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Center for Autism and Related Disabilities University of Florida
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An adult leans close to a child indoors while gently holding the child’s chin.

Event Details

Date, Time, & Location

Friday, May 22, 2026
8:45AM – 3:45PM
Online

Training Description

Join us for this one-day virtual event featuring Spanish-speaking autism specialists.
English translation will be available through zoom.

Target Audience

parents, caregivers, professionals

Schedule

Presentation Details

Online, on the spectrum

Linda Petrossian & Meg Lietzau
University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)

Training Description

This presentation explores the unique challenges and opportunities that individuals on the autism spectrum face in digital environments. Designed for families, parents, and trusted adults, it emphasizes the importance of fostering open, ongoing conversations about online safety. Participants will learn how to support neurodiverse children and teens in building healthy relationships, recognizing red flags, and navigating digital spaces with confidence and critical thinking. The session also highlights essential life skills—such as empathy, problem-solving, and coping with rejection or discomfort—and provides practical strategies for reporting unsafe behavior, defining the role of a trusted adult, and encouraging youth to be upstanders who advocate for themselves and others in respectful, safe ways.

Training Objectives
  • Recognize online safety risks for autistic youth, especially Black and Brown individuals.
  • Support healthy digital relationships and identify red flags.
  • Promote empathy, problem-solving, and resilience in online spaces.
  • Learn how to report unsafe behavior and define the role of a trusted adult.
  • Encourage youth to be upstanders—speaking up and supporting others.
  • Reflect on privilege and commit to inclusive, ongoing learning.
About the Presenters

Linda Petrossian is a Training and Education Specialist at the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities in Gainesville, founder/facilitator of their Spanish speaking parent/guardian support group, “Pausa Para Apoyo”, and a Patient Navigator for the UF Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Linda graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Agricultural Communications, and is currently in a graduate program at the University of Florida pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She is also the mother of two autistic children and is honored to be able to help families find their own clarity by connecting them with providers, CARD staff, supports, resources, educational opportunities and most of all, an empathetic heart that can truly say they are sharing a lived experience.

Dr. Meg Lietzau is an education and training specialist at the University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), where she provides support and resources for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Gateway College and contributes her expertise as a peer reviewer and subject matter expert for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. Holding a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Studies, Dr. Lietzau is passionate about advancing access to the legal system, especially for youth involved in dual system care. Her favorite work focuses on ensuring meaningful participation for neurodivergent individuals in justice processes through evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Supporting Bilingualism for Latino Families of Autistic Children

Laura Gomez
University of Florida College of Education, School of Special Education

Training Description

Many Latino families are told—often by well-meaning professionals—that they should speak “English only” to their children with autism to avoid confusion or further delays. However, research tells a different story. This session is designed to replace “language guilt” with empowerment. We will explore the latest scientific evidence showing that bilingualism is a strength, not a barrier, for autistic children. In this presentation, parents will learn why their “heart language” (Spanish) is the most powerful tool for bonding and development. We will move beyond theory to provide practical strategies for maintaining home language during daily routines. Finally, parents will walk away with an “Advocacy Toolkit,” featuring specific scripts and phrases to use when advocating for their child’s right to be bilingual in IEP meetings, therapy sessions, and doctor’s offices.

Training Objectives
  • Identify the research-based benefits of multilingualism for children with autism to confidently address common myths regarding language delays.
  • Implement three practical strategies for integrating Spanish into daily home routines (e.g., mealtime, play, storytelling) to foster intergenerational connection.
  • Formulate effective advocacy responses to use when service providers or educators recommend monolingual-only environments, ensuring the family’s cultural priorities are respected
About the Presenter

Laura Gómez is a Doctoral Candidate in Special Education at the University of Florida, specializing in Early Childhood Studies. Originally from Asuncion, Paraguay, she is a Speech-Language Pathologist and educator with extensive experience in supporting neurodivergent children. Her research focuses on supporting autism service providers to deliver culturally sustaining services for Latino families of autistic children. Laura is passionate about empowering Latino families to preserve their linguistic heritage and strengthening the bond between parents, children, and their cultural roots.

Stages of Growth and Development in Children with ASD

Marisa Salazar
University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF CARD)

Training Description

This presentation provides an overview of developmental stages in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting typical and atypical growth patterns in social communication, motor skills, and adaptive behaviors. Parents will understand how ASD can influence the timing and nature of these milestones, and learn strategies to promote participation and independence at each stage.

Training Objectives
  • Participants will be able to identify typical and atypical developmental milestones in children with ASD across social communication, motor skills, and adaptive behavior domains.
  • Participants will learn practical strategies to support engagement, skill acquisition, and independence throughout typical routines.
About the Presenter

Dr. Salazar earned her Ph.D. in exceptional student education from the University of Central Florida in August 2011. Before that, she received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego, and she completed her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at Florida Atlantic University. Her research and training interests are in the area of naturalistic early intervention practices for young children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and her most recent research was in the area of collaborative planning between preschool teachers and parents to provide activity-based intervention for children with autism. She is of Hispanic background, is bilingual, and has an interest in building cultural competence as well as working with families and children who are dual language learners. Prior to working at UCF CARD, she worked for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at Florida Atlantic University. She also worked as an Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist for Orlando’s division of Florida Early Steps. She has extensive experience in early childhood development and applied behavior analysis.

Paths to adulthood – Accompanying our children in their transition

Yazmin Castellano
University of South Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF CARD)

Training Description

This presentation is designed to support parents and caregivers of young people with disabilities as they navigate the transition from school to adult life. Here, you will learn important concepts and discover useful tools to help your son or daughter prepare for the future. During the session, we will talk about what transition means, what is expected in adulthood, and what steps must be taken within the educational system. You will also learn who the key people are who can help you—such as teachers, therapists, and community organizations—and how to work as a team with them. Special attention will be given to the role of families as advocates and guides throughout this process. In addition, we will introduce you to resources available in your community and throughout the state that can support you and your child. At the end, there will be an open space for questions, where you can share your experiences and receive personalized guidance.

Training Objectives
  • Understand the foundations of the transition to adult life Define what transition is and what adult life entails for young people with disabilities.
  • Identify available supports and resources Recognize who participates in the process (school, family, community, agencies) and what services and programs exist at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Strengthen family planning and advocacy skills Guide families to plan ahead, collaborate with professionals, and effectively support their children during the transition.
About the Presenter

Yazmín Castellano works as a consultant for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida (CARD‑USF), providing services to students from middle school through high school, as well as to young adults. At the same time, Yazmín is developing the diversity and inclusion program with the goal of expanding CARD‑USF services to minority communities. Yazmín collaborates with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) as a member of its Board of Directors; Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision; the Family Center on Deafness; and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida. Yazmín is also part of the Polk County Safety Kids Committee, where she has begun raising awareness among committee members about the importance of having and providing safety information in Spanish. Yazmín has presented at several conferences, including Family Café, CARD, NASW, and the National Latino Leadership Conference. She has also participated in community podcasts. Yazmín is a member of Cambiando el Mundo de Personas con Discapacidad, a national and international radio and television program. She has reached the Hispanic community through various media outlets: Telemundo Tampa; Univision Tampa and Orlando; Rumba Radio (iHeart Media); and Más 100.7 FM Orlando. Yazmín received the USF Status of Latinos Award in 2020 for her work with the Hispanic community. Yazmín has professional experience in mental health, education, and case management, including working in schools, psychiatric treatment programs (residential), and providing clinical mental health services to individuals with psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional disorders. She has served as director of community programs supporting the Hispanic community.

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