University of Texas at Austin Offers Free Training For Parents of Autistic Children

AUSTIN, TX — Parents and guardians of autistic children can now access free training designed to enhance language and communication skills for those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a new program at the University of Texas at Austin, officials announced on Monday.

The training is made possible via a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It will enable parents and caregivers from across the the state to participate in person or through online training sessions from the UT Called Project SKILLS (Skills and Knowledge of Intervention for Language Learning Success). The training consists of eight sessions that are free of charge to parents and caregivers of children between the ages of 12 months to six years old, officials said.

Moreover, the program will provide tablets and Internet access to parents and caregivers who don't have such devices or access to the worldwide web, officials said.

“We really want to contact people who can’t afford this type of program, but are in need of assistance because their child was diagnosed with autism,” said Madhu Sundarrajan, co-director of SKILLS and assistant professor in the Moody College of CommunicationDepartment of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “This project is designed to target families who live in Texas, with a focus on individual training for both parent and child.”

Autism is marked with difficulty in acquiring communication and language skills, which can, in turn, impair social, communicative and academic success and potential behavioral problems. Early identification of autism and treatment can dramatically improve behavioral and communication outcomes, but many families with autistic children lack access to treatment.

Those interested in participating in the program can contact utprojectskills@gmail.com or call 512-471-2014.

“SKILLS will train parents to use intervention strategies from both the developmental and behavioral information taught during the course,” said Jesse Franco, co-director of the project and assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “Our goal is to keep recruiting families and provide unique opportunities like this one to those who would otherwise not have access.”

For more information, contact: Jesse Franco, Moody College of Communication, 512-471-2957; Nick Hundley, Moody College of Communication, 512-471-7209.

>>> Photo courtesy Moody College of Communication