The prevalence of autism calls for professionals in the healthcare field to be aware of best practices, current evidence-based treatments, and emerging models. New research into the social, emotional, and relational areas, some of the most difficult areas in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have yielded intriguing results. Recently, randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been emerging in the literature with significant differences in severity of autism as outlined by the Autism Diagnosis Observation Scale (ADOS) in pre- and post-studies. This new data mandates the inclusion of proven approaches to treatment as evidenced-based practitioners. This continuing education workshop will utilize current research to equip occupational therapy (OT) students with a foundation for treatment as well as provide treatment ideas for children who are non-verbal and unable to participate in the typical standardized tests. By introducting the workshop to OT students, the hope is to expand their roles in the much-needed field of autism intervention and to see themselves as facilitators in intervention and leadership. OTs can help any child learn when the child’s current abilities and interests are discovered and used as the starting point for treatment. Utilizing developmental approaches to autism allows the OT to identify the developmental level at which the child functions, and the play level in which the child participates. This therapists hopes to give the students a roadmap for effective evidence-based treatment.
