Event Details
Date/Time/Location
Monday, December 15, 2025
4:30 – 5:30PM
Zoom
Training Description
Understanding how to have conversations about you or your loved one’s diagnosis of autism may trigger unsettling feelings. During this critical time in your life, you may long to be surrounded by those you love and feel closest to, however you do not know how to fully express your new diagnosis to them. Whether you have recently participated in an evaluation, or are sharing your news with new friends, this presentation strives to present you with strategies that will ease your mind and help you set boundaries of support with those around you.
Training Objectives
Participants will:
- Navigate strategies related to sharing evaluation relevant information with service providers or other stakeholders
- Understand the right to disclose evaluation information and results in various settings
- Create a plan for self-care surrounding coping with the results of an evaluation
Target Audience
Parents and Caregivers, Adults with Autism, Teachers, Related Service Providers, Program Administrators
About the Presenter
Marlena Jenkins, Ed.D.
Director of the USoar program at the University of North Florida (UNF)
Marlena serves as the Director of the USoar program at the University of North Florida (UNF). She possesses over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral diagnoses via her prior roles of teacher, district personnel, private school administrator, and board-certified assistant behavior analyst. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Leadership/Advocacy and a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Special Education. Marlena’s doctoral research was centered around the development of a trauma framework grounded in the tenets of universal design for learning within the early childhood population. Additionally, Marlena served on a committee responsible for revamping Florida’s Educator Autism Endorsement, providing guidance as a content area contributor. Marlena has a strong passion for serving individuals across their lifespan in the areas of inclusion, goal setting and planning, and advocacy. Her knowledge and experience as a seasoned professional learning facilitator has led her to present for school teams, districts, parent organizations, and agencies on a local and national stage.
Accommodations
We strive to host accessible events that enable all individuals living in our catchment area* 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.
*Counties Served by UF CARD: Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union
If you live in a different county in Florida, find your CARD here.
Contact
Danielle Liso
card-training@ufl.edu
352-265-2241