RITA-T Training Course | Overview
We have developed an online training program to improve access, while also providing educational material on early signs of autism, and different models that have integrated the RITA-T, including the system that the Early Intervention Program at THOM in Worcester, MA have developed and integrated.
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 (step by step training) and scoring and practice videos. The step by step training includes description and videos on administration and scoring of each item by itself. Three videos are used per item -showing demonstration and training. The trainee will need to view the video then score the item and check if their scoring was correct and receive correct answer.
After completion of the step by step training, the trainee then will need to view three different full administration of the RITA-T and score the whole administration. The trainee then checks their results and learns about the feedback. Multiple times are possible for this administration and scoring.
A pre – test, at the beginning of the course to have a baseline, and a post test are required at the end of the training. At the completion of the training and of the post test, we will receive a notification and we will be emailing the trainee a certificate of completion for the training. 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:
- Educational course on the early signs of Autism
- Data on the RITA-T Test
- An overview of the administration of the RITA-T
- A step-by-step training on all the RITA-T items
- Independent practice
- Manual and scoring sheets to download/keep
- The RITA-T Kit (also available for seperate purchase here)
- Shipping and handling in the US
Discount rates for group trainings (discount does not apply to kit purchases):
- 20% off training for groups of 5-10
- 30% off training for groups of 11-20
- 35% off for groups of 20 or larger
- Please reach out to us at RITA-T@childrens.havard.edu to discuss live training workshops
Contact Phone: (617) 355-2401
For Shipping & Handling information, please refer to our FAQs page
Technology Requirements for the RITA-T Course
Register for the RITA-T Training Course
Course Faculty
Roula Choueiri, MD - Course Director
Dr. Choueiri’s 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 developed the Rapid Interactive screening Test in Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) that is validated for ages 18 months-36 months and has developed its online training and workshops. She has been working with early childhood providers across MA, and the US, to study its integration in different clinical models to improve access and early diagnosis of ASD especially to those in underserved areas and from diverse cultural background. In addition, she is collaborating with researchers from other countries to further validate the RITA-T in other languages and cultures. Dr. Choueiri is involved in project A.N.C.HO.R (Autism. Network. Culture. Healthy Outcomes. Resilience) to develop a training tool kit for early childhood providers on principles of family navigation. She was a previous ambassador of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Act Early Campaign to MA (2016-2018) and continues to be actively involved in the MA Act Early State Team as a member of its steering committee since 2013. She has led and continues to lead several workshops and trainings on the RITA-T and integrating it in different clinical models and settings.
Valerie Tokatli, BA – Project Coordinator
Valerie Tokatli, BA is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Neurology at Boston Children's Hospital. Valerie graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she received a Bachelor's degree with a double major in psychology and criminal justice. She is the Project Coordinator on the RITA-T (Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers) and Project A.N.C.H.O.R (Autism. Network. Culture. Healthy Outcomes. Resilience).
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 Central MA and Worcester, and THOM Early Intervention Program in Worcester, MA
- Initially, the IT team at UMass Chan Medical School for their help in developing this course, their support, and their advice, especially Andrea Delaney.
- The IT team, web-development team at BCH.
- The CME team at BCH and web-course developers.