Duration: 30 hours over 15 weeks
Cost: $975 (individual rate; group contract rates available. New York State Office of Mental Health-sponsored rates may differ.)
Expected Start Date: To be announced
Microcredential Granted Upon Completion

Members of the autistic community aim to achieve full and productive lives and deserve to be understood for their unique abilities. Many efforts to support, serve, and include autistic individuals provide a limited perspective of the complexities of autism, or perpetuate outdated myths about the ways autistic people experience the world.

This program is designed to debunk common myths, explore recent scientific findings, and gain insight into the lived experience of those with autism. Its goal is to provide professionals in education, health, and human services (e.g., direct support professionals, 1:1 aides, nurses) with the knowledge they need to engage more effectively and humanely with members of the autistic community. Family members and caregivers of autistic individuals are also encouraged to enroll. Topics covered include clinical features of autism, managing stressful events, double empathy, social relationships, neurodiversity, and autistic culture.

ISLEA is co-taught by instructors with research/clinical expertise and lived experience, exemplifying the principle of “Nothing about us, without us.”

Learning Concepts:
ISLEA participants will:

Format:
ISLEA is 30 hours of online learning over the course of 15 weeks, consisting of:

For more information about ISLEA, complete the interest form, and the SCTL team will follow up with you.