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Autism: Considerations for Health Care Professionals
Course Overview
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodivergence and social model disability that is estimated to affect millions of Americans. Review the diagnostic challenges and tools, and explore best practices in providing quality, patient-centered care to autistic patients.
Course Information
Course Description
Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence that can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and responses to changes in routine. Because every autistic patient has a distinct combination of abilities and support needs, effective care requires flexibility and an individualized approach. This course reviews autism’s characteristics, diagnostic process, screening tools, co-occurring conditions, and the value of early identification and support. Learners will also examine practical ways to make medical visits more accessible.

Medical assistants will explore how clear language, additional response time, visual prompts, advance preparation, sensory adjustments, and patient-centered workflows can reduce barriers and support safer, more respectful health care encounters.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Describe common characteristics of autism and how they may vary among patients.
  • Explain the difference between developmental screening and a comprehensive autism evaluation.
  • Identify communication, sensory, and environmental factors that may affect medical visits.
  • Recognize common co-occurring health conditions that may require additional support.
  • Apply individualized strategies that promote accessible, respectful, and patient-centered care.
Course Contributors
Mark Harris
Author, "Autism: Considerations for Health Care Professionals".
Intended Audience
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, practice managers, allied health professionals, and ambulatory care staff who support autistic children or adults. It offers practical strategies for patient intake, scheduling, vital signs, specimen collection, clinical procedures, communication, and office-wide preparation.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $30.00
Nonmember: $45.00
CEU Offered:
3 Gen/Clin CEUs
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