Participants will:

Describe key characteristics of an autism-affirming approach to language acquisition leading to better language outcomes for autistic individuals.

List autism-affirming values and their impact on therapy outcomes to support more effective communication strategies for autistic individuals.

Define the stages and steps of the Autism Included Language Acquisition (AILA) framework, exploring them through case studies, discussion, and examples.

Identify evidence-based strategies to overcome common challenges in each stage of the AILA Framework. Content Disclosure: This course will exclusively focus on AILAF and other frameworks will only be discussed in a limited manner.

Meet the speakers

Dr. Stephanie Izzi (they/she)

PhD, CCC-SLP, Co-founder of Autism Included

Dr. Izzi is an autistic advocate specializing in innovative methods for fostering authentic communication in nonspeaking autistic children. Their hard science background, clinical curiosity, and lived experience give them a unique perspective on language development and neurodiversity. Over their eight years of practice, Dr. Izzi has developed evidence-based approaches that empower educators, therapists, and families to support autistic communication in affirming, individualized ways. As a recognized thought leader in the field, they focus on practical, research-backed strategies that prioritize the child’s autonomy and engagement. Their work is respected for bridging science and empathy, making their courses invaluable for those seeking meaningful, effective approaches to supporting neurodiverse communication.   Disclosures:  Stephanie is a co-founder and employee of Autism Included, and receives a salary.

Sarah Hamel (she/her)

MS, CCC-SLP,  Co-founder of Autism Included

Sarah draws on her personal journey and over a decade of experience as a speech-language pathologist, having worked across both public and private settings in close to a dozen districts to support language acquisition in autistic children. Recognizing the damaging impact of ableist cultural norms on clinical practice, Sarah became a cultural facilitator to advocate for inclusive, positive approaches to neurodiverse support. Her method blends practical, research-backed strategies with cultural awareness, transforming how practitioners, educators, and families approach autistic language development. Known for her insight and commitment, Sarah empowers others with affirming methods that highlight each child’s strengths, making her courses essential for anyone dedicated to inclusive, impactful communication. Disclosures: Sarah is a co-founder and employee of Autism Included, and receives a salary. We are grateful for our generous supporters, including the Rhode Island Education Collective, the Flutie Foundation for Autism, and the Fogarty Foundation.

  

Introductory Course  0.3 ASHA CEUs

Course Completion

Successful Completion Requirements To successfully complete this professional development course, participants must meet the following requirements: Attendance Checks: Participants are required to respond to attendance checks at the beginning of the course and after any breaks as specified by the instructor. These checks are essential for verifying participation throughout the course.  Full attendance is required to obtain credit for this offering; no partial credit will be given. Quiz Completion: At the end of the course, participants must complete a 5-question quiz. A passing score of 100% is required, and participants are allowed up to three attempts to achieve it. The quiz is designed to assess understanding and retention of the course material.  Feedback Survey: Participants are also required to complete a feedback survey at the end of the course. This survey provides valuable insights into the course's effectiveness and helps improve future offerings. The above requirements must be completed within 24 hours.

Time Ordered Agenda

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Introduction -Introductions and welcome (5 minutes) -Overview of the presentation (2 minutes) -Ground rules and expectations for participation (3 minutes) Background  -Definition and understanding of autism (5 minutes) -Historical context of language acquisition for autistic children (5 minutes) -Research supporting the autism-affirming framework (10 minutes) -Ethical considerations in language acquisition for autistic individuals (5 minutes) -Background application activity (10 minutes) Stage 1: Discovery  -Step 1: Observation (10 minutes) -Step 2: Hypothesis (10 minutes) -Step 3: Confirmation (10 minutes) -Application activity (20 minutes) -Common Pitfalls (10 minutes) Break (15 minutes) Stage 2: Development  -Step 1: Co-Construction (10 minutes) -Step 2: Expansion (10 minutes) -Step 3: Generalization (10 minutes) -Application activity (20 minutes) -Common Pitfalls (10 minutes) Discussion and Q&A (15 minutes) Open discussion about the presentation content Addressing questions and concerns from participants

Policies and Procedures

Cancellations: If a live event is modified in time and/or date and/or location by the CEU Provider (Autism Included), participants may contact [email protected] requesting a refund. If a live event is canceled refunds will be automatically issued within 30 days. Participants will receive a full refund if they cancel a course registration at least seven days before a live course. A partial refund will be given for cancellations between 48 hours and one week prior to a live course. Participants can receive a full refund if they cancel 48 hours after purchasing a self-paced course prior to beginning the course. Once courses are initiated or after 48 hours, refunds will only be provided due to cancelation or errors on the part of the organizer. Accommodations: If you require any special accommodations, please inform us by email or phone [[email protected]; 401-366-4193] at least 14 days before the course date so we can make the necessary arrangements. Complaints: We value your feedback and the opportunity to make your experience better.  Please direct any complaints to: Sarah Hamel, CE Administrator Email: [email protected] Phone: 401-366-4193 Mail: 245 Legris Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893 Visit bit.ly/APLUScomplaint  for our complaint policies and procedures.  We collect information such as your name, address, and ASHA number when you provide it voluntarily. We use Stripe as a billing processor but do not ourselves collect or provide payment information. We process your information to provide, improve, and administer our Services, communicate with you, ensure security and fraud prevention, and comply with the law. More information about our privacy policies can be found at bit.ly/APLUSprivacy.

Welcome to the Future of Autism-Affirming Language Acquisition

Join us for an enlightening session where we delve into the AILA framework, empowering you to transform the lives of nonspeaking autistic children. Gain insights into the challenges faced and the strategies for success in supporting authentic communication and language acquisition.

Take Action Today to Empower Nonspeaking Autistic Children and Transform Lives

Unlock the key to effective communication and language acquisition for autistic children. Take the first step towards revolutionizing your approach.

$150.00

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