January 23, 2026: Navigating Difficult Conversations: Recommending Autism Evaluations with Compassion and Clarity

Session Description

This session will explore challenges around conversations about recommending autism evaluations, for both providers and families, highlighting key relational and systemic factors that influence these discussions. Participants will learn about compassionate, strengths-based communication strategies and effective tools and language that build trust, validate family emotions, reduce stigma, and support collaborative, informed decision-making.

Presenter: Sylvia Call, Autism Services Director, Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (URLEND) Trainee | Heather Hewitt, Doctoral Candidate in Special Education, Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (URLEND) Trainee

Session Materials

Session Presentation: Navigating Difficult Conversations

Case Presentation

1.23.2026 Case Discussion Notes:

Case Discussions require editing that can take 1-2 weeks. Thank you for your patience.