We have developed an online training program to improve access, while also providing educational material on the early signs of Autism, and different models that have integrated the RITA-T.

Course Structure

The RITA-T training program consists of 4 modules with accompanying sub-sections. The training includes: a pre- and post- test, information on the early signs of Autism, an overview of the RITA-T and its different components, and information on how it is used in different clinical/community settings and models.

The training consists of step-by-step clips of each RITA-T activity to review and score, followed by three full length RITA-T administration videos for independent scoring. We followed the structure we use in the live trainings to remain faithful to validation data.

There is a required pre-test at the beginning of the course to have a baseline of trainee knowledge, and a required post-test at the end of the course, as well as a Course Evaluation. A score of 70% or higher on the post-test is required to pass the course and claim CME or CEU credit. More information on claiming credit is available once you register for the course. Please allow three to four hours to experience the whole course and train on the RITA-T. 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 online training is $200 and includes:

  1. The RITA-T manual and scoring sheet to download/keep
  2. Educational information on the early signs of Autism
  3. Review of the different models that integrate the RITA-T
  4. An overview of the scoring sheet and administration of the RITA-T
  5. A step-by-step training on all the RITA-T activities
  6. Independent practice videos of RITA-T administrations to review and score.

RITA-T Kits

The RITA-T kit is $75. A $20 shipping charge is applied to domestic orders, and a $55 shipping charge is applied to international orders. Kits are sold separately from the training course and can be purchased here:

Purchase the RITA-T Kit

Discount rates for group trainings (discount does not apply to kit purchases): 

Course Faculty

Roula Choueiri, MD - Course Director

Dr. Roula Choueiri is the director of Primary Care and Community Partnerships at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her 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 co- developed the Rapid Interactive screening Test in Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T), validated its use for ages 18 months-36 months, and has developed its online training and workshops. She has been working with primary care providers and early childhood providers across Massachusetts, and the U.S., to study its integration in different clinical models to improve access and early diagnosis of ASD, especially in underserved areas and young children from diverse cultural and ethnic background. In addition, she is collaborating with researchers from other countries to validate the RITA-T in other languages and cultures. She leads workshops and trainings on the early signs of ASD, early screening and early diagnosis models for ASD, that integrate standard measures and the RITA-T in different clinical and community settings.

Valerie Tokatli, BA – Project Coordinator

Valerie Tokatli, BA is a senior research coordinator in the Center for Autism Service, Science and Innovation (CASSITM) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is the Project Manager of the RITA-T (Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers) training course and research projects.

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 Massachusetts
  • The IT team, and web-development team at the Kennedy Krieger Institute
  • The CME department at Johns Hopkins Medical School
If you are an early childhood or health care provider who wants to learn how to administer the RITA-T, click below to register for our training course.
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