Free Webinar: Understanding and Supporting Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Helpline staff play a crucial role in supporting children, adults, families, and caregivers who reach out for help. Among those who may call are individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or loved ones seeking guidance and resources. To respond with confidence and compassion, it’s vital to deepen our understanding of autism and learn strategies that promote meaningful support.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that involves a wide range of strengths and challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Because autism is a spectrum, every individual’s experience is unique—no two people with ASD are exactly alike. By strengthening our knowledge of neurodiversity and autism, crisis and helpline professionals can better recognize the needs of callers and connect them with appropriate resources.

What You’ll Learn in This Webinar

This session is designed specifically for program managers and contact specialists working in helplines. Together, we’ll explore:

• Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Understanding the concept of neurodiversity and how it relates to autism.
• Core Characteristics of ASD: Insights into the lived experiences of people with autism and how ASD may present differently across individuals.
• Supportive Strategies & Accommodations: Practical techniques and accommodations you can use when communicating with or supporting a person with ASD.
• Community Support Pathways: Guidance on resources and next steps to help connect individuals and families with ongoing assistance.

Our Guest Speaker

Nancy Popkin, Autism Resource Specialist, Autism Society of North Carolina

Nancy is an Autism Resource Specialist with the Autism Society of NC. Nancy has been gaining knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders since her son was diagnosed in 1996. Since 2003, Nancy has been supporting parents with information and workshops, reaching out to the community to raise autism awareness, and providing information and training to professionals. Nancy’s favorite part of her job is sharing her story and lessons she has learned along the way. And Nancy delights in the many ways individuals with ASD understand and experience the world.

Why Attend?

Whether your role involves frontline conversations with callers, managing services, or training staff, this webinar will provide valuable knowledge you can apply immediately. By developing skills to more effectively support people with ASD, you’ll strengthen your helpline’s ability to provide inclusive, compassionate, and informed assistance to everyone who reaches out.

Reserve your seat and join us for this important discussion on September 23 at 3 PM Eastern.