Tri-State Webinar: Complex Case Discussion: Educational Identification of Students Suspected of a Developmental Disability Who May Have Experienced Trauma

Webinar Description:

Trauma is a growing concern within the school setting and can raise questions regarding eligibility for autism spectrum disorder. In this webinar Dr. Hepburn will compare characteristics of trauma and autism spectrum disorder and how they can impact social functioning, communication development and behavioral flexibility in children. Dr. Hepburn will share assessment practices that can help to determine if a child is presenting with ASD or with social-emotional challenges associated with trauma or both as well as resources that can be helpful for families.

After attending this webinar participants will:

• Describe what trauma is and how it can impact social functioning, communication development, and behavioral flexibility in children
• Identify 3 assessment practices that can help to determine if a child is presenting with ASD, or with social-emotional challenges associated with trauma or both
• List 3 resources that can be helpful for families raising a child with both a developmental disability (like ASD) and a history of trauma.

Presenter Information:

Susan Hepburn is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University and a licensed clinical psychologist. She is actively engaged in teaching at the university and consulting in schools on educational identification and intervention for students with autism spectrum disorders. She is collaborating with community partners to establish a clinic on the CSU campus which will provide evaluations, consultation, and direct support to persons with ASD and their families.