Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism (ISLEA)
Members of the autistic community aim to achieve full and productive lives and deserve to be understood for their unique abilities. Many efforts to support, serve, and include autistic individuals provide a limited perspective of the complexities of autism, or perpetuate outdated myths about the ways autistic people experience the world.
This program is designed to debunk common myths, explore recent scientific findings, and gain insight into the lived experience of those with autism. Its goal is to provide professionals in education, health, and human services (e.g., direct support professionals, 1:1 aides, nurses) with the knowledge they need to engage more effectively and humanely with members of the autistic community. Family members and caregivers of autistic individuals are also encouraged to enroll. Topics covered include clinical features of autism, managing stressful events, double empathy, social relationships, neurodiversity, and autistic culture.
ISLEA is co-taught by instructors with research/clinical expertise and lived experience, exemplifying the principle of “Nothing about us, without us.”
This program is designed to debunk common myths, explore recent scientific findings, and gain insight into the lived experience of those with autism. Its goal is to provide professionals in education, health, and human services (e.g., direct support professionals, 1:1 aides, nurses) with the knowledge they need to engage more effectively and humanely with members of the autistic community. Family members and caregivers of autistic individuals are also encouraged to enroll. Topics covered include clinical features of autism, managing stressful events, double empathy, social relationships, neurodiversity, and autistic culture.
ISLEA is co-taught by instructors with research/clinical expertise and lived experience, exemplifying the principle of “Nothing about us, without us.”
Duration: July 21-September 15, 2025
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 21-September 15, 2025, 6:00-6:30 PM ET
Cost:$975 (group rates available; tuition remission available for qualified Drexel employees)
Microcredential Granted Upon Completion
For group rates or tuition remission, email the training team.
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 21-September 15, 2025, 6:00-6:30 PM ET
Cost:$975 (group rates available; tuition remission available for qualified Drexel employees)
Microcredential Granted Upon Completion
For group rates or tuition remission, email the training team.
Last Day to Register: May 2
Learning Concepts:
ISLEA participants will:
Format:
ISLEA is 30-hour, fully online training, alternating between 30-minute live (learn with the instructors and other trainees) and 30-45 minute on-demand (learn on your own time) learning sessions.
ISLEA participants will:
- Develop a deeper, more reflective and empathic way of caring for autistic individuals,
- Learn ways to work more effectively with people across the autism spectrum,
- Gain a better understanding of the science and lived experience of autism, thereby reducing stress and burnout.
Format:
ISLEA is 30-hour, fully online training, alternating between 30-minute live (learn with the instructors and other trainees) and 30-45 minute on-demand (learn on your own time) learning sessions.
The upcoming ISLEA Cohort will be taught by Jared Richards, MS and China Parenteau, BA.
Jared Richards, MS
ISLEA Instructor they/any BIO
Jared is a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral candidate at Drexel University. They have experience working with autistic individuals spanning in age from early childhood to adulthood within a variety of research and clinical settings. Their primary interests are largely focused on social and emotional factors related to wellbeing at the intersection of neurodevelopmental conditions (especially autism) and co-occurring mental health problems (e.g., depression). They are particularly interested in identifying and filling service gaps faced autistic individuals across the lifespan (especially in adolescence and adulthood), in part by promoting epistemic justice for autistic people (e.g., participatory research on community-derived constructs and priorities), as well as by adapting and personalizing evidence-based interventions to better support autistic individuals' unique mental health needs and goals. They are also passionate about disseminating information about autism to professional and lay audiences, and they look forward to serving as an ISLEA instructor. |
China Parenteau, BA
ISLEA Instructor she/her/hers |
Interested in ISLEA? Click the button below to register! Registration is now open and closes July 11, 2025.
For more information about ISLEA, click "Request Information" and complete the form.
The SCTL team will follow up with you.
The SCTL team will follow up with you.
