Session Category: Life with Autism
National Conference 2013: Session Information
Session Category: Life with Autism
The following list of sessions all fall under the Life with Autism category
*Sensoryfriendly Concerts(TM) , An Opportunity To Celebrate Neurodiversity Through Community Music Therapy
Brief Description: SensoryFriendly Concerts(TM) are facilitated by board certified music therapists and advocate for disability rights and the Neurodiversity Movement by providing “equal access to the fine arts” for people on the Autism Spectrum. Music therapy clients and autistic self advocates also have the opportunity to perform in these events, in an environment which is respectful and accommodating. This new advent of a Community Music Therapy event proves to be a beneficial recreational activity for the entire family affected by autism.
Speaker(s): Cj Shiloh, Laura-Sun Cefaratti
*Rethinking Masculinity: For Fathers Of Children With Autism
Brief Description: This workshop explores the male perspective to parenting a child with autism. How do men, especially when having a son with ASD, deal with a problem they cannot fix? The presenter is the father of an adult child with autism who will provide compassion and understanding for men and their partners as well as strategies for developing support.
Speaker(s): Robert A. Naseef
*Relentless Positivity (and a Little Bit of Coffee)
Brief Description: This presentation has brought global audiences to tears as parents and teachers feel that, for the first time, Aspergers is presented without stigma, judgement or foreboding. Instead, with humor and compassion, this is the first-hand life experience of Temple-Grandin Award Winner, Aspie, teacher, social worker, and Asperkid parent (x3); it's a truly "insider" look at anxiety, the power of special interests, learning detours, and above all -- real empowerment through effective strategies, constant respect and infectious, relentless hope.
Speaker(s): Jennifer O'Toole
*Recognizing Neglect and Abuse -- and What To Do About It
Brief Description: As our national leaders grapple with budget issues, it is inevitable that funds needed to support persons with disabilities will decrease. How do we protect our family members and clients? How do we know if they are being mistreated? What actions and inactions constitute neglect and abuse? What can be done about it? Klaw and Lebovits will attempt to answer these questions, drawing on their own experience and expertise in autism and the law.
Speaker(s): Ronald Lebovits, Rebecca Klaw
*Autism Spectrum Disorders and Public Safety Considerations: Guidance for Families, Caregivers, and Self-Advocates
Brief Description: Discuss the curriculum developed by the Virginia Public Safety Workgroup to enhance many aspects for safety of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. This approach involves education of not just families, but also law enforcement, medical first responders, and judicial officials.
Speaker(s): Scott Campbell
*Autistic Parenting: Practices From An Autistic Family
Brief Description: Parenting Autistic children is often seen as a daunting task from which there is little relief. It doesn’t have to be that way. The experiences of Autistic parents of Autistic kids are valuable and show that Autism is not the end of the world. Learn ways to change your view of Autism and adapt your life and home to promote independence and foster a positive self-image in both you and your children.
Speaker(s): Melody Latimer
*“911!” First Aid For Your Relationship: When Raising a Child With Autism
Brief Description: Men and women often look at the same thing differently including raising a child with autism. There is tremendous stress on a marriage, although reports of an 80% divorce rate are unsubstantiated. This workshop explores the different perspectives that men and women bring to parenting a child who is not "typical." Men and women will receive guidance and learn to listen and understand each other in new ways. Strategies for supporting traditional, remarried, and single parent families will be discussed.
Speaker(s): Robert A. Naseef
*Strengthening Your Marriage Or Partnership While Raising Children On The Spectrum
Brief Description: This session, designed for professionals and parents, addresses the challenges of handling intensified parenting demands while trying to find a way for all family members to have a good quality of life. Emphasis is placed on how to protect a marriage or partnership from the wear and tear of such ongoing stressors. The authors of "Married with Special Needs Children” and “Disability and the Family Lifecycle” will share 10 key strategies and insights from many other parents.
Speaker(s): Laura Marshak, Fran P. Prezant
*Defining Autism: From Nonverbal To National Speaker
Brief Description: Kerry Magro, who was nonverbal until 2.5 and diagnosed with PDD-NOS at 4 speaks on tips and strategies he used to graduate with a Masters Degree from Seton Hall University in Strategic Communication while winning a scholarship to pursue speaking as a profession from The National Speakers Association. In his session, Kerry will discuss Early Intervention, Schooling, Self-Advocacy, Adult Services, Employment, Defining Your Strengths, and much more!
Speaker(s): Kerry Magro
*Start Where You Are -- Goals For Your Child, Your Family, and Yourself
Brief Description: Parents are expected to participate in planning for their children with autism, but most have had no training, so goals and outcomes are decided by teachers and therapists. This simplifies things, but over time family members may become frustrated when the program does not achieve desired results for their child. This session will help parents understand key elements of goal-setting and will empower them to take a stronger role in determining the outcomes for their loved ones with autism.
Speaker(s): Ann Simun, Sandra Dixon Shove
*Developing Effective Self-Advocacy Skills For People On The Autism Spectrum
Brief Description: Everyone has to advocate for their own needs and disclose the reasons why. Beginning with a definition of self-advocacy and a process for considering disclosure, participants will learn the importance of gaining self-awareness, communication skills, and procedures to effectively educate individuals with autism on obtaining accommodations and greater mutual understanding. Participants will come away with practical solutions for enabling persons with autism and other conditions reach their potential for leading fulfilling and productive lives.
