This course explores Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on its neurological basis, diagnostic criteria, and how it affects communication across life stages. SLPs will learn to assess communication skills using standardized and non-standardized tools, gaining essential knowledge to support individuals with ASD effectively.

Speech Language Pathologists who need continuing education of this subject and any other who is in the care of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Introductory

Course Duration: 80 minutes. This course will be available for 0.1 ASHA CEs. This course will also be unavailable for updates every six months in order to integrate the latest evidence.

SECTION I (05:13) Neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SECTION II (16:46) A Brief History of ASD SECTION III (26:15) Current Definition /Diagnostic Criteria of ASD (DSM-5-TR SECTION IV (32.43) Identification and Evaluation of Communication Impairments in ASD

At course conclusion, participants will be able to: 1. Describe how differences in key brain structures and functions are associated with the symptoms of ASD. 2. Broadly summarize our historical understanding and definition of ASD. 3. List the latest and specific criteria required to meet a diagnosis of ASD. 4. List ways in which ASD can be seen across life stages from early life to adulthood. 5. List some of the standardized and non-standardized measures you can use to evaluate communication skills in individuals diagnosed with ASD across different life stages.

1. Watch the recorded by the presenter. A PowerPoint presentation will also be downloadable for this course. 2. Pass a 5-question, multiple-choice exam for which unlimited retakes are allowed. A score of 100% is necessary to earn a completion certificate.

1

Daniel Quiñones Meléndez, PhD, M.S., CCC-SLP I am Daniel, a passionate and experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) for over 16 years. For the last two decades I have specialized in designing and implementing intervention programs for individuals with ASD and other related disorders of development along with supporting their families. I have directed clinical and special education programs in the United States and Mexico, and have developed graduate and post-graduate curricula for future speech-language therapists in the United Kingdom. I partner with Explora tu Potencial, A.C. (ETP), a non-profit organization which offers affordable, evidence-based interventions to vulnerable communities in Mexico. I also work with TruePotential PLLC in Tucson, Arizona, a center which offers speech-language and occupational therapy services in Tucson Arizona.

Financial: Daniel is a presenter of online CE courses by True Potential PLLC for which he receives royalties. Nonfinancial: Daniel is the founder and owner of TherapyConnect, which is the continuing education division of TruePotential PLLC, which also provides direct clinical services to families in the Tucson, Arizona area.

If you require accommodations or have specific needs for this asynchronous program, please email us at tptrainings18@gmail.com, and allow us for 14 days to adapt to your accessibility needs.

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and the newest version of your computer's operating system. Also, a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.