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Resident Care

Autism-Informed Support for Adult and Older Residents

Learn the CNA's role in supporting autistic adults and older adults — understanding autism as a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference (not an illness to cure), recognizing how it presents in adults (often undiagnosed in older generations), supporting sensory needs, communication differences, routine and predictability, recognizing distress/meltdown/shutdown and responding correctly, and providing respectful, individualized, neurodiversity-affirming care. CNAs do NOT diagnose, "treat" or try to cure autism, give or adjust medications, or force neurotypical behavior.

1h1 Online CE hourintermediateCAL ACE Faculty

Overview

Learn the CNA's role in supporting autistic adults and older adults — understanding autism as a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference (not an illness to cure), recognizing how it presents in adults (often undiagnosed in older generations), supporting sensory needs, communication differences, routine and predictability, recognizing distress/meltdown/shutdown and responding correctly, and providing respectful, individualized, neurodiversity-affirming care. CNAs do NOT diagnose, "treat" or try to cure autism, give or adjust medications, or force neurotypical behavior.

Course curriculum

What you'll learn

A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.

1h
3 modules
12 lessons
1 Online CE hour

Skills & knowledge gained

  • Understand autism as a lifelong difference, not an illness.
  • Recognize how it presents in adults.
  • Support sensory, routine, and communication needs.
  • Respond to distress correctly.
  • Provide individualized, respectful care.

Your learning path

  1. Understanding Autism in Adults & Older Adults

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  2. Recognition, Accommodation, and CNA Role

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  3. Action, Judgment, and Application

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  4. Certificate of completion

    Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.

Module breakdown

Module 1

Understanding Autism in Adults & Older Adults

  • Introduction
  • Terms & Definitions
  • Statistics
  • Fundamentals

Module 2

Recognition, Accommodation, and CNA Role

  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • CNA Role & Best Practices
  • Prevention & Risk Reduction

Module 3

Action, Judgment, and Application

  • Scenario & Reporting
  • CNA's Role in Care
  • Case Study
  • Conclusion

Course outline

Module 1: Understanding Autism in Adults & Older Adults

  1. 1. Introduction5 min
  2. 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
  3. 3. Statistics5 min
  4. 4. Fundamentals5 min

Module 2: Recognition, Accommodation, and CNA Role

  1. 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
  2. 2. Causes5 min
  3. 3. CNA Role & Best Practices5 min
  4. 4. Prevention & Risk Reduction5 min

Module 3: Action, Judgment, and Application

  1. 1. Scenario & Reporting5 min
  2. 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
  3. 3. Case Study5 min
  4. 4. Conclusion5 min

Provider & completion requirements

Provider: CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy · support@cna.school · (408) 256-0763

To earn your certificate

  • Sign in with your learner account
  • Complete interactive lesson content (50 minutes active participation for 1 Online CE hour)
  • Pass the final course exam
  • Submit the learner attestation before your certificate is issued

Support: support@cna.school

$3.75

Not enrolled

Eligible for 1-year or 2-year unlimited plans