APPNA Academy

Course Description:

This course offers a structured, multi-module educational series on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), designed to build clinical expertise from foundational concepts through advanced management. Spanning from May to September 2026, the course covers the full spectrum of ASD care including diagnosis, comorbidities, evidence-based interventions, and family support systems. Through a combination of lectures and panel discussions, participants will gain practical, up-to-date knowledge applicable to real-world clinical settings. The course integrates perspectives from psychiatry, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and health policy.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the epidemiological trends, core clinical features, and lifespan trajectory of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
2. Apply early screening tools and diagnostic assessments to accurately identify ASD in clinical practice.
3. Recognize and manage psychiatric and medical comorbidities commonly associated with ASD.
4. Select and implement evidence-based interventions including behavioral, pharmacological, speech, and occupational therapies for individuals with ASD.

Target Audience: Physicians, psychologists, primary care providers, residents, medical students, allied health professionals, and other clinicians involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Mode of Delivery: 2 hours of contact sessions through Zoom every other Saturday, with the ability to view the content later online for self-paced learning.

Course Duration: May 16, 2026 - September 12, 2026

Live Sessions Time:
Saturdays, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Pakistan time
11 AM - 1 PM US Eastern Time

Course Modules:

MODULE 1: Introduction to ASD - Understanding ASD

• Prevalence, epidemiology, and lifespan trajectory of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Core clinical characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
  May 16

MODULE 02: Early Identification & Diagnosis in ASD

• Early Warning Signs and Screening Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders - May 23
• Diagnostic tools and Functional Assessments - Jun 6

MODULE 03: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Comorbidities

• Psychiatric Comorbidities in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Jun 20
• Medical Comorbidities with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Jul 4

MODULE 04: Evidence-Based Interventions for ASD

• Occupational therapy - Aug 1
• Behavioural interventions for ASD - Jul 18
• Speech therapy & social skills training - Aug 15
• Psychopharmacological treatment for ASD - Aug 30

MODULE 05: Family Support and Systems and Policy in the Context of ASD

• Parental Counseling and Family Empowerment
• Systems & Policy framework for Autism Spectrum Disorders
  Sep 12

Course Faculty:

Dr. Nazish Imran
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan
Dr. Saima Ijaz
Dr. Manal Khan
Dr. Muneeba Kamran
Dr. Yasmeen Ahmad 
Dr. Usman Ghumman
Dr Irum Rizwan
Dr. Waqar Azeem