aUtisM UPDate 2012 Registration: Registrations will be accepted by mail only. Payment is only accepted in the form of check, money order or credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Space is limited and reservations are accepted on a first come basis. Each afternoon seminar is limited and preferences can only be assured by early registration. Handouts will not be available for those not registered for a specific breakout session. The registration fee includes all conference events, meals, activities and handouts as listed in the published conference schedule. Hotel arrangements, evening meals and incidental charges are the responsibility of the individual. Friday, November 2nd The Verve, Crowne Plaza Hotel Natick, MA Complete the following registration form and send your check or money order to Children Making Strides, 4 Barlow’s Landing Rd., Suite 13, Pocasset, MA 02559 name ____________________________________ address __________________________________ __________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________ email ____________________________________ ___ Please check here if you would like to pay with a credit card. *We will contact you for payment information* Cost Check off one of the following: Parent: $95 ( ) Professional: $110 ( ) exhibitor: $125 ( ) additional Table Rep.: $75 ( ) seating in afternoon breakout session is limited. indicate your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices. sessions are assigned on a first come basis. For questions email: [email protected] Pat Antonellis, Children Making Strides Lisa Borges, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism RE-DEFINING AUTISM WHAT TO EXPECT GOING FORWARD Dr. Nora Friedman, Massachusetts General Hospital This session will focus on the implications in light of the changes in the DSM IV criteria for the diagnosis of Autism scheduled to take effect in 2013. The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning Sue Constable, M.A. This session will cover the tenets and the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL teaches the skills everyone needs to effectively control ourselves, handle relationships and manage school and/or work demands. These skills include recognizing and managing our emotions, developing caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively and ethically. They are the skills that allow children and youth to calm themselves when anxious, frustrated or angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make ethical and safe choices. Effective, practical supports and strategies to teach SEL will also be covered in this session. Session II: Bullying, The New Musical CarolAnn Edscorn There is nothing humorous about bullying. Federal, state and local policies are in place but have little effect on making life safer for youth—and adults. In schools, bullying occurs on average in less than 7 seconds. In a recent study, 45% of parents reported that their child had been bullied in the previous school year. CarolAnn will develop a working definition of bullying, share personal strategies she uses in school and in the workplace, and discuss ideas for advocacy. Session III: NO MORE BULLYING AROUND Mass Advocates for Children Has your child been bullied? Has the school addressed the bullying to your satisfaction? Understand the law requiring schools to create a safe and supportive environment and how to address the problem via your child’s IEP. An actual case will be reviewed and analyzed. Laurie Flutie “LESSONS IN COMPASSION” Jesse Saperstein Jesse A. Saperstein is a best-selling author, autism advocate, and motivational speaker. He is considered one of the most respected leaders in the Anti-Bullying movement of his generation. Jesse also has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome. Jesse explains how the “negative” symptoms of Asperger’s may also serve as incredible assets if we redefine the way we look at them. He teaches you the skills to “look at yourself in the mirror” and give yourself the mercy that may not always come from someone else. Jesse also discusses the misconceptions about bullying and misunderstood disabilities. AFAM UPDATES This session will update participants on all of the new initiatives and changes in the autism field over the past year. Topics will include updates on health insurance coverage, legislative initiatives, advocacy and education. Session I: “From Pictures to Technology: iPads and More” Jennifer Leighton, M.A., CCC-SLP Meg Belsito, M.Ed. This presentation will discuss different types of technology available with a focus on different uses of iPad apps. The pros and cons with regard to their use as a communication device as well as for their use as support strategies (i.e., for social stories, video modeling, as a motivating teaching tool for literacy, math, social skills, writing, drawing, for increasing independence and success in a work environment) will be discussed. A number of different apps will be demonstrated and resources for researching and locating additional apps will be provided. This session will also address how one public school system has implemented an iPad program for a number of their students with autism and the benefits and challenges they face with new technology. www.vervehotelnatick.com