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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