Introductory Trainings
DNEA Introductory Trainings are designed to introduce professionals to autism spectrum disorder and evidence-based practices that can be used to support individuals with autism across a variety of settings. These trainings are not discipline- or age-specific and provide a strong foundation for more advanced training content. Please review our statewide training calendar for upcoming opportunities!
Introduction to Autism
Introduction to Autism will provide a basic overview of autism spectrum disorder. This training will include content about disability-friendly language, the history of autism, core characteristics of autism, and general tips and considerations when supporting people with autism.
Introduction to Practices for Supporting People with Autism
Introduction to Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals with Autism will provide an overview of the evidence-based practices that are most effective when supporting individuals with autism of all ages. This training will review the core characteristics of autism and introduce three evidence-based practices: visual supports, prompting, and reinforcement.
Introduction to Visual Supports
Introduction to Visual Supports will provide an overview of the evidence-based practice of visual supports for individuals with autism. Participants will learn about the four different types of visual supports – schedules, cues, boundaries, and timers – and evidence-based practices for introducing these supports to individuals with autism. Participants should have a foundational understanding of autism and/or previously attended Introduction to Autism.
Introduction to Autism and Mental Health
The Introduction to Autism and Mental Health training will provide participants with a review of the core characteristics of autism and introduce the importance of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed care. Participants will learn how core characteristics of autism increase one’s susceptibility to mental health disorders and the prevalence and presentation of commonly occurring mental health conditions in autistic individuals. The training strives to raise awareness about mental health challenges experienced by this population and provide Delaware-specific mental health resources.
Intermediate and Advanced Trainings
DNEA Intermediate and Advanced Training Content is designed for individuals who have attended Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Introduction to Evidence-Based Practices or have a similar foundational knowledge. These trainings are often discipline-specific and will address more advanced evidence-based practices and supports. Please review our statewide training calendar for upcoming opportunities!
Mental Health Professionals Working with Autistic Individuals
Mental Health Professionals Working with Autistic Individuals is intended for mental health professionals who are committed to creating a more inclusive and affirming mental health landscape for autistic people. The training focuses on delivering sensitive, non-judgmental care during mental health evaluation and treatment. Using a neurodiversity-affirming lens, it begins with a review of the core characteristics of autism, discussing how autism increases one’s susceptibility to experiencing mental health disorders and progresses into ways to modify mental health treatment to support autistic people best.
Social Skills Support
Brought to you by the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), this training discusses how social skills are developed and how that development can look different for autistic individuals. The training considers ways of assessing social skills, skills to target, and explores evidence-based strategies that can support autistic individuals. The training is designed for individuals who have attended Introduction to Autism and Introduction to Evidence-Based Practices or have a similar foundational knowledge.
Training for Early Childhood Professionals
The DNEA offers training to support early childhood professionals’ understanding of autism spectrum disorder and how it impacts children differently. The training provides strategies to support young children with autism in a childcare setting. View our trainings here!
