4th Annual Autism Conference: Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Department of Special Education is hosting the annual Supporting Individuals with Autism conference, highlighting both academic and personal perspectives of autism. Attendees will attend presentations on cutting edge research followed by a panel discussion on getting to know the personal side of autism. The conference will conclude with a keynote talk from Dr. Hedda Meadan-Kaplasnky, a world-renowned researcher on the topic of autism spectrum disorders, followed by a reception.
There is no cost associated with attending this conference.
Event Schedule
| 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Session I: Morning Research Symposium (2BCBA CEUs) |
| 2 – 3:15 p.m. | Session II: Adults with Autism Panel (1BCBA CEU) |
| 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. | Session III: Keynote Talk with Dr. Hedda Meadan-Kaplasnky “Partnering with Families and Professionals using Telepractice: Teaching and Coaching on Naturalistic Communication Strategies”Important changes have emerged over the last several decades in the long-term outcome of autism with more adults able to achieve personal independence and self-sufficiency. This change has led to more opportunities for adolescents and adults but also has underscored some of the challenges they and their families face. This presentation will review factors that have contributed to improved outcome including earlier diagnosis and improved intervention. Changes in outcome in relation to individual characteristics, models of intervention, and other variables will be summarized. Issues of co-morbidity, challenges for service provision, and new models of support for adolescents and adults will be discussed. In addition, implications of research findings for treatment as well as gaps in our knowledge will be identified. Finally, opportunities and challenges for future work will be summarized. |
| 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Reception immediately following. |
