Skip to main content
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Practices for Health Providers

4 hours
Credits / Contact Hours
$30
This course included in
AchieveCEPlans

Save 70% or more with a membership

License Renewal Money Back Guarantee

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

30 Day Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee

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.

NB
Ngoneh B.
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.

YR
Yolanda R.
Verified review

this was an excellent course with in-depth discussion of various factors involved in thinking about and helping an autistic child

AD
Alice D.
Verified review

Interesting clinical perspectives. Offers alternate dx that are relevant, detailed, and necessary for those that dx and treat ASD. Great course!

JC
Julia C.
Verified review

Course

Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gain valuable insights into managing it effectively, improving the lives of individuals and families.

Nationally & state accredited

Nursing
Pharmacy
Physician - ACCME - 4 Hours

Course Features

Instant certificates
All required courses
7-day live chat & phone support
Auto reporting toCPE Monitor
Unlimited course attempts

What you'll learn

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe how autism may affect communication, sensory processing, behavior, cognition, social interaction, emotional regulation, and daily functioning across the lifespan.

  2. Differentiate Autism Spectrum Disorder from overlapping neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, language, intellectual, and trauma-related conditions.

  3. Recognize DSM-5/DSM-5-TR diagnostic domains and common clinical presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  4. Summarize established and emerging evidence regarding autism etiology, neurodevelopment, sensory processing, terminology, and clinical variability.

  5. 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

Release Date06/21/2026
Expiration Date06/21/2029
ACPE UAN0657-0000-26-035-H01-P 0657-0000-26-035-H01-T
CE Broker ID20-656094
AGD Number386503 | Course Code: 753
Activity TypeKnowledge-based
Activity FormatEnduring

Explore more continuing education topics


Instructor

avatar
John VillaMD, FACEP, FAAFP

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

Licensed Mental Health CounselorDietitian - NutritionistSpeech-Language Pathology InternCertified Respiratory TherapistSpeech-Language Pathologist - SADieticianOccupational Therapy AssistantAudiologistOsteopathic Area of Critical NeedPharmacistMedical DoctorSocial Worker InternSpeech-Language Pathology AssistantSpeech-Language Pathologist Special VolunteerAudiologist Special VolunteerLicensed Social WorkerLicensed Clinical Social WorkerCertified Master Social WorkerLicensed Independent Marriage and Family TherapistLicensed Independent Social WorkerMidwifeLicensed MidwifeRegistered Respiratory TherapistDental HygienistDoctor of OsteopathyDoctor of Osteopathic MedicineOsteopathic Faculty CertificateOsteopathic Physician AssistantRegistered Nurse PractitionerAdvanced Practice NursesAthletic TrainerOccupational TherapistPhysical Therapy AssistantLicensed Practical NurseLicensed Independent Clinical Social WorkerDentistRegistered NursePhysician AssistantPhysical TherapistOsteopathic PhysicianLicensed Mental Health Counselor InternLicensed Masters Social WorkerRespiratory TherapistOsteopathic Resident RegistrationMaster's Social WorkRespiratory Care Practitioner Critical CareRespiratory Care PractitionerSpeech-Language Pathologist LtdLicensed Certified Social WorkerLicensed Baccalaureate Social WorkerLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist InternLicensed Independent Social Worker DualCertified Nursing AssistantRespiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical CareAudiologist InternRegistered Social Worker AssistantLicensed Marriage and Family TherapistLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist SupervisorPharmacy TechnicianBachelor's Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Advanced PracticeLicensed Graduate Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Clinical PracticeSpeech-Language PathologistLicensed Massage TherapistDental AssistantAudiology Assistant

Accreditations

AchieveCE is an approved provider (Provider #50-20641) of continuing education for occupational therapy professionals.

  • Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

  • Florida Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Mississippi State Department of Health – Bureau of Professional Licensure for Occupational Therapists


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.

Read all reviews
  • Verified review
    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.
    Ngoneh B.
  • 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.
    Yolanda R.
  • Verified review
    this was an excellent course with in-depth discussion of various factors involved in thinking about and helping an autistic child
    Alice D.
  • Verified review
    Interesting clinical perspectives. Offers alternate dx that are relevant, detailed, and necessary for those that dx and treat ASD. Great course!
    Julia C.

Buy with confidence with money back guarantees

30 Day Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee

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

License Renewal Money Back Guarantee

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


AchieveCEPlans

Save 70% or more with a membership

My cart