Autism Society of America Celebrates 60 Years With “Autism Is” Campaign for Autism Acceptance Month
Autism
Positive Approaches Journal Vol. 13, Issue 4 Released
The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health Impacting our Communities: Part 1
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.
This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal looks at topics related to challenges around maintaining and supporting both physical and mental health, as well as information on resources. This issue looks at the shortage of both primary health and mental health care professionals, and the five primary health conditions that can significantly elevate the risk of severe illness and death in individuals with ID/A. Other topics include: supporting the nutritional needs of individuals with autism, utilizing a public health approach to address wellness for individuals who have encountered trauma, and supporting individuals and their families who have survived suicide.
This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.
Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page.
The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training’s inbox.
A Philly Father Sets Out to Create a Support Network for Other Fathers Raising Children With Autism: RCPA Member CHOP Featured
Governor Shapiro Proclaims April 2025 to Be Autism Acceptance Month
RCPA Member Vista Autism Services Awarded T-Mobile Hometown Grant to Enhance Learning Spaces for Students With Autism
PCHC to Host “An Intro to ID/A Spectrum Disorders and Co-Occurring MH Conditions” Webinar April 2
Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Register Here
It has been said that if you meet one person with autism, you’ve met ONE person with autism. This means that autism looks unique in each individual. It is also important to understand that autism frequently coexists with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses.
In this training, PCHC will:
- Increase the general knowledge about intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and co-occurring mental health challenges;
- Understand how mental health challenges may present in individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders; and
- Discuss common barriers and resources to treatment.
PCHC’s hope is that, with this information, you will be able to better understand and serve this complex group of wonderful people.
Autism Spectrum Disorder In-Person Seminar 2025 — Registration Now Open!
TOPIC — Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview and Practical Application
Over the years the prevalence of autism has increased, Pennsylvania’s service delivery system for individuals with autism has expanded, and best practices to provide quality supports have emerged. To support the individual needs of each person with autism across the lifespan, an understanding of core characteristics must be established. It is also important to learn how the individual’s presentation of autism may change across settings and situations. This seminar will provide attendees with an in-depth presentation on core characteristics of autism and the impact of the characteristics on daily life, routines, and activities. A review of common terms and basic principles used to change behavior, teach new skills, and develop practical application of best practices will be included. Opportunity for discussion and engagement will occur throughout the seminar.
Who should attend?
- Direct Support Professionals, Front Line Supervisors, and Program Managers supporting individuals with autism in residential and other home and community-based settings; and
- Professionals supporting individuals in Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), Consolidated Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS), and Community Living.
Where and when will sessions be held?
- April 1 – PaTTAN East, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- April 24 – PaTTAN Central, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- April 30 – PaTTAN West, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
This training satisfies the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance Based Contracting measures CN-DD/Bx.01.1S and CN-DD/Bx.01.1CE for all Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Frontline Supervisors (FLSs), and program managers.
This training also fulfills 6100 ongoing training requirements.
*After logging into your MyODP account, completion of the Demographics Form is required before being able to register for a session.
Please contact the Bureau of Autism Training inbox with questions.
Save the Date! Autism Spectrum Disorder 2025 In-Person Seminar
TOPIC: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview and Practical Application
Over the years the prevalence of autism has increased, Pennsylvania’s service delivery system for individuals with autism has expanded, and best practices to provide quality supports have emerged. To support the individual needs of each person with autism across the lifespan, an understanding of core characteristics must be established. It is also important to learn how the individual’s presentation of autism may change across settings and situations. This seminar will provide attendees with an in-depth presentation on core characteristics of autism and the impact of the characteristics on daily life, routines, and activities. A review of common terms and basic principles used to change behavior, teach new skills, and develop practical application of best practices will be included. Opportunity for discussion and engagement will occur throughout the seminar.
Who should attend?
Direct Support Professionals, Front Line Supervisors, and Program Managers supporting individuals with autism in residential and other home and community-based settings. Professionals supporting individuals in Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), Consolidated Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS), and Community Living are encouraged to attend.
Where and when will sessions be held?
3 Locations, 1 session per location. 125-person max per session.
- April 1 — PaTTAN East, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- April 24 — PaTTAN Central, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- April 30 — PaTTAN West, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Registration will open in early March.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- This training satisfies the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance Based Contracting measures CN-DD/Bx.01.1S and CN-DD/Bx.01.1CE for all Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Frontline Supervisors (FLSs), and program managers.
- This training also fulfills 6100 ongoing training requirements.
Please contact the Bureau of Autism Training inbox with questions.
PCHC Announces ISLEA Training Program
Project ECHO Presents “Building Communication Opportunities for Adults with Autism and Communication Needs ECHO Series”
