A Milestone Event: Over 1,000 Attendees Came Together for an Unforgettable Experience!
We are thrilled to share that the ECHO Autism Communities Symposium was a resounding success,
bringing together more than 1,000 participants for a day filled with inspiration and learning. From insightful
presentations to meaningful panel group discussions, the event was truly inspiring.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, as well as to the incredible presenters and
panelists who generously shared their insights, perspectives, and expertise. Your contributions made this
event truly unforgettable!
Exciting content coming your way! Stay tuned as we upload videos and digital recordings from the
event—soon to be available on our website (echoautism.org). Don’t miss out on the inspiring moments and
key insights—keep an eye out for updates!
Partner Launch Training – Class of February 2024
Last February, we hosted another Spanish Partner Launch Training, welcoming a new group of dedicated professionals eager to bring ECHO Autism to their communities in Latin America. Over two days, participants from across the region connected, shared experiences, and gained the tools to launch their own programs. The enthusiasm and commitment were inspiring—every new partner represents a step toward a more inclusive and informed system of care, and we are thrilled to collaborate with every one of them in this shared mission.
“ECHO Autism Live” at the 3rd Congress by Autismo Puebla
The 3rd Congress, hosted by our partner in Mexico, Autismo Puebla, showcased the profound impact of community- driven change, emphasizing the strength and unity that fuel progress. Experts, families, and advocates came together to discuss the latest advancements in autism care, and we were honored to contribute by hosting a live ECHO Autism session as part of this impactful event. Engaging directly with professionals on-site, we saw firsthand how these conversations spark new ideas, partnerships, and solutions. These moments—where knowledge transforms into action—are the catalysts for real change.
ECHO Autism Program Launches
A New PROTECTEA Cohort Begins in 2025
For years, PROTECTEA has been equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to improve autism care. Now, we’re gearing up for a new cohort in 2025, bringing another group of specialists into this vital training program. Each cohort strengthens the network of professionals working to close gaps in early identification and intervention in Argentina and beyond. We’re excited to see the impact this program is having for so many Latin American communities.
Replication
Congratulations to the following ECHO Autism Communities partners for successful launches!
IOWA DSP
The University of Iowa’s ECHO for Direct Support Professionals was designed for those who care for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental illness, medical
conditions, and/or challenging behaviors. Sessions were held twice a week for 75 minutes from September
through December and offered CME credits. The program’s overall goals were to equip participants with the
knowledge to provide care for individuals with IDD and complex needs in community settings, enhance
awareness of the complexities within the healthcare system, and deepen understanding of the causes and
treatment of challenging behaviors in individuals with IDD — and much more!
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY
The ECHO Autism for Educators program launched in September 2024, aiming to build a community of
general educators equipped to support the learning and behavior of students on the autism spectrum. Eligible
participants included general education teachers (PK-12) working with students on the spectrum. The series
consisted of eight sessions, running from September through December 2024. Excitingly, a second series is
set to run this spring!
THE SMILE A WHILE FOUNDATION
ECHO Autism Jamaica is the first ECHO Autism program in Jamaica! Launching in March 2025, this pilot
program is designed for teachers working with students in both general and special education classrooms.
The eight-session series is a collaboration between the Mico University College C.A.R.E. Centre and several
schools. ECHO Autism Jamaica’s primary goal is to reduce disparities in general education by enhancing educators’ self-efficacy to deliver effective, evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions for autistic children.
NHS ENGLAND – MIDLANDS
The team has launched the second series of ECHO Autism: Behavioral Solutions in Hospital, with a particular
focus on eating. This series targets inpatient staff in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Tier 4 (T4) wards, where multidisciplinary teams provide comprehensive care for young people. The team has
partnered with several hospitals, each running its own ECHO program. These cohorts operate on different
days and times over a six-month period. The overall aim is to improve the understanding of and responses to
behavioral communication (especially that related to food) in autistic children and young people on child and
adolescent mental health service inpatient wards. Another goal is to embed the ECHO model into practice,
enabling hospitals to use it for upskilling and educating staff while fostering stronger relationships.
