Springdale, Arkansas on March 29, 2025: Understanding & Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
This workshop will provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including characteristics, current research on prevalence, strategies recognized as evidence–based, and resources available for children and families. Examples of visual supports and sensory friendly materials will be available for review by participants. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion by the group. This workshop is designed primarily for families of individuals with ASD, but it is also appropriate for anyone interested in supporting individuals with ASD in their community.
About the trainer:
Karan B. Burnette, M.A., CCC-SLP
Ms. Burnette has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has 40 years’ experience working with children with disabilities in educational and residential settings, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and behavioral intervention. Ms. Burnette currently serves on the Arkansas Legislative Task Force for Autism and the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council. She has extensive experience as a consultant and conference speaker and is employed as the Executive Director of Partners for Inclusive Communities, Arkansas’ University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD), an outreach program of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
*Lunch will be provided to workshop attendees
*We will not provide on-site childcare for this workshop, and unfortunately we cannot allow parents to bring children to the workshop. However, if you are unable to attend due to lack of childcare please contact us. We may be able to help, but we need to hear from you ASAP.
Where: The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas
When: Saturday, March 29th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Register on Eventbrite: https://AAROC_Understanding_ASD_3-29-2025.eventbrite.com
Springdale, Arkansas on April 12, 2025: Understanding Special Education and the IEP Process
Audience: Parents or guardians of children with ASD
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) ensures that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LEA). However, the process of developing an individualized education plan (IEP) can be a confusing (and at times, intimidating) experience for families. This session focuses on the IEP process, from identification and referral for special education services to implementation of the IEP.
This workshop is open only to parents or guardians of children with autism and/or close family members/supporters. Our goal for this training is to provide information for parents and their supporters about the IEP process, and to provide a safe space for participants to ask questions and discuss their concerns with the process, which sometimes leads to discussions about difficulties they may have encountered. For this reason, this workshop is limited to parents and those who support them in this process, and we do not allow members of the general public, including educators, related services professionals, school administrators, or other school staff to attend this particular session.
If you are not a parent or guardian of a child with autism or a friend/family member assisting a parent, but you are interested in attending a workshop on this topic, please contact ddvarady@uark.edu to inquire about possible training options.
*Lunch will be provided to workshop attendees
*We will not provide on-site childcare for this workshop, and unfortunately we cannot allow parents to bring children to the workshop. However, if you are unable to attend due to lack of childcare please contact us. We may be able to help, but we need to hear from you ASAP.
For more information or assistance with registration email ddvarady@uark.edu
When: Saturday, April 12th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas
Register on Eventbrite: https://AAROC_Understanding_SPED_4-12-2025.eventbrite.com
