ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), an online child care training provider dedicated exclusively to the early care and education workforce, offers new users the trial course SPN101: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders at no cost during April, in recognition of “National Autism Awareness Month.”

The term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental brain disorders exhibiting a variety of symptoms and levels of impairment. ASD can affect a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and communicate with others. SPN101 introduces ASD and the characteristics of children who are diagnosed with various disorders within this group. The course also offers classroom strategies that support students with various types of ASD, as well as ways in which educators can support and work with families.

“Given the increasing rate of ASD diagnosis, this training provides tremendous benefits to child care professionals by better preparing them to include and accommodate all children in their care,” says Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI.

SPN101 is available at no cost to trial users and account holders with an active, annual individual or center-based subscription. This course is also available for purchase through online enrollment at cceionline.edu.