Strengths-Based Approaches to Supporting Autistic Students

In this training, providers will evaluate current practices to identify areas

of growth for supporting Autistic students with different intersecting

identities with a focus on authentic joy and participation. Learners will

explore the limitations of traditional models of understanding the

behaviors of our Autistic students and developing treatment plans.

Learning Goals: As a result of this workshop, participants will:

After learning deeply about the Autistic neurotype, attendees will learn a

process for developing strengths-based supports for Autistic students and

practice using it together through interactive case studies. Attendees will

then learn about creating strengths-based, meaningful visual supports and

teaching self-advocacy in the school setting. This training is taught through

lecture, videos and audio clips from Autistic professionals, and

participatory case studies.

7:30 - 8:00 Sign In/ Continental Breakfast Provided

8:00 - 8:15 Introduction and language

8:15 - 9:00 Authentic well being

9:00 - 10:00 Intersectionality

10:00 - 10:15 Break

10:15 - 11:15 The Autistic Neurotype

11:15 - 12:00 Strengths-Based Treatment Planning

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch (Not Provided)

1:00 - 2:45 Strengths-Based Treatment Planning

2:45 - 3:00 Break

3:00 - 3:15 Strengths-Based Visual Supports

3:15 - 3:30 Self-Advocacy

3:30 - 3:45 Applications to the IDEA Framework

3:45 - 4:00 Q&A

Meg Ferrell, MS, OTR/L

Meg Ferrell, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and the founder of

Learn Play Thrive, LLC. Along with her Autistic colleagues and

consultants, Meg teaches and trains therapists how to use an in-depth

understanding of the Autistic neurotype and our clients’ strengths to

become more affirming and values-centered in their work. Meg's website,

learnplaythrive.com, has free resources as well as continuing education

courses for professionals who want to confidently work in a way that

centers the deepest well-being of their Autistic clients. She also hosts the

Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast, where she amplifies Autistic voices

and others who are working to change professional practices to be more

neurodiversity-affirming.

6.5 CEUS

OT/PT/SLP EI Credits

Host or Publisher Northwestern Illinois Association