Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO connects individuals and their comprehensive care system to subject matter experts for regular real-time collaborative sessions to advance learning and practice in serving individuals and their families.
About the Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO
2026 Live Series/Sessions (Fridays at noon ET):
To participate as a subject matter expert, panelist, case presenter and/or general participant, register here:
Register
In 2024, the focus of the Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO (DD and ASD ECHO) has broadened to include topics that are applicable to not only Healthcare Providers but also Individuals, Caregivers, Community Providers, Educators, Justice Personnel.
Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO Series are available on IU Expand
Our Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO Series recordings are available on IU Expand. Micro credentialing and badging are also available. Click here for steps to register for a free account in order to access the recordings.
Learn more about the Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO:
Equipping and supporting individuals and their comprehensive care system to improve accessibility and quality of care for individuals with ASD and/or DD through the provision of a tele-mentoring program.
We intend to systematically develop and facilitate a culturally responsive tele-mentoring program that employs a data-driven, community-engaged curriculum aimed to improve:
- Knowledge of DD and/or ASD among individuals and their comprehensive care system
- Perceptions and attitudes towards care of patients with DD and/or ASD among individuals and their comprehensive care system
- Pedagogy (i.e., use of terminology and recommendations rooted in EBPs) among individuals and their comprehensive care system
- Accessibility of care and services
- Quality of care and services for individuals with DD and/or ASD
- Provider (i.e., training and service) and individuals (i.e., service) satisfaction
- Accessibility, usability and feasibility of changes among individuals and their comprehensive care system
- Adoption, penetration and sustainability of changes among individuals and their comprehensive care system
The Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO is based on the Project ECHO ™ model that aims to share best practices and amplify training impact with outcomes monitored through a web-based database. The model serves to maintain responsibility for care and management of individuals with local comprehensive care system who are guided and mentored by specialists delivering curriculum topics and peers and panelists offering insights on the cases presented.
You will join our team of interdisciplinary experts and other participant learners over a teleconferencing platform, where you will engage in case-based learning and mentorship through discussion of real cases from learner practices.
Typical sessions follow the following general sequence:
To participate, you will need:
- Internet access (preferably high-speed to enable uninterrupted video conferencing)
- Laptop or desktop preferred as it will allow you see shared documents. However, a hand-held device can work as well!
- A front-facing camera on smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Here is the ECHO session overview:
The ECHO model provides individuals and their comprehensive care system with mentorship in advances in DD and/or ASD across the lifespan by leading professionals. Together, we will address the most routine to the more complex cases as a community of practice with practical ideas for immediate application without individuals and their comprehensive care system having to wait long periods or travel long distances to seek this information from other specialists.
Explore resources created by ECHO members, including
- Anxiety
- Sleep
- Tips for newly diagnosed
- Tips for employers
- and more!
The Hands in Autism® ECHO network is built upon established research demonstrating that virtual communities of practice and expert-guided telementoring can enhance professional knowledge, increase confidence in implementation, and improve access to specialized support. Through participation in ECHO sessions, learners engage in collaborative problem-solving, case-based discussions, and the exchange of evidence-based practices that support meaningful outcomes across diverse settings.
Scholarly References
Citations:
Thumu, M., Neal, T., Gottipati, M., & Swiezy, N. (2024). Evaluating the factors influencing HANDS ECHO participant feasibility and enthusiasm for implementing evidence-based strategies across diverse settings. Presented at the Spring 2024 Poster Session, HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis
Kamisetti, E. P., Neal, T., Gottipati, M., & Swiezy, N. (2024). Exploring participants sources, preferences, and needs for HANDS Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO tele-mentoring program. Presented at the Spring 2024 Poster Session, HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis
Alluri, D. S., Neal, T., Gottipati, M., & Swiezy, N. (2024). Analyzing participants demographics, distribution and engagement for the HANDS Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism ECHO tele-mentoring program. Presented at the Summer 2024 Poster Session, HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis
Pancholi, K. J., Neal, T., Gottipati, M., & Swiezy, N. (2024). Analyzing gender distribution of HANDS ECHO participants. Presented at the Spring 2024 Poster Session, HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis.
Echo Advisory Members
- Levy Grant is a Ph.D. candidate with personal, parental, and professional experiences with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
- Marissa Pangle, MA, CSE, is the founder of Independent Pathways & Divergent Dating. She is also an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator. She is an unapologetically autistic herself and interdisciplinary educator and clinician working at the intersection of behavior analysis, clinical sexology, and neurodivergent-centered education.
- Sarah Reaves, MS, CCC-SLP, Franklin Township Community School Corporation
Focus Area: Supporting school staff and families with evidence-based strategies and resources for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Tabitha Zeigler is a humanist, advocate, parent, and community member that believes that everyone is worthy of dignity, care, and respect
Thank you for allowing me to participate. Hands in Autism is a positive force in our state, supporting families, students, and schools.
-Former ECHO Panellist.