Elaine Gabovitch, MPA, an autism advocate at UMass Medical School, will discuss how a family-centered approach can assist in identifying delays at the Division for Early Childhood’s Institute on Family Engagement in Early Childhood Special Education March 16 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough.
Conversations about concerns with a child’s development, including the possibility of autism spectrum disorder, can be difficult for both parents and providers. Gabovitch will discuss how a family-centered approach may help in “Seeking the Key that Unlocks the Door: Partnering with Parents through the Early Identification Process.” The 8:45 a.m. presentation will include materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign.
Gabovitch is family faculty in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program at UMass Medical School’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, and an instructor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. She also is the Massachusetts Act Early ambassador, as well as State Team Leader for the Massachusetts Act Early Program.
DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and other special needs and their families.