A new global training initiative is helping early childhood educators better support children with autism. Launched in September, the National Autism Spectrum Disorder course and Community of Research and Practice (NASD-CORP) equips home visitors in the program with specialized tools, strategies, and ongoing support to better serve children on the autism spectrum worldwide.
The NASD-CORP project currently includes 39 participants from HIPPY sites across the United States and three other countries. The initiative builds on a 12-year collaboration between the and the Hillsborough HIPPY Parent Involvement Project (HHPIP), both based at USF.
HIPPY is an evidence-based home visiting program that partners with parents of children ages 2 to 5 to promote school readiness. Each week, HIPPY home visitors deliver curriculum materials, books, and guidance to families, using peer-to-peer mentoring to build parents鈥� confidence and skills.
"Our goal is to utilize the model that CARD and HHPIP created and replicate it across other sites nationally and internationally," said Karen A. Berkman, PhD, former executive director of CARD-USF and co-lead instructor for the NASD-CORP program.
NASD-CORP uses a two-part model: an eight-week interactive online course followed by participation in a CORP. The CORP component provides ongoing support, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunities for professional growth. Graduates are encouraged to mentor future cohorts, expanding the program鈥檚 reach and impact.
The course, initially funded by a grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, covers key aspects of autism and strategies for implementing the HIPPY curriculum with children on the spectrum. Weekly discussions, evidence-based modules, and expert-led instruction provide participants with a strong foundation in autism-informed practices.
The course was developed by Berkman; Laura Rodr铆guez L贸pez, EdD, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS), Tracy Payne Jordan, PhD, assistant research professor in CFS and director of Florida HIPPY; and Beverly King, MEd, with content contributions from co-lead instructor Lee Daly, LCSW, and Alex Langevin, MEd. The video content was produced with support from Shanica Meadows, HIPPY community outreach caseworker; Lourdes Qui帽ones, MA, CARD consultant; Amber Huff; Cindy McCrary; and Daly.
Leading a focus group and research study to evaluate the program鈥檚 outcomes are Tracy Payne Jordan, PhD and Natalie Pak, PhD, CCC-SLP, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Additional information about HIPPY and NASD-CORP can be found on their .