High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment Issues, and OT Intervention, 2nd Ed

About the Course
This intermediate-level course is intended for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. However, other professionals who interact with those who have high-functioning autism spectrum disorders, including physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, social workers, psychologists, paraprofessionals, administrators, and teachers, may benefit from the information offered in this course.

Learning Objectives 

•  Recognize the history and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders.
• Describe the causal theories for autism spectrum disorders.
• Identify diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders.
• Examine the specific strengths and challenges for individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.
• Explain the occupational therapy evaluation and assessment of high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.
• Compare and contrast appropriate evidence-based interventions and strategies to address occupational performance difficulties for individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. 

About the Author
Joshua Skuller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, his Master of Education from the University of Louisville and his Doctor of Philosophy with a focus on education of students with autism from the University of Louisville. Dr. Skuller has been on faculty at Spalding University in the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy since 2012. He is currently an associate professor and teaches courses in pediatrics and mental health in the entry level OTD program. Dr. Skuller is board certified in pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and holds the credential of Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). In addition, Dr. Skuller is also certified in Ayers Sensory Integration through the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayers Sensory Integration (CLASI). His current research interests involve issues surrounding sensory integration and also trauma informed care in occupational therapy. Prior to his role on faculty, Dr. Skuller was employed for 12 years in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky where he provided occupational therapy to a diverse student population.

Patricia LaVesser, PhD, OTR, received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, her master of arts in teaching from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and her doctorate in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 2009, Dr. LaVesser has been an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, JFK Partners, at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver.
Dr. LaVesser currently serves as occupational therapy discipline director on the Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. She also serves as a clinician case reviewer for the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network and as an evaluator for the Study to Explore Early Development. Clinically, Dr. LaVesser coordinates service provision for the Family Driven Autism Services and Learning project, serves on two of the interdisciplinary clinical assessment teams at the Child Development Unit of The Children’s Hospital Denver, and provides early intervention services through the ENRICH program.
Prior to joining the faculty at JFK Partners, Dr. LaVesser was a faculty member at the occupational therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis for 25 years. She has a wide range of clinical pediatric experience that includes early intervention and school-based and hospital-based practice. 
Her current research interests include the study of adaptive skills intervention models and outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental difficulties.

How to Receive Credit

• Read the entire course online or in print.
• Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
• Provide required personal information and payment information.
• Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
• Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.

Accreditations and Approvals

Colibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 05782. This distance learning-independent is offered at .6 CEUs, intermediate, OT service delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.