We have developed an online training program to improve access, while also providing educational material on the early signs of autism, and different models that have integrated the RITA-T.

Course Structure

The training includes three sets of educational PowerPoints on the background for early signs of ASD, the concept of a level 1 and level 2 screener, as well as data on the development of the RITA-T. We followed the structure we use in the live trainings to remain faithful to validation data. The RITA-T items are reviewed, along with their administration and scoring, in a short video along with the manual and scoring sheet.

The training program includes training videos.

After completion of the step-by-step training, the trainee will then need to view three different full administrations of the RITA-T and score the whole administration. The trainee then checks their results and learns about the feedback. Multiple attempts are possible for this administration and scoring.

There is a required pre-test, at the beginning of the course to have a baseline of trainee knowledge, and a post-test that is required at the end of the training. At the completion of the training and of the post-test, we receive a notification of completion and the trainee is awarded a certificate of completion for the training. They can request CME, CEU for this activity. Trainees have access to the online training for 6 months after enrollment.

How much does the course cost and what is included in the pricing?

The course total cost is $260 and this includes:

  1. Educational course on the early signs of Autism
  2. An overview of the administration of the RITA-T
  3. Review of the different models that integrate the RITA-T
  4. A step-by-step training on all the RITA-T items
  5. Independent practice
  6. Manual and scoring sheets to download/keep
  7. The RITA-T Kit (also available for separate purchase here)
  8. Shipping and handling in the US

Discount rates for group trainings (discount does not apply to kit purchases): 

Course Faculty

Roula Choueiri, MD - Course Director

Dr. Roula Choueiri is the director of Primary Care and Community Partnerships at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her focus of clinical work is the Early Identification and care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) both in academic and community settings. She has co- developed the Rapid Interactive screening Test in Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T), validated its use for ages 18 months-36 months, and has developed its online training and workshops. She has been working with primary care providers and early childhood providers across Massachusetts, and the U.S., to study its integration in different clinical models to improve access and early diagnosis of ASD, especially in underserved areas and young children from diverse cultural and ethnic background. In addition, she is collaborating with researchers from other countries to validate the RITA-T in other languages and cultures. She leads workshops and trainings on the early signs of ASD, early screening and early diagnosis models for ASD, that integrate standard measures and the RITA-T in different clinical and community settings.

Valerie Tokatli, BA – Project Coordinator

Valerie Tokatli, BA is a senior research coordinator in the Center for Autism Service, Science and Innovation (CASSITM) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is the Project Manager of the RITA-T (Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers) training course and research projects.

Acknowledgements:

This course would not have been possible without the help, support, advice, and patience, of a whole team that includes:

  • All the families, parents and children, who have participated in this course so that other families and children benefit from improved screening
  • Early Intervention Programs in Massachusetts
  • The IT team, and web-development team at the Kennedy Krieger Institute
  • The CME department at Johns Hopkins Medical School
If you are an early childhood or health care provider who wants to learn how to administer the RITA-T, click below to register for our training course.
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