics.

• Differentiate trauma responses from sensory overload.

• Apply trauma-informed strategies that support autistic individuals.

Kentucky Medicaid Waiver Basics

This overview helps families and professionals understand Kentucky Medicaid waivers, eligibility requirements, available services, and practical next steps for accessing supports.

Learning Targets

• Differentiate Medicaid from Medicaid waivers.

• Describe Kentucky's major waiver programs.

• Explain eligibility requirements and available services.

• Navigate application processes and waitlists.

Helping Preschool Teams Support Kentucky Families on Their Autism Journey

Designed for preschool professionals, this training builds confidence in recognizing developmental concerns, having supportive conversations with families, and connecting them with Kentucky autism resources. 

Learning Targets

• Recognize early developmental concerns.

• Use supportive language when discussing concerns with families.

• Connect families to Kentucky resources and referral pathways.

• Strengthen confidence in the role of the "first noticer."

Autism & Handwriting

This session explores the relationship between autism, motor development, and handwriting while providing practical classroom strategies that support writing success.

Learning Targets

• Explain the foundations of fine motor and visual-motor development.

• Identify barriers to handwriting development.

• Apply practical handwriting strategies.

• Support writing readiness and classroom participation.

Making Summer Work: Preventing Summer Slide

Summer provides valuable opportunities to maintain routines, strengthen skills, and support family well-being. Participants learn practical strategies that help children continue learning while enjoying the flexibility of summer.

Learning Targets

• Develop routines that reduce summer learning loss.

• Identify simple home activities that support development.

• Locate community resources and sensory-friendly opportunities.

• Balance structure and flexibility throughout the summer.

Customized Professional Development

Don't see exactly what you're looking for? KATC can develop customized professional development tailored to your organization's goals, audience, and learning needs.

Customized workshops are available for an additional $500.

For questions, email us at katc@louisville.edu