Autism Power Hour Series 2026-2027
"Enjoyed that the audience was able to engage even though it’s a power hour! Love how much information we gain and the resources!" – Paraprofessional
“As a retired early childhood educator, and mother of an autistic adult, I appreciate having the opportunity to learn new strategies. Thank you!” – Family Member and Educator
“I love these sessions and that they are offered at two different times throughout the day. Also, that they are available for parents to access as well.” – General Education Teacher
“I really like these power hour sessions. You get the meat of the information and it's a perfect amount of information and time!” – Preschool Teacher
August 2026 - March 2027
All sessions will be held live from 7:30am-8:30am EST and repeat session 3:30pm-4:30pm EST. Choose the time that works best for you!
The Autism Center at OCALI is pleased to host Autism Power Hour, FREE virtual professional development sessions which focus on a variety of topics to help professionals and family members gain a better understanding of how to address barriers that prevent autistic individuals from engaging in a purposeful life. When provided with the right support and interventions, autistic individuals can flourish. Learn about characteristics and best practices to foster learning and growth that meets the needs of students with autism from Preschool through 12th grade. During these one-hour live sessions, participants will have an opportunity to engage and interact with the hosts and other attendees.
To meet accessibility requirements, PowerPoint slide handouts will not be provided. However, participants will receive a notes-based handout in advance of each of the presentations, which includes access to links shared during the sessions. Sessions will be recorded for internal use only.
Who should attend?
Designed for professionals and caregivers who support learners from Pre‑K through 12th grade, this PD opportunity is tailored to meet you where you are. Whether you are new to autism or need a refresher on best practices, this learning experience is designed for you! Suggested attendees include, but are not limited to, intervention specialists, general educators, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, administrators, paraprofessionals, family members, mental health therapists, social workers, guidance counselors, etc.
Key Concepts and Take-aways
- Participants will gain actionable tools and strategies to create environments that honor the unique needs, strengths, and communication styles of autistic individuals.
- Participants will gain a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder and evidence-based practices, equipping them to foster meaningful engagement, build stronger relationships, and tailor instruction that promotes success across educational, home, and community settings.
Earn Credit!
Participants may choose from one of the following options:
- One Professional Development Contact Hour available for each session attended—must complete session evaluation to access certificate.
- Approved hours for Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Ohio Speech and Hearing, and Ohio-Approved hours (OCCRRA) are available.
- Must register for individual sessions in OCCRRA as ST numbers become available. Information will be shared in emails prior to each session.
- One hour of Graduate Credit through Ashland University (*must attend all 13 sessions)
Participants may choose either an AM or PM session or register for both if unsure of availability. One-time registration gives access to all sessions. Reminder emails with join links and resources will be sent prior to each session.
Registration
Below are the 13 Autism Power Hour sessions offered as part of this series. While participants are not required to attend every session, each session builds on the content from previous ones. For this reason, participants are encouraged to join as many sessions as possible to support and deepen their learning.
August 25, 2026 – Introduction to Autism: Creating Supportive Environments
September 15, 2026 – Making Sense of Sensory Processing Part 1: Understanding Sensory Differences and Their Impact
September 29, 2026 – Making Sense of Sensory Processing Part 2: Strategies and Supports
October 13, 2026 – “Talk the Talk”: Communication Development and the Autistic Individual
October 27, 2026 – Building Stronger Executive Functioning Skills with Assistive Technology Tools Part 1
November 10, 2026 – Building Stronger Executive Functioning Skills with Assistive Technology Tools Part 2
December 8, 2026 – Academic Considerations to Support Autistic Learners
January 12, 2027 – "Listening Within” - The Language of the Body Part 1: Understanding Emotions, Trauma, and Interoceptive Awareness
January 26, 2027 – “Listening Within” - The Language of the Body Part 2: Understanding Emotions, Trauma, and Interoceptive Awareness
February 9, 2027 – Navigating the Adolescence Years: Building Relationships, Fostering Independence, and Transition Considerations
February 23, 2027 – Creating Connections: Supporting Play, Social Relationships, and Peer Engagement
March 9, 2027 – Connecting Families: Strengthening Support Through Strategies and Resources
March 23, 2027 – Sharing Success: Unlocking More Power
Please contact Megan Trowbridge with any questions.
Megan_trowbridge@ocali.org
