Autism-Conferences
Saturday August 9, 2008

8:45  Keynote: The Social Impairment and Social Solutions in Autism Spectrum Disorders – Carol Gray  
  • The typical social brain organizes experience and comes to general conclusions that – in turn – help us
    negotiate  through future situations and challenges. This works quite well for those who are typical – until they
    are faced with children, adolescents, and adults whose minds work in terms of details, facts, and face value
    assessments.  The “mismatch” often results in mistakes on all sides of the social equation that present a
    wonderful – and too often unrealized - opportunity for social learning, understanding, and success.  This fun
    presentation is loaded with new ideas focused on improving the social equation in autism spectrum disorders.

  • Carol Gray is the Director of The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding in Kentwood, Michigan.  
    Carol has 22 years experience as a teacher, and later as a consultant, with students with autism spectrum
    disorders.  In 1991, she developed the Social Story™ approach.  Carol has written several resources, and is the
    recipient of the Barbara Lipinski Award for her international contribution to the education and welfare of students
    with ASD.

Choose from 5 Breakout Tracks & 2 Professional Workshops

  • Social Stories with Carol Gray
10:45      Social Stories 10.1:  Writing Workshop Using the Newly Revised Criteria
1:30        Social Stories 10.1:  Writing Workshop (continued)
3:30        Friendship, Bullying, and What We Know Now

  • Teacher Track with Rick Clemens, M.A.
10:45        Developing Effective Inclusion Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
1:30        Curricular Accommodations and Modifications to Ensure Learning and Active Participation
3:30        Addressing Challenging Behaviors in the General Education Classroom:  Practical Tools for Success

  • Behavior Therapy Track
10:45        Using ABA for the Treatment of Autism – Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA
1:30        Teaching Higher-Order Executive Function and Social Cognition Skills – Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA
3:30        Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) – David Sponder, L.E.P.

  • School Track
10:45        Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Basics  Mark Woodsmall, Esq.
1:30        IEP Advanced – Goal Writing and Assessments – Mark Woodsmall, Esq.
3:30        Augmentative/Communication Devices

  • Play/Life Track
10:45        Therapeutic Gymnastics: An Occupational Therapy New Frontier - Gene Hurwin, MA, OTR/L
1:30        Yoga/Relaxation Methods to Reduce Anxiety and Provide Calming  
3:30        Panel of Young Adults with Autism/Asperger’s:  Personal Experiences of Challenges and Successes

  • Two all-day workshops for Paraprofessionals and Speech-Language Pathologists
8:30-5        Paraprofessionals Workshop - Diane Twachtman-Cullen, author of “How to be a Parapro”
10:45-5      SLP Workshop:  Practical and Effective Treatment Strategies for Autism –
Teresa Cardon, M.A. CCC-SLP, author of "Initiations and Interactions" (2006), and "Let's Talk Emotions (2004)"(attendees can also attend Keynote with Carol Gray)
For full description of workshops for Paraprofessionals and SLP’s, see www.autism-conferences.com

                  
Sunday August 10, 2008

Keynote:  
  • 8:45 Integrating Multiple Methods to Foster Social Development in Children with Autism
    Kathleen Quill, Ed.D.

  • Autism spectrum disorders are heterogeneous, and children with the diagnosis demonstrate  a
    wide range of social abilities and challenges. This requires that we individualize intervention and
    use multiple approaches for maximum benefit to each child.  This workshop discusses a variety of
    research-based strategies and how to appropriately integrate them at home and school to foster
    social development and peer relationships for children.. Case studies will illustrate specific
    strategies for younger and older children, ranging from severe autism to Asperger's syndrome

  • Kathleen Quill, Ed.D, is the author of DO-WATCH-LISTEN-SAY: Social and communication
    intervention for children with autism, and editor of Teaching children with autism: Strategies to
    enhance communication and socialization.   Dr. Kathleen Quill provides consultation, professional
    development, and training to families and educators. She is currently the Principal Consultant for
    the development of AutismPro, a web-based service including 30 e-learning modules for
    professionals, and multi-media service and support for parents.

  • Choose from 5 Breakout Tracks & 1 Professional Workshop


Social/Communication Skills with Kathleen Quill, Ed.D.
  • 10:45 Assessment of Social and Communication Skills for Children with Significant
    Developmental Delays
  • 1:30 Social Intervention for Children with Significant Developmental Delays
  • 3:30 Communication Intervention for Children with Significant Developmental Delays

School Track
  • 10:45 Supporting Asperger’s in the General Education Classroom – Cathleen Cole, M.Ed.
  • 1:30 Schools and Families Working Together to Create Quality and Legally Defensible Programs
     Panel of experts including Rick Clemens, M.A.,  and others
  • 3:30 Transition Planning:  Preparing for Post Secondary Options – Susan Tandberg, Ed.D.

Family Track
  • 10:45  Healing the Family – Jamie Juarez, MS, Marriage/Family Counselor
  • 1:30    Special Needs Trusts – Elizabeth McCoy, Esq.
  • 3:30    Panel of Experienced Moms – sharing their personal stories

Medical Track
  • 10:45  Biomedical Treatments for Autism – James B. Adams, Ph.D.
  • 1:30    The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet – Lisa Ackerman, founder of TACA
  • 3:30    New Advances in Biomedical Treatments for Autism – James B. Adams, Ph.D.

Play/Emotion/Sensory Track
  • 10:45   Learning Social Skills Through Play:  Life's Most Important Skill Made Fun!  - Rick
    Clemens, M.A..
  • 1:30    Addressing Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders–Jeff Wood, Ph.D & Karen
    Sze, Ph.D.
  • 3:30   Overview of Sensory Integration – Susan Golubock, M.Ed.


Workshop for Occupational & Physical Therapists
  • Sensory Integration for OT’s & PT’s - Susan Golubock, MEd, an adult with Asperger’s and
    sensory challenges – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm; after 3 pm you can attend any breakout session above.
    See www.autism-conferences for details.


Schedule (both days)
07:30        Registration and coffee/juice
08:30         Welcome
08:45        Keynote
10:15        Break/View Exhibits
10:45        Breakout Session 1
12:15        Lunch (on your own)
1:30        Breakout Session 2
3:00        Break/View Exhibits
3:30        Breakout Session 3
5:00        End
OUR REGIONAL CENTER VENDOR # PD1605

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