Presented by Dr. Jessica M. Lascano who is the owner of Strive ABC, which provides assessment, behavior support, training, and consultation to school districts, families, and community organizations. Dr. Lascano is an NCSP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist), Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #3613), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #8762). Dr. Lascano has a strong desire to help others grow professionally and strongly believes that by working together, we can help more children than we could alone.

This training provides an overview of autism, including its definition, characteristics, common misconceptions, and signs that may be overlooked. Participants will gain an understanding of how autism presents differently across individuals and how differences in communication, sensory processing, flexibility, and social understanding can affect behavior and learning. The training emphasizes evidence-based, practical strategies to support autistic students, including proactive interventions, reinforcement systems, functional communication, and the development of supportive learning environments. Grounded in respectful, neurodiversity-affirming practices, participants will leave with practical tools and resources to promote student success, independence, and positive outcomes across educational settings.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

1.     Identify common characteristics and signs of autism as well as comorbidities

2.     Understand how communication, sensory needs, and flexibility can impact behavior and learning

3.     Use proactive strategies to support autistic students

4.     Support the development of functional communication and replacement skills

5.     Create supportive environments that promote regulation, independence, and positive student outcomes

Questions: Jo-Ann Vargas, EV SELPA Lead Occupational Therapist at joann.vargas@eastvalleyselpa.org