Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Home and Community 

Presented by Nicolette Christians & Laura O’Rourke

An increasing number of adults affected with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are being served by residential providers across the state of Washington. Individuals with ASD have a unique set of strengths and challenges that providers may often feel they do not have the specialized training to address.

This training series was developed to be both broadly applicable and to allow for individualization to the person(s) being supported. Sessions will present an opportunity for residential support providers to develop the supports needed to increase client inclusion and/or independence in the home and community. Sessions will spend considerable time to include practical tips and strategies along with templates for creating supports.

Course Details:

Module 1: Characteristics of Individuals with ASD

• Describe the diagnostic criteria of ASD
• Describe the key elements for supporting individuals with ASD

Module 2: Positive Behavior Support Planning

• Describe the primary functions for behavior
• Describe the key elements of an ABC model

Module 3: Teaching Functional Communication Strategies

• Describe the key elements of communication
• Describe 4 effective ways to teach functional communication to someone with ASD

Module 4: Structuring the Environment

• Describe 3 different visual supports to use with individuals with ASD\
• Describe how to use a task analysis to teach an individual with ASD

Module 5: Teaching and Maintaining Meaningful Outcomes

• Describe behavior, preference, and reinforcement
• Describe how to create a meaningful goal for an individual with ASD

Module 6: Data Collection & Goal Tracking

• Describe 3 different methods for data collection
• Describe how to use data to make meaningful decisions about an individual’s goals

Module 7: Supporting Staff & Implementation

• Describe the steps for supervising staff
• Describe how to evaluate staff performance and motivate positive staff performance 

About the trainers

Laura O’Rourke is the Executive Director of Behavior Bridges, LLC.  Laura holds a Master of Science degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2006.  She is also a Washington state Licensed Behavior Analyst and Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  Laura has extensive experience developing and implementing behavior support services across environments and age ranges.  

Dr. Nicolette Christians has over 20 years experience in the field of developmental disabilities. She holds a doctorate degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University and is a Washington-state licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has been a faculty member at both Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington. Currently in private practice, Nicolette conducts functional assessments, designs positive support plans and consults with families, schools, supported employment, and residential providers across the Pacific Northwest.