Bring a QST Parent Training to Your Location

Description: 3-hour training that prepares parents to deliver QST at home to their young children on the autism spectrum.  Includes a brief overview of the QST research, instruction on how to deliver the protocol and extensive practice.   Handouts are provided.  Video produced by the QSTI organization illustrates each movement in the protocol.  Parents are provided with guided practice on massage tables by certified facilitators.  Parents practice on each other (children are not admitted to the workshop.)

Note:  This workshop is directed to parents/caregivers.  It is not for professionals and does not prepare professionals to offer QST to their clients.  Specialized training for professionals is also offered through our clinic—visit our website to learn more.

Step One:  Select a date that allows for 6-8 weeks of advance publicity for the workshop to the parent community.

• We advise 6-8 weeks lead time to allow for you to market the event through your organization’s newsletter, website and/or social networking communities.
• Note:  Workshops can be scheduled for a Saturday, Sunday or on a weekday evening.  Because the workshops are 3 hours, weekday evenings that tend to succeed are Thursdays—this seems to be a night parents are willing to venture out after work.

Step Two:  Reserve the workshop venue.

• Venue specifications:  Room size should be 15’ by 30’ or larger.  A standard classroom works well, provided that the desks/chairs can be moved to the perimeter.  We need space for 3-4 massage tables and room for parents to move around easily.  An auditorium or similar preset space with immovable chairs doesn’t work—this is a hands-on workshop.
• Technology requirements:  Projector to show powerpoint slides and video.  We use a PC but can bring an adapter if the technology is Mac-based.  A sound system/speakers to support audio to the video clips.

Step Three:   Publicize the workshop.

• We will provide a workshop description, testimonials from parents, fliers, and brochures to help with this.   If you’ve opted to sponsor an Introducing QST Presentation first, we will also advertise the workshop at the presentation.

Step Four:  Host the workshop.

• We will provide follow up information on room set up, parent preparation etc in the week before the workshop.

Step Five: Follow-up.

• We offer a complimentary follow-up phone or email consultation with attending parents to offer tips and answer questions as they try out the massage at home.