Webinars

Duration: 90 minutes

In a Manner of Speaking: Autism, Speaking and Writing

Supporting the academic achievement of autistic students has never been more important. Despite the vast heterogeneity in autistic profiles, there are some common patterns of academic strengths and challenges, as well as a growing understanding of how to develop those strengths and address the challenges. Join board-certified educational therapist Diana Black Kennedy to explore common cognitive and academic patterns of the autistic students in your private practice or classroom, and to learn about the current understanding of how best to meet their academic needs.

Attendees will be able to:

1. Describe characteristic cognitive profiles in autism and their impact on speaking and writing.
2. Identify patterns of strengths and challenges in expressive language frequently observed among autistic students.
3. Explain effective instructional strategies and supports that build on the strengths and address the challenges in speaking and writing for autistic learners.

Presenter Bio: 
Diana Black Kennedy is a board-certified educational therapist with a thriving private practice in Marin County, California. Her extensive classroom experience spans second grade through high school; rural, urban and suburban settings; and public and private schools. Since 2009, she has worked one-on-one as an Educational Therapist with a wide range of diverse, unique, wonderful students, including those with learning disabilities and neurodivergences, those who are gifted and talented, and those who are twice exceptional. She has taught Structured Literacy I and II at the UCSC-extension Educational Therapy certificate program since 2019 and in 2026 became its Program Chair. She presents and provides professional development nationally and internationally. Diana holds a Certificate in Educational Therapy from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Graduate Certificate in Autism from the University of Kansas, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's Degree in English Literature from Indiana University, Bloomington. She writes a blog about education at www.MindSparkLearning.com.

Presenter Disclosure: The presenter will receive an honorarium from AET. There are no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

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Complaint Procedures for CE Courses
Procedures for Cancellation and Substitution

Participants seeking ASHA CEUs are required to attend all instructional sessions. Virtual participation will be verified using the video conferencing access log. Learners must also complete the course evaluation within 14 days of the workshop. ASHA CEUs will be reported directly to ASHA for learners who meet these requirements. When you provide your ASHA ID number to our staff or volunteers, you authorize AET to report ASHA CEUs for this course on your behalf.

Duration: 60 minutes

Paper Trails & Peace of Mind: Legal Documentation for Private Practice

Panelist Bios: 
Tim Adams is the President and CEO of Adams & Associates APLC, a disability rights law firm. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He is admitted to practice as an attorney in California, in the United States District Courts—Central, Southern and Eastern Districts of California, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Supreme Court. He has served as an adjunct professor and Associate Director of the Special Education Advocacy Clinic, Pepperdine University School of Law.

Panelist Disclosure: Tim Adams receives compensation from Adams & Associates APLC and will receive a complimentary general membership in AET for one year. There are no relevant non-financial relationships.

Sarah Baum is a non-attorney special education advocate and the owner of Empower You Advocacy, LLC. She brings years of public education experience to her current role, having served as an Education Specialist. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has facilitated countless IEP meetings, seeing firsthand the ins and outs of the special education process. Additionally, she currently provides support to Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) assessors by guiding the assessment process and adding recommendations for supplementary aids and services to reports, based on data analysis and knowledge of resources in the school setting.

Panelist Disclosure: Sarah Baum receives compensation from Empower You Advocacy, LLC, and will receive a complimentary general membership in AET for one year. There are no relevant non-financial relationships.

Meldie Moore is an education and adoption attorney who is motivated by a commitment to and compassion for helping children and families. Meldie Moore received her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1994 and obtained a Masters in Law at Chapman University School of Law in 2009.

Panelist Disclosure: Meldie Moore receives compensation from Moore Law for Children and will receive a complimentary general membership in AET for one year. There are no relevant non-financial relationships.

Moderator Disclosure: Karen Lerner has no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.

Complaint Procedures for CE Courses
Procedures for Cancellation and Substitution

Participants seeking ASHA CEUs are required to attend all instructional sessions. Virtual participation will be verified using the video conferencing access log. Learners must also complete the course evaluation within 14 days of the workshop. ASHA CEUs will be reported directly to ASHA for learners who meet these requirements. When you provide your ASHA ID number to our staff or volunteers, you authorize AET to report ASHA CEUs for this course on your behalf.

Duration: 90 minutes

The Journey of an ET Panel Discussion

Educational therapy is a career defined by growth, reflection, and resilience. This panel brings together five educational therapists at distinct points in their professional journeys to explore the evolving nature of the work.

Our panelists include a retiring ET, a school-based ET, an ET who transitioned from solo to group practice, an ET who’s starting private practice, and an ET who took medical leave. Through shared stories and honest conversation, this session invites fellow educational therapists to reflect on their own paths — to see what growth can look like at different stages, to normalize change and challenge, and to take away insights that support a sustainable, meaningful professional life.

Duration: 56 minutes

Helping Students Access College Disability Services: A Guide for Educational Therapists

(Free, but an AET donation is recommended)

This webinar will share the differences between high school and college disability support systems, the range of accommodations available to students, and the step-by-step process for securing those accommodations in higher education. Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies to better prepare neurodiverse students for independence, including building self-advocacy, executive functioning, and organizational skills. Educational therapists will also gain concrete tools — such as conversation prompts and documentation guidance — that can be applied immediately in their practice to support both students and families.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how IDEA, Section 504, and ADA protections shift responsibility from schools to students in college
• Identify the most common academic, housing, dining, and technology accommodations available in higher education
• Coach students in essential transition skills, including self-advocacy, communication with professors, and executive functioning strategies.

Presenter Bio: Susana Thengvall is an Assistant Director and Disability Specialist at the University of San Francisco’s Student Disability Services, where she supports neurodiverse students in accessing equitable learning opportunities. With a Master’s in Educational Counseling from USC and experience in higher education disability services, she is passionate about empowering students to recognize their strengths and thrive in college.

Disclosure: Financial – The presenter is employed by the University of San Francisco and receives a salary. Non-financial – No relevant relationships to disclose.

Complaint Procedures for CE Courses
Procedures for Cancellation and Substitution

ASHA: Credit is awarded to participants who attend for at least 55 minutes. Learners must also complete the course evaluation after the webinar. CEUs will be reported directly to ASHA upon the conclusion of the webinar. When you provide your ASHA ID number to our staff or volunteers, you authorize AET to report CEUs for this course on your behalf.

Duration: 90 minutes

Ed Therapy for Adult Clients - A Panel Discussion

Are you an educational therapist curious about working with adult learners? Don't miss this powerful panel discussion featuring three experienced ETs who specialize in supporting adults through learning and life transitions.

Resources PDF