PRofessional Development

The Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC) offers engaging, evidence-informed workshops for professional and community groups across Kentucky. Rooted in a commitment to equity, inclusion, and neuroaffirming practice, our trainings are designed to deepen understanding, strengthen inclusive supports, and empower those who serve autistic individuals.

Workshops range from 1 to 6 hours and are tailored to meet the needs of your team. We welcome requests from schools, agencies, healthcare providers, and other organizations seeking to enhance services and foster belonging.

To support thoughtful planning and trainer coordination, please submit your request at least 8 weeks in advance.

Professional Development Fee Summary

Up to 3 hours $1,000

4 to 6 hours $1,500

Additional fees may apply for travel, materials, multi-day workshops, or customized content. We’re happy to provide a detailed estimate and collaborate with your team to ensure the training aligns with your goals and budget. 

KATC will provide documentation to support CEU applications, but the hosting organization is responsible for securing continuing education credits.

Available Training Topics

Autism 101- Updating your Autism Toolbox & Foundations of Autism

Autism Foundation training provides a foundational overview of autism as it is understood in 2025. Depending on the length of the presentation, the following topics may be discussed: diagnostic characteristics and school eligibility, CDC prevalence rates, strengths and challenges, and the discussion and implementation of effective evidence-based practices for students with autism. Participants will be able to state the prevalence of autism and describe its characteristics for medical and eligibility purposes in school settings in Kentucky, identify evidence-based strategies to support autistic individuals in their educational settings, and describe resources available to colleagues and families to enhance their understanding of autism.

The Big 5 

This training, "Ensuring Success for Students with ASD: The Big 5 EBPs All Classrooms Should Have," focuses on the five essential evidence-based practices (EBPs) for supporting autistic students:

• Antecedent-Based Interventions

• Visual Supports

• Social Communication

• Systematic Instruction

• Reinforcement

Participants will learn practical implementation strategies for each practice, understand how they work together, and gain tools to support autistic students in their classrooms effectively. The training emphasizes consistency, independence, and building on student strengths while providing concrete examples and resources.

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

• Social Narratives 

Optional additions to this training can include: Universal Design for Learning and/or Executive Functioning Skills & Their Relationships to Autistic Students & the Effects on the Classroom Experience

• Participants will leave with an understanding of the characteristics of autism

• Participants will leave with strategies to promote successful inclusion. 

• Participants will leave with practical classroom strategies to increase access to the curriculum. 

• Participants will leave with an understanding of UDL & starter suggestions 

• Participants will leave with an understanding of executive functioning skills

• Participants will learn strategies to teach EF skills & support learners with EF challenges

Supporting Challenging Behavior- Behavior Support for the Classroom 

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 intervention times. We will discuss specific evidence-based strategies to support student behavior. 

• Understand the escalation cycle 

• Learn evidence-based practices to support: ABI, visual supports, FTC, Reinforcement

• Create an action plan to teach replacement behaviors/ skills for students or to teach new adult responses & behaviors

Communication Supports 

Communication-focused trainings cover a broad spectrum of supports incorporating evidence-based practices (EBPs) to support the communication needs of autistic individuals. Communication topics highlight receptive and expressive communication needs, communication supports, and methods to integrate evidence-based strategies into various settings, including home, school, and/or clinical therapy settings.  

Self 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. 

Objectives: 

• Participants will learn about the Incredible 5-point scale. 

• Participants will make a personal 5-point scale. 

• Participants will learn about zones of regulation. 

• Participants will learn about co-regulation & self-regulation

• Participants will learn strategies to promote successful co-regulation & self-regulation 

Training for School Resource Officers

This training is designed for School Resource Officers (SROs), administrators, and school counselors to improve support for students with disabilities. Participants will gain practical strategies and knowledge to serve students with disabilities better while maintaining school safety and reducing disproportionate disciplinary actions.

Key focus areas include:

• Understanding disability categories under IDEA, particularly autism, emotional-behavioral disabilities, and ADHD

• Effects of trauma on behavior and brain development

• Trauma-informed strategies for schools

• De-escalation techniques for school scenarios

• Best practices for administrator-SRO collaboration

Sensory Processing and Autism: Basics for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms

• Understand the basics of sensory processing and the eight sensory systems.

• Recognize how sensory differences impact behavior, learning, and participation.

• Identify practical strategies for creating sensory-friendly classrooms.

• Explore tools and resources that support regulation and engagement.

Executive Functioning: Common Challenges & Practical Solutions

• Understand the basics of executive functioning and how the brain supports these skills.

• Identify executive functioning strengths, weaknesses, and developmental milestones.

• Recognize factors that influence executive functioning and self-regulation.

• Learn practical strategies and accommodations for executive dysfunction.

Sensory Tools - Make and Take Session

• Understand the purpose of sensory supports and visual tools.

• Learn when and how to use common sensory strategies.

• Create practical sensory and visual supports for home and school.

• Leave with ready-to-use tools that promote regulation and independence.

Understanding Play

• Understand why play matters.

• Recognize common barriers to play.

• Identify different types of play and how they develop.

• Learn practical strategies to support play skills and engagement.

What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Neuro-Affirming Practices

• Define neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice.

• Understand the basics of autism and ADHD.

• Identify strategies for creating sensory-friendly, inclusive environments.

• Apply practical strategies through real-life scenarios.

Supporting Autistics Through A Trauma-Informed Lens

• Define trauma & sensory needs through autism lens

• ID risk factors that increase trauma risks for autistics

• Describe overlap between sensory overload & trauma responses

• Apply trauma-informed strategies tailored to autism

Kentucky Medicaid Waiver Basics

• Understand the difference between Medicaid and Medicaid waivers.

• Learn about Kentucky's major waiver programs and who may qualify.

• Explore common services and supports available through waivers.

• Understand the application process, waitlists, and eligibility requirements.

• Identify practical next steps for accessing waiver services and supports. 

The First One To Notice: Helping Preschool Teams Support Kentucky Families on Their Autism Journey 

• Learn a simple framework for recognizing concerns and supporting families through the early stages of the autism journey.

• Develop practical language and conversation starters for discussing developmental concerns with parents 

• Explore Kentucky autism resources and referral pathways to effectively connect families with information and supports.

• Increase confidence in their role as a "first noticer" and trust the observations they make in everyday interactions with children.

Autism and Handwriting 

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

• Recognize barriers to handwriting progress in the classroom.

• Learn practical, low-prep strategies to support handwriting development.

• Explore the relationship between autism, motor skills, and writing readiness.

Making Summer Work: Preventing Summer Slide 

• Explore ways to maintain routines during summer to reduce stress and prevent skill loss

• Share easy-to-do at-home activities that support development

• Highlight local summer resources (camps, events, sensory-friendly options)

• Offer practical strategies for balancing structure and flexibility

*Customized trainings are available for an additional $500