Preconference Workshops
What are Pre-conference Workshops?
Pre-conference Workshops are optional full day sessions that focus on one specific topic.
Pre-conference sessions will be held on Wednesday, July 10. Pre-conference Workshops are not included in the general conference registration. A pre-conference workshop can be added to a general conference registration for an additional fee of $150.00 per person.
To register, please click here
Applying ABA through the Lifespan: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Presenter (s): Nina Finkler, M.Ed.,LDT/C,BCBA
Description: Applied Behavior Analysis and the associated strategies have been researched and found to be effective with increasing skills in individuals with autism. While initially associated with young children, research continues to show these strategies to be effective with adults as well. This workshop will look at how to address the array of strategies associated with Applied Behavior Analysis and how to apply and implement through the lifespan, including Early Intervention, School Age, Adolescents and Adults.
Range of Life Span: All Ages
Target Audience: Professionals (Behavioral), General Professionals, Educators
*BCBA CEUs available for this pre-conference workshop
Pennsylvania Autism Services: Leading the Nation in New Directions: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Presenter (s): Nina Wall-Cote
Description: During this informative session, the Department of Public Welfare’s Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) will discuss Pennsylvania’s innovative approach to autism supports and services. Information about the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) and Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) will be presented, highlighting the core design features that have gained national attention. Lessons learned from Pennsylvania’s experience with these innovative service delivery models will also be shared. Additionally, BAS will provide an introduction to the recently updated PA Autism Census Study and PA Autism Needs Assessment. Detailed findings from the census and needs assessment studies will be provided during the afternoon session.
Range of Life Span: All Ages
Target Audience: Professionals, Educators, Parent/Family Members, Self Advocates
Dysregulation - Self Advocates: Share Their Experiences and Solutions: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Complimentary for all individuals on the spectrum)
Presenter (s): Dena Gassner, Dr. Stephen Shore, Gail Fitzpatrick
Description: Day will include convention site tour, networking and conversation on Dyregulation and the impact it has on those with ASD. Also an interactive session featuring Art therapy with Gail Fitzpatrick.
Range of Life Span: Adolescence and Adulthood
Target Audience: Self Advocates
Introduction to Special Needs Planning, Where do we start? : 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Presenter (s): Special Needs Alliance
Description: Planning for the long-term security of a loved one with autism is a complex and evolving responsibility. Attorney members of the Special Needs Alliance (SNA) will address the interdependence of government benefits and family financial planning, especially in light of budget cuts and the Affordable Care Act. Breakout sessions will cover guardianship and its alternatives, adult services and considerations when creating and administering a special needs trust.
Range of Life Span: All Ages
Target Audience: Parents/Family Members, Self Advocates
A Faith-Based Family: From Challenging Behaviors to Values & Life Skills: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Presenter (s): Debi Fillipi
Description: This highly interactive workshop, filled with experiential learning activities will give participants tools, strategies, and faith-based resources to recognize gifts and strengths in each child. Understand how to transform challenging behaviors into successful opportunities to instill family values and impart important life skills for children through faith-based teachable moments.
Range of Life Span: All Ages
Target Audience: Parents/Family Members, Self Advocates
Cracking the Business Code for Competitive Employment Outcomes: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Presenter (s): Andy Traub
Description: Come hear what it takes to employ individuals with Autism and how to support them in a business minded world.
Range of Life Span: Adolescence and Adulthood
Target Audience: Parents/Family Members, Self Advocates, Professionals
Autism Community Leaders: Extending the State’s Impact through Collaboration: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Presenter (s): Nina Wall-Cote
Description: During this interactive session, participants will learn about collaborative efforts underway in Pennsylvania to help individuals with autism improve their quality of life, achieve independence, and become contributing members of their communities. Leadership from the Autism Services, Education, Resources & Training (ASERT) Collaborative will present in-depth findings from the PA Autism Census Study and the PA Autism Needs Assessment. These comprehensive studies are the first of their kind in the nation, and are driving ASERT’s mission to develop new models and bring together existing resources locally, regionally, and statewide.
Range of Life Span: All Ages
Target Audience: Professionals, Educators, Parent/Family Members, Self Advocates
Rethinking High School: Gathering Your Voices to Create a National Vision for Adolescents with ASD: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Complimentary for all attendees)
Presenter (s): Center on Secondary Education and Samuel Odom
Description: Join the Center on Secondary Education for Students with ASD (CSESA) for a FREE, interactive pre-conference session to explore high school successes for students on the autism spectrum and opportunities for change in the high school environment. We invite adults and teenagers on the autism spectrum, their families, school professionals, and others to share their perspectives and experiences as part of a national dialogue focused on improving the high school experiences and post-school outcomes for students on the autism spectrum. (Refreshments Provided)
Range of Life Span: Adolescence and Adulthood
Target Audience: Professionals, Educators. Parents/Family Members, Self Advocates
