UAH Regional Autism Network offers workshop for primary care providers, caregivers on Aug. 2

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (JUL 19, 2024) – The University of Alabama in Huntsville Regional Autism Network (UAH RAN) will offer a two-part workshop to provide important information to primary care providers and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on Aug. 2 at the Jackson Center. The program is one of five scheduled across the state this summer through The University of Alabama Office for Academic Affairs Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.

The program will begin with "Empowering Autism Identification and Diagnosis in Primary Care" from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for primary care providers, who can earn continuing education credits. Practical tools and strategies to diagnose autism for children with obvious symptomatology in a primary care clinic will be presented by Justin Schwartz, M.D., associate professor, Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

The afternoon session on "IEP and 504: Navigating the Process" will offer caregivers an in-depth look at special education evaluation processes and possible roadblocks. Professionals from the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program will present this session from 1 to 4 p.m.

Five hubs access expertise

UAH RAN is one of five autism resource hubs established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) across the state. The others are part of Auburn University, University of South Alabama, UAB and The University of Alabama. RAN is supported by the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council and funded by ADMH.

"Being located at UAH provides RAN with access to knowledgeable faculty and staff members who have expertise in evidence-based practices for autism," says Sarah Bailey, UAH RAN program director.

Other members of the UAH RAN team are Dr. Kimberly Hile, principal investigator and assistant professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, and Linda Ware, RAN family navigator.

Bailey says she's often described as a "connector" in her role.

"I share community information and resources regularly to provide information matching neurodiverse needs. This includes advising individuals and families about available resources, training and connecting professionals in the field, and educating the public."

UAH RAN assists people of all ages with autism as well as family members, teachers and professionals supporting people with diagnosed or suspected autism and related needs. Staff members, all experts in the ASD field, serve the 13 counties in North Alabama that comprise the state's Region 1: Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan.

Connect with UAH RAN

Bailey says UAH RAN is always looking for new partners – individuals and organizations – to help fulfill the mission to "benefit North Alabama families caring for loved ones with autism."

"UAH RAN is actively seeking community members from North Alabama who are interested in serving on our constituency board. Autistic individuals or family members of a person with autism are eligible to serve. Board members can serve for three consecutive years."

Also, she says, staff are in the process of updating resources to help families locate services in their communities.

"If you provide services for autism in North Alabama, please reach out. Share what you offer so we can better inform families throughout the region about options."

For more information on the workshop and to register, visit https://training.ua.edu/ranworkshops/register/. Contact UAH RAN by emailing uahran@uah.edu or calling 256-824-5700.