Phoenix Autism/Asperger's Syndrome SuperConference

POSTPONED:  Till November 10th and 11th

Guess what?  I will be traveling to attend the Phoenix Autism/Asperger's Syndrome SuperConference July 7-8, 2011.  I'm super excited and I can't wait to share my experience with you.  Better yet, if you live somewhat the proximity of the conference, feel free to register to attend! If not, find which city and dates are closest to your area.

Visit Future Horizons to find out more!  Conference information is at the top of the website.

Speakers and topics will be:

"UNWRITTEN RULES OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS"

Sean Barron is a very interesting and intelligent young man who has faced the challenge of autism. He and his mother wrote an insightful book on their lives together. There’s a Boy in Herehas won many accolades for offering the unique perspectives of two people who look at the same world, but see and feel entirely different things.
Mr. Barron has progressed to the point that it is difficult to even realize that he once was truly impacted by autism /Asperger’s Syndrome. He is now a freelance writer, lives independently, and co-authored Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships with Dr. Temple Grandin. Sean is a graduate of Youngstown State University, and works as a reporter for the Youngstown Vindicator. He’s pursuing a second degree in journalism.

By attending, participants can:

How autism affects social awareness, social thinking and social understanding

The 10 unwritten rules of social relationships  

The difference between situation-based and people-based social rules

Behavior and self-control strategies 

Effective strategies his parents and educators taught him about social conventions such as honesty, manners, and dealing with making mistakes  

The social challenges of friendships and relationships 

"THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIAL STORIESTM"

Carol Gray wrote the first Social StoryTM in the fall of 1990, and by early 1991 introduced the first guidelines of this fascinating educational intervention. Since then, Social StoriesTMhave earned widespread international popularity and interest. Increasingly they are the focus of formal research. In their short history, Social StoriesTM have earned the respect of professionals and the affection of parents of those on the autism spectrum. This presentation looks at Social StoriesTM from a variety of perspectives. Using lecture, demonstration, and activities, participants will enjoy a first-hand exploration of Social StoriesTM and the ever-increasing research that supports their use.

By attending participants can:

• How Social StoriesTM can improve behavioral and social skills 
• The history of the approach
• The formal research and surprising discoveries that help us understand how Social StoriesTM work so well
• Seven ideas to tailor Social StoriesTM to systematically address the core deficits in autism spectrum disorders

"THE OUT-OF-SYNC CHILD"

Carol Kranowitz offers sensory strategies and activities that are applauded not only in the United States but around the world; over 500,000 copies of her book, The Out-of-Sync Child, have been sold. Ms. Kranowitz holds an M.A. in Education and Human Development and until recently was a music and drama teacher. She has developed a purposeful curriculum that integrates sensory-motor activities into the school day. 

 By attending, participants can: 

• Identify and describe the six types of SPD and how they can affect the daily lives of children
• Recognize co-existing problems (e.g., visual, auditory, eating, sleeping, and emotional difficulties)
• Discuss several research studies by the world's top investigators
• Demonstrate "In-Sync" activities, specifically designed to engage various sensory systems and thereby improve learning and regulate behavior
• And more!

"NO MORE MELTDOWNS"

Having earned his MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Albany, Dr. Jed Baker is a behavioral consultant for several New Jersey school districts where, nearly two decades ago, he organized a group to help children with social communication problems. Dr. Baker’s dynamic and comprehensive presentation is extremely valuable to all family members and professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders, and other issues that impact social-emotional functioning. His work has been featured on ABC News and Nightline!
 By attending, participants can:

• Build an individual's social skills in crucial areas such as conversation, conflict resolution, emotion management, employment, dating, etc.
• Develop an effective behavior plan
• Manage and prevent meltdowns
• Help create peer acceptance
• Assess social skills of individuals or groups
• And more!