Ochsner Hospital for Children Hosts Educational Webinars For Parents and Caregivers During Autism Acceptance Month

NEW ORLEANS, La. – One in every 44 children in the United States is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder – a neurodevelopment disorder ranging in severity and symptoms that impacts how an individual socializes and perceives others. In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, Ochsner Hospital for Children is offering a series of no-cost, educational webinars for parents and caretakers.

Schedule of webinars includes:

Monday, April 11 from 12 – 1 PM CST

Toilet Training Your Child

Featuring Addie Andrus, BCBA

Tuesday, April 19 from 12 – 1 PM CST

Strategies to Encourage Engagement in Daily Routines or Activities

Featuring Dr. Nicole Lasserre, PhD, BCBA-D

Wednesday, April 20 from 12 – 1 PM CST

How to Help Your Child Communicate

Featuring Jessica Houte, Speech Pathologist

Monday, April 25 from 12 – 1 PM CST

Neurodiversity and a Strengths-based Approach to Autism

Featuring Dr. Claire Burns, PhD

Tuesday, April 26 from 12 – 1 PM CST

Behavioral Supports to Help Kids Sleep

Featuring Sally Guidry, BCBA

Community members can register by visiting: https://calendar.ochsner.org/cal/month/2022/04

“A diagnosis of Autism is the first step toward providing your child and family with the appropriate supports. Our team has seen firsthand how early intervention and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder combined with continued support for the child and family can improve a child’s development. If you have questions about your child’s development, we strongly encourage parents to speak to your pediatrician about any concerns,” said Lee Ann Annotti, PhD, a licensed child psychologist and clinic coordinator for the Autism Assessment Clinic at the Boh Center for Child Development at Ochsner Hospital for Children.

Early signs a child may need assessment for suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder include:

• Language: Delayed language skills or use language in ways that are atypical, such as repeating words or phrases.
• Social Interaction: Reduced or no eye contact and/or a preference to be alone or appears withdrawn or appears to not understand social cues and boundaries.
• Play: Play doesn’t use imagination, may involve only using a toy for its function or using a toy in a restricted or repetitive manner.
• Fixations: May stick to rigid routines or sameness and/or have difficulty with transitions.
• Motor Activities: May display behaviors that appear odd or purposeless, like flapping hands, pacing in circles, or rocking back and forth.

“Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the most prevalent pediatric developmental disabilities. At Ochnser Hospital for Children, we are committed to serving pediatric patients both here in Louisiana and across the Gulf South,” said William Lennarz, MD, system chair of pediatrics, Ochsner Hospital for Children.

With a footprint spanning the state of Louisiana and into Mississippi, Ochsner Hospital for Children has offered exceptional pediatric care for more than 75 years. Ochsner Hospital for Children brings high quality pediatric care close to home, reducing barriers to healthcare – a key component of Ochsner’s 10-year vision to transform Louisiana into a healthier state by 2030. Ochsner Hospital for Children has an established pediatric emergency department in New Orleans, La., and recently opened pediatric super-clinics at the Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove in Baton Rouge, La., and Ochsner Health Center for Children – River Chase in Covington, La.

For more information about Ochsner Hospital for Children, please visit www.ochsner.org/pediatrics.

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 34,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 40 hospitals and more than 300 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.