HANDS HOUSE Model
This interactive training works thru the HANDS in Autism® Model (learn more about the Model at https://handsinautism.iu.edu/research/evidence-based/hands-model/index.html) with a behavior skills training approach customary to the Model.This innovative training offers activities and traditional instructional methods such as lectures and discussions, an emphasis of the training is building increased knowledge and skill in the process of making and supporting appropriate programming decisions for your child through hands-on application and learning. Both parents/caregivers and children are active participants across the training days facilitating a rich learning environment for all.
The training environment will provide exposure to a variety of associated behavioral, educational, and topic-specific examples through live observation, video samples, and scenario-based discussions and activities, as well as several opportunities for hands-on application and coaching.
What to Expect
Parents learn about content, have it modeled or apply it, and then gain feedback with emphases on home and community strategy implementation. Added discussion and emphases related to collaboration and service navigation support the full understanding for carrying out strategies post-training. Caregivers can attend with or without their child to gain direct application practice and coaching.
2026 Dates
- January 15, 22, 29, 2026, 9am-4pm EST -CLOSED
- March 24, 25, & 26, 2026, 9am-4pm EST -CLOSED
- October 28, 29, & 30, 2026, 9am-4pm EST
Location: At the HANDS Center (Bloomington) Or Virtually
Training topics build successively across each day using the HANDS in Autism® Model Training Curriculum, Framework and Process with the following focus per day:
- Day 1: Learning about diagnoses/eligibility; Setting the stage for success through physical and visual structure, schedules and work systems
- Day 2: Prompting strategies and understanding skill sets through assessment
- Day 3: Determining and implementing individualizing teaching across functional, social, academic and behavioral skills
A range of instructional methods are included to provide optimal learning and application, including:
- Online modules
- Traditional didactic instruction
- Small and large group discussions
- Observation of HANDS trainers interacting with youth with opportunity to practice and receive feedback on techniques and approaches introduced in training
Intended Audience
This training is appropriate for families and caregivers who support or provide care to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related social, communication and behavioral challenges. Child participants attending with a family member or caregiver will be within a common age range and have current social, communication and/or behavioral challenges.
Applications are taken on a first come, first serve basis. At the time of application, participants will have the ability to select between the options of parent(s)/caregiver(s) with children or parent only. All attempts will be made to honor these requests.
Cost
$750
This training is priced to provide a range of options for parents/caregivers with interest in participating. Options allow for attendance with or without your child as well as ability for additional parents/caregivers and/or more than one child to participate.
For further information or to discuss the best fit for your family/team, please feel free to connect with us at hands@iu.edu or 812-856-1600.
Scholarships and Future Trainings
Yes, partial scholarships through HANDS in Autism are available to qualifying participants.
Apply
Learning is important to effectively support individuals with ASD. To make learning accessible for families and professionals, we have created a resource list featuring grants for individuals and also have partial scholarships available with approved applications.
Refunds & Cancellations
The following is our cancellation policy that is applicable across all events:
All registrations are final, and no refunds or transfers will be issued. If you find that you are unable to attend a scheduled session, your registration fee may be applied to your attendance at a future session within the same calendar year if available by emailing hands@iu.edu or calling 812-856-1600 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the event.
