Continuing Education for Social Work

Understanding Autism: Best Practice Interventions to Support the Autistic Community

FRIDAY, September 18, 2026
10:00 am – 12 pm (eastern time)
Live Webinar on Zoom
(You will need to register to receive login information)

Registration: 2 CEU Credit Hours
General:  Through Sept. 8, $50; Sept. 9 – Sept. 17, $60
Wurzweiler Alumni and Current WSSW Practicum Instructors: Through Sept. 8, $40; Sept. 9 – Sept. 17, $50
All Current Students: $15

Registration closes on 9/17/26 at 5:00 Eastern Time (EST)

The rates of Autism are currently rising.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 31 (3.2%) children aged 8 years nationally has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  There has much misinformation about Autism among clinicians, policymakers, and lay people.  This educational and technique-based presentation will seek to help clinicians understand the autistic experience. Dr. Jeffrey Kranzler will provide accurate information about neurodiversity, diagnosis parameters, and current best practices.

This session is the first of two programs to promote a greater understanding of neurodiversity.  The second program, focusing on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), will be presented on October 30, 2026.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be better able to:

1. Identify the neurodiversity approach to autism
2. Better comprehend the experience of the autistic individual
3. Understand diagnostic modalities
4. Be aware of current interventions used to support autistic individuals
    

Jeffrey Kranzler, PhD is the founder and director of Kranzler Autism Programs and Services (kapscommunity.com), a neurodiversity celebrating and skills-building therapy practice based in Maryland and Virginia.  He has been a therapist in a variety of settings for more than 19 years.  Dr. Kranzler was formerly Social Work Supervisor of an Albert Einstein College of Medicine clinic and Dean of Students at a large K-12 school in South Florida. 

He is also the author of The Crimson Protector, a superhero adventure novel that teaches tweens and teens how to build confidence, overcome social anxiety, and handle bullying (available in print and eBook versions on Amazon and at TheCrimsonProtector.com).  Dr. Kranzler earned his MSW and PhD degrees from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University.

Podcast

Rabbis, chaplains, and social workers are often called on to provide spiritual care near life’s end. Whether in response to serious illness, advanced cognitive or physical decline in old age, or unexpected, tragic violence, health care professionals and clergy need to respond compassionately and effectively with families facing spiritual, emotional, and existential crises. Clips from Wurzweiler School of Social Work’s “Spirituality Near the End of Life” Conference in July 2019 include leading clergy, chaplains, and social workers offering their knowledge, skills, and wisdom to assist professionals seeking to better integrate spiritual care into their professional and community work.

Episode 1

Episode 2