Sold out conference about Autism teaches others about disorder & offers more chances to learn
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A sold-out conference to teach healthcare professionals interested in learning more about autism shares what to know about the disorder and includes more ways for folks to learn.
The Kansas Association of School Boards hosted the first annual autism conference on Wednesday morning, April 17, presented by CareSource and Easterseals Midwest. Easterseals Midwest’s vice president of programs, Adam Christensen, says the non-profit is the single largest provider in Missouri serving thousands of individuals on the spectrum, including some adults and children impacted by disabilities like autism in Kansas.
“Our focus really is the early intervention services,” said Christensen. “Once you get that diagnosis, a lot of families go: ‘What do I do now?’ And so, we are that family navigation option - Easterseals Midwest - to kind of provide you with some next steps.”
The conference includes four speakers each talking about the basics of autism, the steps following a diagnosis, and the challenges professionals, family, and friends will encounter.
However, if participants missed the conference and want to learn, Easterseals is offering a nine-week course for loved ones of anyone experiencing autism to learn how to provide care. Registration for the course is now open.
“We are going to help train and coach family members,” said Christensen. “It does not have to be mom and dad. It could be Grandpa and Grandma. It could be brothers and sisters. Anybody who is interested in learning more [about] providing care to individuals on the spectrum.”
Christensen says to register just email Casey Melancon, Director of Autism Services for Easterseals, at casey.melancon@esmw.org or call 816-891-2930.
When asked what particular signs might suggest someone is on the autistic spectrum, Christensen says “Might be a lot of self-stim (stimulation), maybe a lot of social interactions that are not normative. It could be maybe they are not responding to people, like you and I would typically. Some delayed responses, maybe some delay in some learning, maybe some development delays. Those are usually some of your initial signs to then go and check those things out.”
The main thing Christensen wanted the community to know whether you are autistic or know someone who is, you are not alone and there are resources available.
“You are not alone,” said Christensen. “That there is a community behind you. A community support that is here to discuss best practices. There are therapists at the ready to work with you. We are a provider in Missouri, so we are neighbors to the east, but we are here to our neighbors in the west here in Kansas today. I think the main takeaway for that is that we are here. We want to partner with you. We want to meet the individuals and the families where they are, and we need Kansas to let us know what they need. So, we are excited to listen.”
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