Autism Power Hour


September 2024 - March 2025

All sessions will be held from 7:30am-8:30am and repeat session 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Participants can choose which time slot works best for them.

(Registration closes September 12, 2024 - For individuals who live or work in the state of Ohio)

The Autism Center at OCALI is pleased to host Autism Power Hour, FREE virtual professional development sessions which focus on a variety of topics to help professionals and family members gain a better understanding of how to address barriers that prevent autistic people from engaging in a purposeful life. When provided with the right support and interventions, people with autism can flourish. Learn about characteristics and best practices to foster learning and growth that meets individual needs of all ages. During these one-hour sessions, participants will have an opportunity to engage and interact with the hosts and other attendees.

Who should attend?

Whether you are new to autism or need a refresher on best practices, this PD opportunity is designed for you! Suggested attendees include but not limited to, intervention specialists, general educators, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, administrators, paraprofessionals, family members, mental health therapists, social workers, guidance counselors, etc.

Key Concepts and Take-aways

  • Identify and describe characteristics and differences associated with autism spectrum disorder
  • Demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based practices to support engagement and improve instruction for autistic people

Earn Credit!

Participants may choose from one of the following options:

  • One Professional Development Contact Hour available for each session attended
  • Up to 12 Ohio-Approved hours (OCCRRA) available. Participants will need to register in OCCRRA for each individual session. Information will be provided via email after registering.
  • One hour of Graduate Credit through Ashland University (*must attend all 13 sessions)
Presented by the Autism Center staff at OCALI
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Below are the 13 different Autism Power Hour sessions being offered. Participants are not required to attend all sessions but are encouraged to attend as many sessions necessary to meet their learning needs.

All sessions are offered once from 7:30am-8:30am, and again from 3:30pm-4:30pm on that same day. Participants can choose which time slot works best for them.


September 17, 2024 | Session 1: Exploring Autism Characteristics and Simple Strategies

October 1, 2024 | Session 2: Autism and Trauma: Similar Characteristics/ Different Reasons

October 15, 2024 | Session 3: Structuring the Environment

October 29, 2024 | Session 4: Smooth Sailing: Preparing for Transitions and Unexpected Changes

November 12, 2024 | Session 5: Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want: An Introduction to Reinforcement and Preference Assessments

December 3, 2024 | Session 6: Making Sense of Sensory Processing

January 7, 2025 | Session 7: Understanding Interoception

January 21, 2025 | Session 8: Talk the Talk! Understanding Communication

February 4, 2025 | Session 9: Using Assistive Technology to Support Communication

February 18, 2025 | Session 10: Exploring Social Supports: Building Friendship Skills

March 4, 2025 | Session 11: No Matter the Age, It’s All About Play!

March 18, 2025 | Session 12: Empowering Teens: Strategies to Support Adolescents

March 21, 2025 | Session 13: Sharing Success: Unlocking More Power

Register Today!

Register for a Session

Please contact Megan Trowbridge with any questions at Megan_trowbridge@ocali.org.

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