CARE Program

Programa C.A.R.E.

Community Autism Resource Education (CARE) Program

CARE is a free program for caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism experts will respond to caregiver-generated questions through videos, phone calls, email correspondence, or our FAQ section.

CARE flyer (PDF)

This program has been adapted to a completely online format in order to increase access to supports during COVID-19.

CARE is available for Spanish-speaking families. The video presentations and supplemental materials below were adapted to Spanish by Olivia Hernandez Gonzalez, PhD, PLP, LMHP, NCSP and Jessica Gutierrez, BS, CPH.

Learn about

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
Strategies to support your child’s communication and fine motor skills
Strategies to increase appropriate behavior and decrease unwanted behavior
Managing picky and selective eating
Resources in the community

Meet our presenters

Accessibility: Each video includes captioning -- simply click on the closed captioning (CC) button at the bottom of the video.

	Introduction Video Link (1:35) In this video, Michelle McPeck provides an overview of this self-directed program, including ways to connect with the professionals participating in this program. Pre-Program Questions General Knowledge Questions
	Autism Spectrum Disorder Video Link (7:59) In this video, Patricia Zemantic, Ph.D, BCBA-D, discusses common symptoms of ASD, differences between medical diagnosis and educational verification, and introduces some common interventions for ASD. Post-Video Learning Check Supplemental Materials Temple Grandin, The World Needs All Kinds of Minds (1:27) PEERS® Program Overview (2:41) PEERS® Example Lesson (51:27)
	Speech, Language, Communication Video Link (5:05) In this video, Leslie Van Winkle, MA, CCC-SLP, describes key components of communication, including speech, language, and communication. She also compares private and school-based speech services, and describes common intervention approaches. Post-Video Learning Check Supplemental Materials Parent Coaching (2:27) School-based Speech Language Therapy (2:43)
	Occupational Therapy Video Link (12:17) In this video, Monica Pleiss, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, describes occupational therapy, compares private and school-based occupational therapy services, and describes common ways occupational therapists support children with ASD. Post-Video Learning Check Supplemental Materials Occupational Therapy handout
	Behavior Video Link (14:41) In this video, Amanda Zangrillo, Psy.D., BCBA-D, describes the reasons why problem behavior commonly occurs. Post-Video Learning Check
	Feeding Video Link (7:02) In this video, Laura Phipps, EdS, BCBA, describes typical feeding and help caregivers identify signs to better identify when it may be appropriate to connect with a provider. Post-Video Learning Check Supplemental Materials Food Groups activity sheet
	Community Resources Video Link (9:24) In this video, Michelle McPeck, BS, describes a variety of resources available for individuals with ASD. Autism Information and Support Elopement Fun Activities During COVID Information Sheet HCBS Waiver NE Special Education Resources