Family ECHO: Autism
Family ECHO: Autism is a virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism. This series is designed to educate families so that parents and caregivers can learn to better support and care for their child with autism.
From navigating a diagnosis to learning about new therapies, parents and caregivers of children with autism need an immense amount of knowledge and support to provide the best care for their loved ones. This information can be difficult to access – so Family ECHO: Autism is here to help.
As a collaborative environment, Family ECHO: Autism connects families with an interdisciplinary panel of experts. The series is designed to increase autism knowledge, build leadership skills for managing interdisciplinary care teams and provide strategies that can be applied for families and their teams. In a series of 75-minute sessions, you will learn, engage and build skills around four major topics:
- Understanding and managing challenging behaviors
- Building support for your family
- Anxiety and autism
- Transitioning out of pediatrics
So far, the results have been impactful – 91% of past participants say the program has improved their knowledge and ability to care for children with developmental disabilities, including autism.
Upcoming Sessions:
| Family ECHO: Autism | |
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Dates |
Session Topics |
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. (EST) |
Catatonia in Autism |
| Family ECHO: RUBI For Families | ||
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Dates |
Session Topics |
Descriptions |
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Wednesday, May 29, 2024 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (EST) |
Behavior Management Strategies and Discussion: Building Positive Behaviors |
We will explore strategies used to promote compliance and strengthen desired behaviors. The session will cover practical aspects of making reinforcement strategies work effectively for families. Lastly, we introduce the concept of “catch the child being good”, which encourages noticing and reinforcing positive behaviors. Additional topics covered in this session will include Planned ignoring, a systematic approach to reduce unwanted behavior, and how to enhance compliance by guiding children through tasks. Each session in the RUBI series is designed to empower caregivers with practical tools to create positive behavior changes and foster healthy interactions with children. |
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Wednesday, June 26, 2024 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (EST) |
Behavior Management Strategies and Discussion: Building Functional Communication and Teaching Skills |
We will explore Functional Communication Training to understand the purpose of problem behaviors and help parents grasp and implement strategies emphasizing effective communication and behavior management. Participants of this session will also learn various Teaching Skills designed to reduce negative behaviors. The session will also cover strategies to ensure that positive behaviors learned in one context generalize to other situations. Each session in the RUBI series is designed to empower caregivers with practical tools to create positive behavior changes and foster healthy interactions with children. |
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Wednesday, July 31, 2024 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST) |
Behavior Management Strategies and Discussion: RUBI with Helpful Technology Solutions |
Participants will explore the Attend|Behavior app, which is built on the RUBI framework. The app integrates with RUBI to facilitate data tracking and information sharing. Participants will gain insights into optimal app usage and discover helpful technology solutions. The overarching goal of each session in the RUBI series is to empower caregivers with practical tools for fostering positive behavior changes and promoting healthy interactions with children. |
What Can You Expect?
In each session, presenters will share a case study and best practices that will deepen your understanding of autism and help you better advocate for your child with autism.
Eligible participants will register to participate in several 75-minute virtual sessions. Each session will include:
- A presentation from subject matter experts about critical topics and best practices related to autism.
- An interactive discussion about a clinical case study.
- A Q&A with the presenter and an opportunity to provide feedback.
- Families are connected to relevant resources to continue their learning journey.
Who is Eligible for Family ECHO?
To be eligible to participate in a Family ECHO session, you must fall into one of these groups:
- Parent/caregiver of someone with autism or other developmental disabilities
- Parent professional, or parent/caregiver of someone with autism who works in the autism field
- Professional who works directly with families coordinating services and resources
- Professional who provides counseling and support to families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities
For questions, email AutismCareNetwork@NationwideChildrens.org.
