Thursday, September 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Friday, September 18, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time
Early Identification of Autism for Pediatric Providers: STAT and ASD PEDS in Primary Care
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Autism Institute (TRIAD) invites pediatric medical providers to participate in an enhanced training program designed to support the integration of autism screening and diagnostic consultation procedures within community practice.
This training is appropriate for pediatricians, advanced practice nurses, and other pediatric professionals who conduct or support autism assessment in community settings.
Building on the success of previous STAT MD workshops, this expanded STAT + ASD PEDS training equips pediatric clinicians to conduct time sensitive, autism focused assessments within their own clinics. The workshop includes core STAT MD content while adding broader diagnostic topics, supplemental tools, and practical implementation strategies. New components address common challenges, caregiver communication, and post diagnosis care planning.
Our updated 1.5 day virtual format maintains a focus on early autism identification for children ages 18–36 months, while providing greater flexibility and stronger practical grounding—making it easier for providers to integrate these skills into everyday practice.
Workshop Components Include:
- Conducting interactive, play based assessment using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers (STAT)
- Performing developmentally sensitive caregiver interviews
- Introduction to supplemental tools supporting within practice assessment and diagnosis (e.g., ASD PEDS, CARS 2)
- Case reviews and structured group discussion
- Forming diagnostic impressions using integrated clinical information
- Communicating effectively with families and addressing common scenarios
- Identifying and utilizing appropriate billing and coding procedures
- Practical implementation strategies, including guidance on documentation, clinic workflow, and post diagnosis care coordination
Join us to build practical skills, expand your diagnostic toolkit, and connect with colleagues dedicated to improving early autism identification and care within primary care settings.
About the Program
This program was developed in collaboration with TRIAD, the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP), and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center LEND program. It supports AAP recommendations for autism specific screening at 18 and 24 months.
Despite widespread screening, many families experience 6–12 month waits for diagnostic evaluation and early intervention after a positive screen. The STAT + ASD PEDS program equips pediatric clinicians to incorporate efficient, focused diagnostic consultation into their own practices, helping address this gap. The training also provides practical strategies for overcoming common implementation challenges in community settings.
Evidence from past STAT MD–based models shows that primary care clinicians can accurately identify approximately three quarters of young children referred for autism evaluation. Tiered community approaches—where PCPs evaluate clear presentations and refer more complex cases to specialists—have been shown to reduce wait times and improve timely access to care.
STAT/ASD-PEDS Presenters
Jeffrey Hine, Ph.D., BCBA
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Tori Foster, Ph.D., BCBA
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Amy Swanson, M.A., CCRP
Manager, STAT Development & Training
Zachary Warren, Ph.D.
Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, & Special Education
Program Coordinator
For more information, contact Amy Swanson, MA, at amy.r.swanson@vumc.org or (615) 322-6533.
Workshop Fee
$300
Note: we cannot process POs or take checks.
Registration
Click the registration link above to be directed to the online registration.
Objectives
After participating in this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Identify the core features of ASD in young children.
- List developmental risk markers for ASD in young children.
- Identify a framework for initiating community-based services for families of young children with ASD.
- Score elements of the STATTM that can be used as part of an overall office-based assessment for ASD.
- Conduct a developmentally sensitive caregiver interview.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources to assist differential diagnosis of ASD in young children.
- Determine likelihood for autism based on case examples of STAT assessment, parent interview, and medical record review.
- Communicate diagnostic impressions and STAT results to parent(s).
- Explain how to code for the above services.
Continuing Education
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Vanderbilt University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 13.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Americans with Disabilities Act
It is the policy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center not to discriminate against any person on the basis of disabilities. If you feel you need services or auxiliary aids mentioned in the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to fully participate in this continuing education activity, please contact the Office for Continuous Professional Development (OCPD) to request assistance.
Commercial Support
This activity received no commercial support.
Financial Disclosures
VUMC CE activities are compliant with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in accredited continuing education. Any individual in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including but not limited to planners and faculty, are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations. All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated before this activity started.
