Function First: Supporting Sensory Needs in Early Childhood Autism

Title: Function First: Supporting Sensory Needs in Early Childhood Autism

Summary: This virtual session will connect the dots between autism, sensory challenges, and effective treatment in early childhood settings. By taking a functional approach to behavior, we can unpack why it might be occurring and successfully modify the environment (which includes our own adult behavior) to affect positive outcomes. The session will begin with an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the vast differences in presentation depending on whether an individual presents with or without an intellectual disability or other comorbid condition. We will then contextualize sensory challenges associated with ASD and discuss how these might contribute to challenging behavior. Using available data and narrative case studies, we will outline trends in autism prevalence across Head Start Region 7 states, as well as the empirical basis for early intervention. Finally, we will cover environmental modifications to minimize sensory issues and challenging behavior with a specific emphasis on differentiation between cohorts of 0-3 and 3-5 year-olds. 

Speaker: Brian Brutzman

Bio: Brian Brutzman, Ph.D., LBA, BCBA is a psychologist and licensed behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience as a behavioral consultant. He has previously served as clinical coordinator for the Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. His published research spans various topics such as early childhood social skill development, mental health during disasters, knowledge brokerage, and school-based intervention.  He is passionate about helping students achieve their potential in school and specializes in the mitigation of complex and challenging problem behavior in the home, school, and community settings. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, a master’s degree in General Psychology from New York 

University and a doctorate in Social-Personality Psychology from Michigan State University with a specialization in Quantitative Methodology and Evaluation Science. He currently serves as the Director of School-Based Services for BK Behavior Ventures and Heartland ABA.

About Heartland ABA: Part of the BK Behavior family of companies, Heartland ABA provides top-tier behavioral treatment across the Midwest in homes, schools, and community settings. Early childhood education settings in particular can be places where children build confidence and connect with others—but behavioral challenges can sometimes get in the way. Our clinicians help children develop essential skills, strengthen social relationships, and create positive routines that support learning. By collaborating closely with teachers, staff, and families, we design individualized strategies to meet each student’s needs and provide consistent support that carries over from the classroom to home and beyond. We accomplish this in a variety of ways, including serving as mental health consultants to Head Start Programs, accepting referrals for home-based behavioral services, providing parent-training workshops, and delivering engaging, transformational professional development sessions. We look forward to helping meet your students’ behavioral needs. More information can be found at:

| https://www.heartlandbehavior.com/school-based-services |