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TRIAD Families First Program

TRIAD’s Families First Program is a free program for caregivers of young children (ages 2-7) newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary goal is to equip caregivers with practical tools to support their child, to provide resources to more easily apply strategy and planning ideas, and to give caregivers an opportunity to meet other caregivers with similar questions or concerns. For more information about the Families First Program, please review our recent 10-year summary [PDF].

See below for what we are offering at this time. VUMC COVID restrictions will be in place. In-person workshops subject to cancellation. Additional virtual resources can be found here.

Spring Schedule  ▼

  • Fri., Feb. 18, 2022
    Enhancing Social Engagement During Daily Routines [Virtual]
    12-1:00 pm CST
  • Fri., March 11, 2022*
    Developing Successful Sleep Habits [In-person]
    6-8:00 pm CST
  • Fri., March 18, 2022
    Developing Successful Sleep Habits [Virtual]
    11:30 am-12:30 pm CST
  • Sat., April 30, 2022*
    Improving Mealtime Routines [In-person]
    9:00 am–12:00 pm CST
  • Sat., May 21, 2022*
    Creating Visual Supports: Make-it Take-it Lab [In-person]
    9:00 am–12:00 pm CST

*Due to continued restrictions, childcare will not be offered at in-person workshops.

Registration is required. Virtual log-in and in-person location information will be provided once you have registered. In-person workshops will be held in Nashville, TN.

Spanish interpretation available at all events. Interpretación en español disponible en todos los eventos.

Quick Tip Videos  ▼

Families First will highlight a topic of interest each month, with new resources posted the first Friday of each month.

We want to hear your questions! Please submit questions for our experts to our anonymous link and we will answer them in our Ask an Expert segment at the end of the month: https://redcap.link/NOV_FFexpert

Toilet Training Readiness [November 5, 2021]

Promote an Idea [October 1, 2021]


Building An Effective Team [August 6, 2021]


Back into the Community [July 3, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - July


Toilet Training [May 7, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - May


Teaching Social Communication Skills! [April 2, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - April


Making Engagement F.U.N. [March 5, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - March


Creating a Visual Schedule [February 5, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - February


Setting up for Success [January 8, 2021]

View Ask an Expert - January

Archived Online Resources  ▼

Previous webinar recordings and quick tip videos are available here organized by topic. Webinars are posted as they’re completed so continue to check back for new updates.

Online Education Portal  ▼

TRIAD offers free Brief Online Training Sessions (BOTS) to provide information on evidence-based practices for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Check our online learning portal to access these free trainings and resources on topics designed for parents and other caregivers! To access, register at: triad.vkclearning.org following the instructions below. If you already have an online learning account login here.

  1. Go to triad.vkclearning.org
  2. Create a free account by clicking on "Register." You will create a username and password. Fill out the form and select "TRIAD" under the doorway. You will receive an email verification. Once you do, click the link to verify your account and log in.
  3. Click on "Caregivers" to access the Caregiver Training Modules or on another category to access other BOTs.
  4. Click "open" for the series you would like to watch.
  5. Click "launch" for the training you want to watch and enjoy!

Need help?

Contact Information

Local: (615) 322-7565
Toll-free: (877) ASD-VUMC (273-8862)
E-mail: familiesfirst@vumc.org

⇦ Return to TRIAD services for families of children with autism