Children on the autism spectrum can often be misunderstood by their surrounding community. Often, the intersectionality of loss and grief present in adoption, coupled with autism, can present unique challenges to adoptive parents and the professionals that work with them. In this course, adoption professionals learn about available resources and techniques to help communicate with children on the autism spectrum about how and why they joined the family, who their birth family members are, and other questions related to their adoption.

This course provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), discussion about the differences in ASD presentation, and practical resources and parenting strategies for families. Attention is given to adoptees with autism, as well as how a diagnosis may impact relationships with siblings, birth families, and adoptive parents. The intersectionality of ASD with other issues connected to adoption, such as grief, maintaining relationships, and understanding the adoption story is highlighted.

David Brown, MSW – President, Family Initiative, Inc.

Anjali Van Drie, MA, MSW, BCBA – Vice President, Family Initiative, Inc.

Course length: 60 minutes

After attending this course, professionals will be able to:
• Describe parenting strategies for effective communication with adoptees with autism.
• Use practical resources for meeting the physical, educational, and social needs of adoptees with autism.
• Examine the intersectionality of ASD with other issues connected to adoption such as grief, maintaining relationships, and understanding the adoption story.

Course level: Beginning, Intermediate

Cost to register: $15
If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.

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National Council For Adoption, #1804, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 04/13/2023 – 04/13/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

This course does not offer credit for NJ or NY social workers. For more information on receiving CE credit please visit the FAQ tab. For additional information on the instructors please visit www.bit.ly/NCFABrown and www.bit.ly/NCFAVanDrie.

Recorded on August 22, 2022.