Children on the autism spectrum can often be misunderstood by their surrounding community. Often, the intersectionality of loss and grief present in adoption, coupled with autism, can present unique challenges to adoptive parents and the professionals that work with them. In this webinar, adoption professionals learn about available resources and techniques to help communicate with children on the autism spectrum about how and why they joined the family, who their birth family members are, and other questions related to their adoption.

This webinar provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), discussion about the differences in ASD presentation, and practical resources and parenting strategies for families. Attention is given to adoptees with autism, as well as how a diagnosis may impact relationships with siblings, birth families, and adoptive parents. Speakers also highlight the intersectionality of ASD with other issues connected to adoption, such as grief, maintaining relationships, and understanding the adoption story.

David Brown, MSW – President, Family Initiative, Inc.

Anjali Van Drie, LCSW, MA, BCBA – Vice President, Family Initiative, Inc.

Webinar length: 60 minutes

After attending this webinar, professionals will be able to:

• Describe parenting strategies for effective communication with adoptees with autism.
• Use practical resources for meeting the physical, educational, and social needs of adoptees with autism.
• Examine the intersectionality of ASD with other issues connected to adoption such as grief, maintaining relationships, and understanding the adoption story.

Course level: Beginning, Intermediate

Cost to register: $15

If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.

National Council For Adoption is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0681. Social workers completing this course receive 1 contact hour.

This course is for NY social workers ONLY. If you are NOT a social worker licensed in New York, do not complete this course for continuing education credit. Instead, visit the CE course.

In order to receive contact hours, attendees must participate in the entirety of the recorded webinar training, have their attendance verified, complete a course evaluation and complete post-test with at least 80% correct. Upon completing these items, attendees will receive their contact hours certificate of credit to the email address provided at registration.

Other Questions? For questions, concerns or to request special accommodations, please contact us at ncfa@adoptioncouncil.org or 703-299-6633.

Click here to register. Once registered, you'll be redirected back to this page and you can click on the webinar title below to get started.

Recorded 8/22/22