Topeka professionals spread autism awareness

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Local autism officials are educating the public during Autism Awareness Month.

The first Kansas Autism Conference held by Easterseals Midwest and Caresource was held Wednesday. Autism professionals gathered at the Kansas Association of School Boards building in Topeka. The conference was open to caregivers, teachers and anyone looking to grow their knowledge about autism. 

KSNT 27 News spoke with Adam Christensen, Vice President of Programs for Easterseals for Easterseals Midwest about the unexpected turnout. 

"We're just excited to see everybody here," Christensen said. "It sold out with a few weeks to go, so we know we need to do this at least regularly - and I think we will stick to the spring. But excited to see more people come in."

Christensen said the company is launching a new program. The program is called Caregiver Skills Training (CST). It is nine weeks long and meets virtually once a week on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This course is free to caregivers in Missouri and Kansas with a child diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder ages ranging from 2 to 9 years old. Registration for CST is now open. According to Christensen, participants must have a stable internet connection due to the virtual meetings. 

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