Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Early Childhood Setting: The Role of Administrators, by Michael A. Assel, Ph.D.

Have you ever noticed a child who seems to not be developing typically, but you can't exactly put your finger on the problem? Perhaps he or she repeats certain behaviors or reacts poorly to changes in the daily routine. Or maybe her or she doesn't make eye contact, is acutely sensitive to various textures, or has trouble with expressive language.  You may be witnessing early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But diagnosing ASD is tricky, and snap judgements by well-meaning educators who are not trained professionals could have profound effects on the child's life. So, what should you do?

In this webinar, Dr. Assel will discuss the ways that administrators can support teachers by being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of ASDs. In addition, participants will learn about screening procedures that can be used in early childhood settings. The importance of developing systems that lead to early identification and treatment for children with ASDs will be highlighted.