Events in October 2026

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
September 30, 2026

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of settings.

Have you ever heard of plain language? Plain language is a style of writing that is accessible and easy to understand. Join the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) for a one-hour training to learn about plain language and basic tips you can use to make your writing more accessible. This workshop is open to anyone looking for ways to write and communicate more effectively.

This training is designed for all community members. For example this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals.

Participants will need to complete zoom registration to log-in to the training.

Participants will be emailed log-in information and training details approximately 48 hours before the training date. Please check the email you used to register and/or your JUNK mail if you do not find the confirmation in your inbox. Participants will be emailed a certificate of attendance approximately two weeks post training.

Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum threshold for attendance is not reached.

Please email Nicole Ferrara at nferrara@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance in order to ensure accommodations can be coordinated and provided.

Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/5n7e6t9d

8 1:00 pm: Tips, Tricks and Timelines: Practical Ways to Prepare for the Transition to Adult Healthcare to Maximize Autonomy and Minimize Anxiety 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm October 8, 2026 A partner highlight: Family Shade Learning Community Workshops The transition to adult health care can seem scary, but with a little bit of planning and knowledge, it doesn’t have to be! Join Lauren Gillespie, transition social work coordinator for Nemours Children’s Health, to discuss targeted action steps you can take to make the transition easier. Register today to find out what Lauren wants every parent of a young adult with complex or special health care needs to know about the transition from pediatric to adult care. Register for the event at: cds.udel.edu/adultcare More Information

13 12:00 pm: Facilitating Successful Medical & Dental Visits For Autistic Individuals 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm October 13, 2026 The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals. Facilitating Successful Medical & Dental Visits for Autistic Individuals is a one-hour training designed for medical professionals. This training reviews the core characteristics of autism and discusses strategies that can be used to assist healthcare providers in providing autism-informed care. Specifically, participants will learn about techniques and tools they can use to enhance communication and strengthen trust between medical professionals, families, and individuals during their next visit. This training will highlight Communicating Visually in Pediatrics, a tool for improving communication in medical and dental settings, and will walk through considerations for using this tool in practice. Participants will need to complete zoom registration to log-in to the training. This training is designed for all community members. For example this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals. Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum threshold for attendance is not reached. Please email Nicole Ferrara at nferrara@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure accommodations can be coordinated and provided. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/5n843w8t More Information

16 10:00 am: ICA Subcommittee: Diagnosis Subcommittee Meeting 10:00 am – 11:00 am October 16, 2026 Delawareans interested in issues related to diagnosis are welcome to attend. View the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar for more details. Event Details More Information More Information

19 1:00 pm: SUPPORTING FAMILY-LED DEVELOPMENTAL MONITORING. LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY: PROVIDER TRAINING 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm October 19, 2026 New legislation (HB202) will require that all childcare centers engage in developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The LTSAE training, Supporting Family-Led Developmental Monitoring, will help prepare you for this important change that is coming to Delaware. This training will: introduce participants to the importance of developmental monitoring; provide an overview of the state’s developmental screener – the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ); explain the state’s process for referring children to early intervention services; and describe the types of early intervention services available to different ages of children. Please email Ashley Steinbrecher at ashstein@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information More Information

20 11:00 am: Creating Inclusive Settings for Children with Autism 11:00 am – 1:00 pm October 20, 2026 The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of settings. This training was developed by the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism for early childhood care providers. The training is designed to develop an understanding of autism and how it impacts children differently. In addition, the training provides strategies to support young children with autism in a childcare setting and covers considerations to develop inclusive settings for children with autism. This training is designed for all community members. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals. Please email Nicole Ferrara at nferrara@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information More Information

30 8:30 am: EVIDENCE-BASED WORKSHOP SERIES: INTRODUCTORY PRACTICES 8:30 am – 3:30 pm October 30, 2026 Join the DNEA to learn more about autism and the practices that can be used to support this population. This FREE introductory workshop will feature training and activities open to Delaware professionals and community members. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and will take home the supports they create during the workshop. This training is approved for 6 NASW-DE credits. Morning Session 8:30 am-11:00 am Introduction to Autism This training will cover disability-friendly language, the history of autism, core characteristics of autism, and general tips and considerations for supporting people with autism. Afternoon Session 12:00 pm-3:30 pm Introduction to Evidence-Based Practices This training will provide an overview of evidence-based practices that are most effective when supporting individuals with autism, including prompting, reinforcement, and visual supports. In person: University of Delaware Paradee Center - 69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901 Use the link below to register. Attendees will have the option to register for one or both workshop sessions. Lunch is on your own. For more information, please contact Nicole Ferrara at nferrara@udel.edu. Accommodations can be requested during registration. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/u3tk9uz7 More Information