ASNO Presents Practical Workshops
Thursday, February 12, 2009
By: Carin Yavorcik

To be held this spring in Toledo, Ohio

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio will present a series of workshops on “Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges in Autism.” This series of workshops is designed to teach strategies to cope with some of the difficult behaviors exhibited by people of any age with autism.

“Introduction to Sensory Integration” will be held on February 25 at the Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium and on February 26 at the Toledo Hospital Education Center - Room K, with Stephanie McBride presenting. This presentation will provide an opportunity to learn what sensory integration is, how it can benefit an individual with autism therapeutically, and how parents and family members can use it at home. This is an introductory level workshop. Stephanie McBride has 15 years experience as a pediatric occupational therapist. She has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including daycare, preschool, school age, one-on-one, and in groups and is currently a co-owner of Sensational Kids Daycare and Learning Center, a daycare facility committed to providing developmentally based daycare for all children including those with special needs.

“Understanding Your Rights: Whose IDEA is This?” will be held on March 11 and 12 at the Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium, with Lynn Mielnik, M.S., CCC-SLP. Lynn will cover parents' rights under special education law including changes that were made to Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies serving Children with Disabilities in July 2008. Lynn Mielnik is the State Support Team Region 1 (formerly the SERRC) associate director of special education services. She serves as a resource for staff, districts, and parents in Region 1 in the areas of special education compliance, school improvement, universal design for learning, and assistive technology. She has over 25 years of professional expertise in the areas of education, special education, and speech pathology and audiology.

“7 Evidence-Based Strategies for an Effective Early Intervention Program” will be held on March 25 at the Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium and March 26 at the Lucas County Board of MR/DD Family First Zone, presented by Dr. James Ball. This presentation will discuss seven systematic techniques for working with children with an autism spectrum disorder. It will focus on teaching specific skills, enhancing motivation, and generalization training. A step-by-step demonstration will be presented using real life examples. Modifications will be explored that allow this particular program to be effective with students significantly challenged with autism, as well as those students with Asperger Syndrome. Myths and facts about Applied Behavior Analysis will also be covered. A question and answer period will be provided. Dr. James Ball a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is the President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting. He provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, and behavior management/assessment. A past member of the Autism Society of America Board of Directors, he is currently co-chairperson of the ASA Panel of Professional Advisors.

“A Land We Can Share”: Access to the Literate Community for ALL” will be held on April 1 and 2 at the Education Center Auditorium, with Paula Kluth, Ph.D. presenting. Dr. Kluth will explore how many learners have been excluded from literacy experiences that are inclusive, rich, and challenging. Participants will also learn some strategies for including and supporting students with disabilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. Ideas for enhancing skills in comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary will be highlighted. Dr. Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who work with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction, and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.

To learn more or register, visit http://www.asno.org/.