Autism challenges the individual, their family, the community and the practitioner. The complexity and variety of symptoms that define Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require service providers to constantly update their knowledge and skills to best serve these individuals. Sensorimotor synchronization training with Interactive Metronome (IM), as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, has the potential to directly and positively influence the person’s ability to learn and engage with the world around him. This course will introduce practitioners to new advances in our understanding of ASD, including the pivotal role of timing & rhythm for speech, language, pragmatic, cognitive, motor and sensory processing skills. Participants will learn strategies to evaluate the unique strengths and needs of each individual with ASD as well as how to develop and implement effective IM training with consideration for communication, sensory, motor & behavioral challenges. The expert presenter will incorporate several videos and real examples to illustrate techniques.

• Introduction and review of course objectives
• Review of the most current research on timing, rhythm and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Characteristics of an effective IM training program for individuals with ASD
• Conducting the IM assessment with a person who has ASD
• Developing an effective IM training plan for the person with ASD
• Preparing & setting up the treatment environment for the person with ASD
• Implementing individualized IM training and treatment techniques that work well for individuals with ASD
• Educating the person with ASD and stakeholders regarding the benefit of IM training and home programming
• Presentation of case studies and period of question and answer
• Exam and course evaluation

Thursday April 11, 2019 12:00 - 2:00 PM EST