Event Details
Date/Time/Location
Session 1: For teachers and other related professionals
Monday, June 16, 2025
4:30 – 5:30PM
Zoom
Session 2: For parents and caregivers
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
7:00 – 8:00PM
Zoom
Session 3: For adults with ASD
Monday, August 25, 2025
7:00 – 8:00PM
Zoom
Training Description
Session 1: Top Autism Tips for Educators – Insights from the Inside
Drawing from my dual experience as an autistic adult and a professional providing autism services, this presentation offers educators an “insider’s perspective” on how to better support autistic students in the classroom. I’ll break down the why behind common autistic behaviors like sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, and perseveration, and explain them in ways that are both relatable and actionable. Using real-world clinical experience, I’ll share concrete strategies educators can implement to improve communication, support regulation, reduce frustration, and adapt to change. Attendees will walk away with greater empathy, useful tools, and a deeper understanding of how to support autistic students.
Session 2: Top Autism Tips for Parents
In this session, I’ll share insights from both my personal journey as an autistic adult and my professional experience supporting autistic individuals and their families. We’ll explore practical, compassionate ways parents can support their child’s unique needs. Topics will include building more effective communication, helping kids navigate change, managing meltdowns, introducing new activities, and understanding just how powerful parent involvement can be in shaping long-term success. My goal is to help parents feel more equipped, less alone, and better able to advocate for their child’s growth.
Session 3: Not Broken, Just Built Differently: “Adulting” While Autistic
As an autistic adult who lives and works in both neurodivergent and neurotypical spaces, I’ll share the strategies I’ve found useful for navigating the world. This presentation covers practical ways to access and request accommodations, communicate effectively in work and social settings, and manage the demands of independent living. We’ll explore self-advocacy skills, how to advocate for others in our community, and how to honor our social and communication differences without feeling like we have to hide who we are. Whether you’re new to your diagnosis or have been walking this road for years, this session offers useful tools, shared language, and solidarity.
Training Objectives
Session 1
- Expand staff skill repertoires for managing challenging behavior
- Identify why changes in routine can be difficult for autistic learners and employ strategies to help students move forward
- Understand the fluidity of autistic sensory needs and utilize tools to increase student’s ability to self-manage
Session 2
- Identify a meltdown and implement strategies for de-escalation
- Understand the importance of introducing children to a wide range of activities, even when they are hesitant in the beginning
- Use declarative language to increase connection opportunities during play
Session 3
- Identify common workplace challenges faced by autistic adults and explore realistic accommodations
- Understand how communication differences can affect relationships, employment and advocacy
- Learn practical approaches to independent living, including organization, executive functioning support, and when to ask for help
Target Audience
Session 1: educators and related service providers, school administrators, school counselors; Session 2: parents and caregivers; Session 3: adults with ASD
About the Presenter
Kaelynn Partlow
Kaelynn was diagnosed with autism at the age of 10. Widely recognized for her role in the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, Kaelynn uses her social media to promote meaningful inclusion and actionable support, reaching millions worldwide in her mission of autism advocacy. She is the author of Life on the Bridge, a book that bridges the gaps of understanding between autistic and non-autistic people through personal and professional insight. Since being hired by Project Hope in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician, Kaelynn now leads therapy sessions, develops staff training content, and shares her insights nationally as a speaker.
Accommodations
We strive to host accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Dr. Danielle Liso at 352-265-2241 or card-training@ufl.edu.
Contact
Danielle Liso
card-training@ufl.edu
352-265-2241