The University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network (USARAN) is hosting a free, in-person autism workshop for families and professionals on Jan. 23 at the Conecuh County Schools Transportation Department in Evergreen.

The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, aims to connect rural Alabama communities with resources, evidence-based strategies and tools to support individuals with autism.

The three-and-a-half-hour workshop will feature expert-led sessions on key topics, including community resources, behavior management and special education services:

• The Regional Autism Network and Community Resources for Autism — Michelle McDaniel, M.Ed., director of USARAN.
• Behavior Management Strategies for Children on the Spectrum — Jordan Albright, Ph.D., and Morgan Patterson, University of South Alabama Department of Psychology.
• What You Need to Know About IEPs and Special Education Services — Christina Norris, senior case advocate, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program.

The training will cover practical behavioral strategies, guidance on navigating the special education process and details on local and state resources available to families and professionals.

Michelle McDaniel, director of USARAN, said the workshop was developed to meet the needs of caregivers and educators in rural communities who often face challenges in accessing autism-related resources and information.

"Parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to navigate the next steps for their child after receiving a diagnosis of autism and as their journey continues throughout school and beyond," McDaniel said. "The Regional Autism Network provides community workshops such as this to support individuals diagnosed with autism, their families and professionals throughout the community, and serves as a resource for anyone needing autism-related information."

McDaniel added that access to information in rural areas remains a concern, but events like this can help bridge the gap.

"We know that access to training and resources in rural areas can be challenging for families and professionals. We're excited to be able to offer this workshop, as it will help connect the community with practical strategies, information and services so that we can improve outcomes for children diagnosed with autism across Alabama," she said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, highlighting the importance of access to support and services, particularly in underserved areas.

The workshop is hosted by USARAN in collaboration with the University of South Alabama, the USA Department of Psychology's Cosma Lab and the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program.
For more information, contact USARAN at (251) 410-4533.