Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
5-Day Virtual POPARD Course
January 12-16, 2026 8:30am-4:00pm (Pacific Time)
If you’ve met one person with ASD, you’ve met one person with ASD. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severity. Although there are core characteristics present in all individuals with a diagnosis of ASD, there is much variability across individuals. How do we best support students with ASD given their varying profiles? This course provides a comprehensive overview of ASD, with an emphasis on topics relevant to the school setting. Participants will gain the basic understanding and skills needed to provide quality instruction and supports for students with ASD.
This course will cover the following:
Theoretical Foundations
Application of Theory to Classroom Practice
Characteristics of ASD
Diagnosis and assessment
Cognitive profiles and ranges of ability
Executive functions
Theory of mind
Sensory difference
Social and communication skills
Challenging behaviour
Effective instructional practices
Behaviour observation
Data collection & analysis
Positive behaviour supports
Environmental/antecedent supports
Teaching approaches including:
direct instruction
differentiating curriculum
scaffolding
cognitive/behaviour interventions
augmentative communication
Audience: This training is for employees of BC Public, Independent and First Nations schools (K-12). This includes teachers, paraprofessionals, and other educational staff supporting students with ASD at any grade level (K-12) in developing their social, academic, and adaptive skills. Parents/guardians of a child with ASD who attends a BC K-12 school may also register for this course (child's school and Personal Education Number must be provided).
When January 12 - 16, 2026 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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This course will be delivered using Canvas and Zoom
For this course, you must have a laptop or desktop computer (equipped with functioning webcam & microphone), and a reliable internet connection (tablets / iPads / cell phones are not acceptable)
Course materials will be mailed to you via canada Post (we will email you a few weeks prior to the start date to confirm your mailing address)
You will receive an important email 1 week before the course begins that will include: Canvas & Zoom information, and details on completing a mandatoryIntroductory Module in Canvas before the course begins (due date to complete will be in the email)
POPARD strongly recommends using Google Chrome as your web browser when logging into Canvas – other browsers may reduce functionality or prevent saving of your work in Canvas
You must attend all sessions in full and complete all course work (certificate will be issued only to those who attend in full and complete all course work)
COURSE FEES, CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS
Admintstration fee $95: a non-refundable fee of $95 is required for all course attendees.
Refunds: refunds may be applicable under certain circumstances if written notice of cancellation is received at training_lib@autismoutreach.caat least 3 weeks before the start of the course
POPARD's ENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICY + OTHER POLICIES
Proficiency in English language is required for POPARD courses. You must be able to speak/comprehend and read/write English at a Grade 12 level or higher. Details of POPARD's training policies and terms can be found here.
PARTICIPANTS WITH DISABILITIES / ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Students who have a disability that has been diagnosed by a qualified medical or psychology professional and are requesting an accommodation must submit a Request for Accommodation Form6 weeks prior to coures start date(form will open in a new window). POPARD will contact you to determine what additional information is needed, and what reasonable accommodations can be provided.
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