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UNB College of Extended Learning providing education opportunities for clinical supervisors and autism support workers

An estimated 1 in 165 Canadian children are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)*. The University of New Brunswick’s College of Extended Learning (UNB CEL) is working to lessen the impact on New Brunswick families by providing ongoing education opportunities to clinical supervisors, autism support workers, consultants, resources teachers and teacher assistants who work with those living with ASD. “Parents of children with autism are searching for ways to help their children overcome the obstacles that come along with ASD,” said Lloyd Henderson, executive director of UNB CEL. “Providing programs and ongoing training for those who work directly with people with ASD, leaves these professionals better prepared to offer the best autism support to families of children living with ASD.” It is critical that therapists and clinicians are adequately trained to implement teaching and intervention services with expertise. The Autism Intervention Training (AIT) provides effective techniques for professionals who work with preschool children living with ASD. The training is offered at various locations in New Brunswick. Recently, after researching various AIT programs, the province of Saskatchewan selected UNB to provide the Autism Spectrum Disorder Intervention Training program to consultants and autism support workers with the Saskatchewan Department of Health. “People living with ASD need a community of support around them,” said Adrian Doucette, a workshop participant, and resource teacher and autism consultant for District 8 in Saint John. “With this training, we as professionals are able to offer education, encouragement, and relief to families who face ASD every day.” For more information please visit the UNB College of Extended Learning website. For interview requests, please contact: Trisha Fournier-Hoyt Program Director, CEL UNB College of Extended Learning 506-458-7616 trishafh@unb.ca *Autism Society Canada: “What is Autism Spectrum Disorder”, online.