As the school year winds down, we celebrate your incredible dedication to neurodiverse learners. Summer is a time to recharge, but also a great moment to deepen your expertise, discover new resources, and stay connected with the autism leadership community.
With 1 in 31 children now identified with autism (Shaw et al., 2025), it’s very likely that all educators will have the opportunity to work with autistic students at some point in their careers. This guide provides a variety of professional development options to get you started. Whether through PD, podcasts, or new books, these resources offer meaningful ways to grow your practice and further support each and every student.
What Kind of Learning Fits Your Summer Rhythm?
In-Person Professional Development
Are you a CoLA Member? If so, don’t miss this summer’s in-person institute!
“From Insight to Impact: Transforming Autism Education Through Leadership & Action”
- Key Details:
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Therese Willkomm, “Making Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes for Autism and Neurodiversity.”
- Participants will choose a track, aligned with their school or division’s needs, gaining knowledge, resources, and collaboration opportunities to drive meaningful change.
- June 17-18, 2025
- Richmond, VA
- Cost: $30
- Go to VCU Autism Center for Education: Summer Institute to learn more and register.
What is CoLA?
- It is a collaborative network of educators and professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for students on the spectrum.
- It connects leaders with resources, strategies, and a supportive network to drive systemic change.
- Go to https://vcuautismcenter.org/ta/cola/ to learn more!
Who are the CoLA Members in My Region?
- Go to https://sites.google.com/ttacodu.org/region2and3cola/home to find out.
- We do have a couple of divisions without representation yet!
- Please let me know if you are interested.
Online Learning Opportunities
Looking for flexible, high-quality learning?
There are numerous national organizations and local partners offering excellent online PD opportunities:
National:
- Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM)
- AFIRM developed 28 evidence-based practice modules.
- AFIRM for Paraeducators is geared towards educators working with elementary students on the spectrum.
- Autism Internet Modules (AIM)
- Provides courses and modules of various lengths.
- Topics range from “Communication and Social Skills in ASD” to “Transition-Aged Youth and Adults with ASD.”
- Iris Center
- Updated modules include activities and case studies.
- Additionally, you can find movies and literature recommendations about people with disabilities.
Local:
- Autism Society: Tidewater Virginia
- Offers recorded webinars and upcoming workshops.
- VCU Autism Center for Education
- Courses, How To Videos, Micro-Learning and MORE… all in one place!
- TTAC-ODU “Autism Spectrum Disorder and Inclusive Practices for All”
- This online course, developed by former TTAC-er Teresa Crowson, provides an overview of ASD and classroom strategies to support inclusion.
Podcasts and Books on Neurodiversity
Browse these books (available in our TTAC-ODU library- we will ship to you) that foster more inclusive learning environments.
And/or explore a few podcasts that center the voices and experiences of individuals on the spectrum:
Books:
- Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (by Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwarz)
- Setting up Classroom Spaces that Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (by Susan Kabot and Christine Reeve)
Podcasts:
- 1800 Seconds on Autism: “How to Cope with Change”
- Autistic hosts Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight hear from guests on how to handle changes ranging from getting on public transportation to going to college.
- All Autism Talk: “Female Life on the Spectrum- Insights from Jennifer Cook”
- Guest Jennifer Cook (autistic author, speaker, and coach known from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum) shares insight on why autism is often missed in girls and women.
- Adventures in Accessibility: “Ep. 73- Temple Grandin”
- Guest Temple Grandin shares insights on the importance of understanding different kinds of minds in education, life skills, and eventual employment.
Fully Disconnecting This Summer? Let’s Make Sure You Have What You Need for Next School Year.
What’s Trending: Library Requests from Your Peers
In my last article, I highlighted popular library picks and asked what was missing from our library.
Here’s what your fellow educators are hoping to check out from our TTAC-ODU Library next school year:
- Adapted books
- Sensory kits
- Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions (by Dr. Temple Grandin)
- Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors (by Robyn Gobbel)
- Tools to Try Cards for Tweens and Teens (The Zones of Regulation Series)
- A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Book Box Set (by Diane Alber)
What books, kits, or activities would best support your work with autistic students? Last chance to submit your request as I work to update the autism section of our library this summer!
What Would You
Like to Check Out?
Share your suggestions with me today by completing this 30-second Google form!
Your passion and commitment to continuous learning & professional growth makes a difference every day. Whether you’re attending a PD, relaxing on the beach with one of the listed books, or curling up on the couch to tackle an online course, you are investing in a brighter future for all learners.
Thank you and enjoy your summer!
Need Something Else?
Reach out with questions,
to brainstorm ideas,
or to simply share a celebration.
A final note: Out of deep respect for diverse perspectives, I use both people-first and identity-first language throughout my articles.
Words are powerful; everyone’s experiences are unique. Be sure to always ask and honor individual preferences.
References:
- Shaw, K. A., Williams, S., Patrick, M. E., et al. (2025). Prevalence and early identification of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 4 and 8 years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 sites, United States, 2022. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 74(SS-2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7402a1
