Trainings
For schools, businesses, and organizations
Autism Connections is dedicated to educating the local community about Autism and Neuro-affirming strategies that professionals can utilize to better support autistic individuals and increase overall accessibility. Our knowledgeable staff offers a variety of professional development opportunities to personnel in school systems, organizations and local businesses.
Listed below are descriptions of our trainings. We are happy to discuss how we can tailor our presentations to the needs of your staff. For more information regarding rates and availability, please email Catherine McEachern at catherine.mceachern@servicenet.org.
To fill out an information form for a training, click here.
Fees start at $500.00 and vary depending on topic, number of attendees, and materials.
For more information regarding rates and availability, please contact Catherine McEachern at catherine.mceachern@servicenet.org or (413) 560-2600.
We currently offer the following trainings:
Insights into Autism
We discuss the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including diagnosis, common symptoms, strengths and challenges, comorbidities, and sensory differences. Attendees learn practical strategies to facilitate the growth and development of autistic individuals, with time for questions and answers.
This is a two-hour training.
Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviors
This is a more in-depth training focused on specific "challenging behaviors" of autistic individuals and how they relate to the external and internal environmental factors. We include information on how to assess the reason behind the behavior, strategies to teach desired behaviors and a review of helpful positive interventions. Participants are encouraged to ask specific real-world questions.
This is a two-hour training.
Catherine McEachern
About Catherine
Our trainings are facilitated by Catherine McEachern, our Director of Research and Professional Development. Catherine is a former in-home intensive family support professional and an autistic adult. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services, and a Master of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Catherine utilizes both her professional and personal experience to engage the audience in the training materials to promote Autism Awareness and Acceptance.