Future Events

Autism Myths – Finding the Grain of Truth Behind Them

with Tracey Tasker
Thursday, August 13, 2026
12:00pm - 2:00pm (PDT) | Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

There are many myths surrounding autism that have been perpetuated through social media and word of mouth. Often, behind the myths, there is a grain of truth that can be uncovered and explain why the myth evolved.

More Information | Register Today

Partners in Progress: Caregiver Coaching in Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism

with Yue Yu, PhD

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
12:00pm-1:30pm (PDT) | Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

This presentation will provide an overview of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention using caregiver coaching in early intervention.

Participants will learn practical, collaborative strategies to support families of young children with autism and social communication delays.

More Information | Register Today

5 Language Activities to Coach Toddler Parents

with Marissa Ramos, M.A., CCC-SLP

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
12:00pm-2:00pm (PDT) | Virtual Event

ASL Interpretation Provided for this Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

Early intervention is most effective when parents are involved and having fun! In this 2-hour session, ASL/English bilingual SLP Marissa Ramos, M.A., CCC-SLP walks EI providers through 5 hands-on language activities designed to coach toddler parents. These 5 activities require only household items and can be used during everyday routines with toddlers, making them more effective at teaching toddlers new words.

Marissa will show you best practices for incorporating gestures and signs into language intervention, including which words to target first, implementation strategies, and how to involve the whole family in the process.

More Information | Register Today

Announcements

Federal Issues: Head Start Proposed Changes and Department of Education

The Administration’s, "Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access", newly released proposed rule would eliminate important Head Start and Early Head Start requirements that are essential to get, and keep, babies on track. It would eliminate child-to-staff ratios that keep children safe as well as certain services for pregnant and postpartum moms, mental health services and many other comprehensive supports that make Head Start and Early Head Start one of the nation’s most effective programs.

NAEYC’s statement: Oppose proposed regulations to Head Start
Trump administration unveils major Head Start overhaul. Read more here

Lowering the Bar: An Analysis of How Replacing Head Start Standards with State Child Care Licensing Weakens Early Learning Across the United States | The Children's Equity Project

More Information

Update on DDS Proposal - Equitable Access to Intake and Services

Posted: 8/11/2026

CA. Trailer Bill – On 8/5/26 the Assembly Budget Committee #2 on Human Services held a hearing on the proposed Equitable Access to Intake and Services [view here]

The Department of Developmental Services has introduced this proposal Fact Sheet as part of this year's trailer bill process. This policy proposal was postponed to allow for additional input before a final action was taken.

Advocates and legislators at the hearing raised concerns over the process being proposed to change the Intake process while still using a 50-year-old tool, Client Evaluation Development Report (CDER). Read more HERE