My experience taking this course was positive and informative. The material was clearly organized and provided a helpful overview of autism spectrum disorder, including diagnostic criteria, possible neurological and genetic factors, early identification, communication needs, and evidence-based treatment approaches. I especially appreciated the emphasis on early intervention, multidisciplinary care, individualized support, and the importance of helping individuals with ASD function successfully across home, school, healthcare, and community settings. Overall, the course strengthened my understanding and provided practical information that I can apply in clinical practice.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers
Save 70% or more with a membership

Course applies toward state CE requirements and hours needed for your FL RN license renewal. View Terms

This course is guaranteed to meet or exceed your expectations for convenience and quality. View Terms
My experience taking this course was positive and informative. The material was clearly organized and provided a helpful overview of autism spectrum disorder, including diagnostic criteria, possible neurological and genetic factors, early identification, communication needs, and evidence-based treatment approaches. I especially appreciated the emphasis on early intervention, multidisciplinary care, individualized support, and the importance of helping individuals with ASD function successfully across home, school, healthcare, and community settings. Overall, the course strengthened my understanding and provided practical information that I can apply in clinical practice.
The course was very insightful and provided me with information I was not already aware of, knowledge that will assist in my handling of patients/clients with ASD.
this was an excellent course with in-depth discussion of various factors involved in thinking about and helping an autistic child
Interesting clinical perspectives. Offers alternate dx that are relevant, detailed, and necessary for those that dx and treat ASD. Great course!
Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gain valuable insights into managing it effectively, improving the lives of individuals and families.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers
Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gain valuable insights into managing it effectively, improving the lives of individuals and families.
Nationally & state accredited
Course Features
What you'll learn
At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:
Describe how autism may affect communication, sensory processing, behavior, cognition, social interaction, emotional regulation, and daily functioning across the lifespan.
Differentiate Autism Spectrum Disorder from overlapping neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, language, intellectual, and trauma-related conditions.
Recognize DSM-5/DSM-5-TR diagnostic domains and common clinical presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Summarize established and emerging evidence regarding autism etiology, neurodevelopment, sensory processing, terminology, and clinical variability.
Evaluate evidence-informed interventions, accommodations, communication supports, documentation practices, referral pathways, and patient-safety strategies for autistic individuals across clinical, educational, and community settings.
Course description
This course provides an evidence-informed overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including current terminology, diagnostic criteria, differential considerations, communication strategies, intervention approaches, and practical support planning. The course is designed to help healthcare and related professionals apply current evidence in ways that support individualized, respectful, and coordinated care for autistic individuals and their families.
Educational needs
Autism Spectrum Disorder presents unique challenges and considerations within the healthcare landscape. As the prevalence of ASD continues to rise, it is increasingly critical for healthcare providers to possess a nuanced understanding of this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Course content
Introduction
Evolving Understanding and Terminology
Epidemiology and Disparities
Etiology and Neurodevelopment (Evidence Overview)
Core Characteristics Across the Lifespan
Sensory Processing and Clinical Implications
Identification, Screening, and Differential Diagnosis
Communication and Clinical Interactio
Evidence-Informed Interventions and Supports
Lifespan, Systems, and Applied Practice
Patient Safety, Risks, and Clinical Pitfalls
Conclusion
References
Post-test
Course details
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Instructor

John Francis Villa, MD, FACEP, FAAFP is an Emergency Medicine Specialist in Florida with more than 25 years in emergency medicine and family medicine.
Ideal CE course for these professions
This continuing education course is especially relevant for these healthcare professions, but other professionals may also benefit
Accreditations
AchieveCE is an approved provider (Provider #50-20641) of continuing education for occupational therapy professionals.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE credits does this course provide?
This course, "Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers", provides 4 contact hours of continuing education credit upon successful completion.
Is this course accredited?
Yes, this course is accredited by Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition, Respiratory Therapy, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Midwifery, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Massage Therapy, Dentistry, Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners - Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers, Nursing, Mental Health, Pharmacy, Physician - ACCME - 4 Hours. AchieveCE is an approved provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals.
Which professions is this course approved for?
This course is especially relevant for: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dietitian - Nutritionist, Speech-Language Pathology Intern, Certified Respiratory Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist - SA, Dietician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Audiologist, Osteopathic Area of Critical Need, Pharmacist, Medical Doctor, Social Worker Intern, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Speech-Language Pathologist Special Volunteer, Audiologist Special Volunteer, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Independent Social Worker, Midwife, Licensed Midwife, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Faculty Certificate, Osteopathic Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nurses, Athletic Trainer, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Dentist, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapist, Osteopathic Physician, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Intern, Licensed Masters Social Worker, Respiratory Therapist, Osteopathic Resident Registration, Master's Social Work, Respiratory Care Practitioner Critical Care, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Speech-Language Pathologist Ltd, Licensed Certified Social Worker, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Licensed Independent Social Worker Dual, Certified Nursing Assistant, Respiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical Care, Audiologist Intern, Registered Social Worker Assistant, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, Pharmacy Technician, Bachelor's Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Advanced Practice, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Clinical Practice, Speech-Language Pathologist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Dental Assistant, Audiology Assistant. Other healthcare professionals may also benefit from this continuing education content.
How do I report my CE credits after completing this course?
Your credits are automatically and instantly reported to CE Broker and CPE Monitor upon successful completion. No manual reporting is required on your part.
Will I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion immediately after finishing the course and passing the assessment. The certificate can be downloaded and printed directly from your account.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
How long do I have to complete this course?
You have unlimited time to complete the course at your own pace. Once purchased, the course is available in your account until its expiration date. You can pause and resume at any time.
Most helpful reviews
From licensed professionals who completed this course.
- Verified review
- Verified review
The course was very insightful and provided me with information I was not already aware of, knowledge that will assist in my handling of patients/clients with ASD.
- Verified review
this was an excellent course with in-depth discussion of various factors involved in thinking about and helping an autistic child
- Verified review
Interesting clinical perspectives. Offers alternate dx that are relevant, detailed, and necessary for those that dx and treat ASD. Great course!
Buy with confidence with money back guarantees

This course is guaranteed to meet or exceed your expectations for convenience and quality. View Terms

Includes all state CE requirements and hours needed for your license renewal. View Terms
Requirements & disclosures
Financial Disclosures
This educational activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support. The following individuals have indicated that they have no financial relationships with an ineligible company that may impact upon this activity:
John Villa, MD, FACEP, FAAFP - Faculty
Patricia Dunn, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC - Nurse Planner, Content Reviewer
Pete Kreckel, RPh - Pharmacist Planner
Marie Fluent DDS, CDIPC - Dentist Planner
Michelle Barrera – Planner
Luke Porter - Planner
Vicki Holder - Content Developer
Andrea Espiritu – Content Reviewer
Requirements for Credit
To earn credit, participants must complete the entire activity, score at least 70% on the post-test, and submit the activity evaluation. The post-test has no time limit and may be taken as many times as needed.
Hardware Requirements
Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.1+, iOS 10+, Android 4.3+
Software Requirements
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Acrobat Reader
Network Requirements
Broadband Internet Connection: T1, Hi-speed DSL or Cable4G cellular connection
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