Speaker(s): Stephen M. Shore
*Speaking For Ourselves: Panel Of Individuals With Autism
Brief Description: This is the 23rd year for the Speaking for Ourselves panel in which four individuals share their experience of autism. This is an opportunity for you to hear about their struggles and victories, and a chance to applaud their personal growth. Each year, new individuals are chosen to give them a chance to be in the spotlight and gain confidence in expressing themselves in a supportive atmosphere. Come join us to cheer them on!
Speaker(s): Julie A. Donnelly
*Understanding The Significant Impact Of Poverty On Autism
Brief Description: A very large percentage of individuals and families who deal with autism also face the real problem of financial poverty. This is an important issue given the degree to which poverty effects the neurobehavioral aspects of autism and also access to care and resources. What the present program will address are the issues most relevant to understanding the impact of poverty on autism and also ways that professionals can help address those issues.
Speaker(s): Daniel Marston
*A Caregiver's Guide To Teaching Self-Care With Flair!
Brief Description: Caregivers of children with autism frequently express frustration when teaching self-care skills. A uniform approach often helps children with ASD generalize learning to all situations. Research has shown that children remember better when novelty is intertwined with learning new skills. Children have been known to memorize rhymes such as Mother Goose rhymes faster than text. Keeping this in mind, the presenters have recently published Self-Care with Flair!, a practical teaching tool with picture/rhymes for over 50 self-care skills.
Speaker(s): Bhanu Raghavan, Ginger McDonald
*Challenges and Joys Of Being a Sibling (and How You Can Help)
Brief Description: What are the toughest challenges faced by siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum? From helping their brothers and sisters 'fit in' to figuring out their role as caregivers, siblings are often major figures in the lives of individuals with autism. This session, led by an adult sibling, will cover issues of sibling responsibility, rivalry, and rage. Participants will take an honest look at the stresses that families face, yet they will also share in stories of joy and connection.
Speaker(s): Caroline G. McGraw
*Improving Family Outcomes For Children With ASD Through Family-Centered Positive Behavior Support
Brief Description: The increase in children identified with autism spectrum disorders and their complex issues challenge our schools, families who love them and communities in which they live. A multi-level family-centered service delivery model is described that addresses these needs across environments that can be utilized by schools and families to improve outcomes.
Speaker(s): Kathy L. Gould
*Funding Autism Treatment Using Medicaid Funds In Pennsylvania
Brief Description: Learn about Federal and State laws regarding EPSDT funding in Pennsylvania that control access to funding for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS, often misleadingly called "wraparound services" in Pennsylvania). Access to EPSDT funding for BHRS is a Civil Right for children with disabilities but formidable barriers to it have been created and maintained. Learn how to overcome obstacles to EPSDT funding, regardless of family income and private insurance status.
Speaker(s): Steven Kossor
*Functional Feeding Issues- What Works? A Team Approach
Brief Description: This session will describe the roles and responsibilities of the functional feeding team members. It takes a community of therapists, in home services, schools, families and other supports to achieve their feeding goals.Therapy is child directed in which we set the goals but the child sets the pace. These children range from a very involved and limited diet to a less involved selective eater. A variety of treatment approaches tailored to the child’s needs will be reviewed through case studies.
Speaker(s): Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, Erin Murray, Leslie Borsett-Kanter, Matthew Bittner, Gina Salvatore
*Science Doesn't Have To Be Scary: Critical Thinking Guidelines For Parents
Brief Description: Determining what intervention plan or therapies a child with an ASD may need can be challenging. Marketing materials, testimonials, news stories, referrals, and recommendations can make the task overwhelming. Learning how to find and understand research and how to employ critical thinking skills allows parents to make informed choices and communicate more productively with their clinicians and caregivers. This presentation will cover the components of published scientific research, as well as questions and strategies to employ when evaluating treatment options.
Speaker(s): Anissa Ryland
*Autistic Females Across The Lifespan
Brief Description: Autistic females face a wide array of disparities due to autism stereotypes. ASD focused research typically exclude girls and women. As many females are well into adulthood before receiving an autism diagnosis, identifying common misnomers and stereotypes will facilitate accurate insight. This greater understanding of qualities unique to autistic girls/women will positively impact their success and supports across the lifespan.
Speaker(s): Corina Becker, Sharon daVanport, Carol Greenburg
*Finding The Gifts In Autism and Asperger's
Brief Description: Autism related reference books typically leave readers with a sense of frustration and hopelessness because they focus on the problems and deficits associated with autism. Too often, a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”) comes with the assumption that success in life is out of reach, or will be marginal at best. What isn't commonly recognized is that people with an ASD also come with Gifts and Talents.
Speaker(s): Larry D. Moody
*Finding Happiness in Unlikely Places: Transforming Pain to Possibility
Brief Description: Are you depleted and feel no matter how much you give, it is never enough? Have you become so numb that you are drowning in worry and exhaustion, close to losing hope? As much as you love your child, do you feel resentful from always having to put yourself last? This presentation is for weary caring women facing relentless circumstances who want to revive their enthusiasm and learn how to get their ‘happy’ back no matter what!
Speaker(s): Rhonda Hull
*Bereavement and Autism: A University Event With Unique Challenges
Brief Description: Bereavement is a universal, but often misunderstood and overlooked, life experience. The rate of autism being diagnosed is on the rise. Grief from bereavement can be very difficult for any person. However, with the unique challenges many on the autism spectrum may face, the grief process may be different or more of a challenge for these individuals than their neurotypical counterparts. I combine my personal and academic experiences with bereavement and autism
Speaker(s): Brian A. Wong
