TASN-ATBS Webinar: Understanding Autism

Webinar Description:

Join us for an engaging introductory webinar exploring the characteristics and early signs of autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. We will review how autism may present across individuals, early developmental signs, and how understanding differences in communication, interaction, play, and sensory experiences can help us better support autistic individuals. This webinar is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about autism and supporting neurodivergent individuals with understanding, acceptance, and respect.

This webinar will be presented live on Zoom. All of TASN-ATBS webinars are recorded and then archived on the KSDETASN website and the TASN-ATBS Moodle site.

Learner Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will:

• Describe key characteristics that serve as strengths for individuals with autism.
• Identify developmental differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior/interests.
• Recognize early developmental signs that may indicate an autism spectrum disorder.
• Recognize that every person will have unique characteristics and differences, with no two individuals with autism being impacted the same.
• Understand the importance of neurodiversity affirmation, viewing characteristics as differences in development, and ways of experiencing the world, not deficits or something to be "fixed".

Presenter Information:

Sabrina Mitchell, PhD, BCBA, is the founder and owner of Authentic Connections, where she supports neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults in developing social competence and meaningful connections. With more than 20 years of experience in public education, Dr. Mitchell has served as a classroom teacher and districtwide autism and behavior specialist.

Passionate about helping students develop skills in natural, engaging, and meaningful ways, Dr. Mitchell works closely with educators and support staff to provide practical guidance, professional learning, and evidence-based strategies that promote supportive and responsive learning environments. She is a lifelong learner who is committed to staying current with research and evidence-based practices, particularly in the areas of autism, social skills, and inclusive education.

Dr. Mitchell earned her PhD in Special Education with an emphasis in autism and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.