Penn State
2008 National Autism Conference
August 4–8, 2008
  PA Department of Special Education
The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
State College, Pennsylvania

Agenda

Monday, August 4

7:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

REGISTRATION

Morning Sessions  
9:00–10:15 a.m.

OPENING KEYNOTE
1. RAISING A CHILD WITH AUTISM: PERSONAL AND HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
Eustacia Cutler

Eustacia Cutler will share personal experiences and the social/historical context of raising Temple Grandin.

10:30–11:30 a.m.

2. AUTISM RESEARCH 2008
(BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE)
Duane Alexander

Highlights of current National Institutes of Health efforts in autism research and its progress will be discussed.

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Box lunch 
Afternoon Sessions  
1:00–1:45 p.m.

3. UPDATES ON PENNSYLVANIA'S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES TO LEARNERS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 
(BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE)
John Tommasini

2:00–5:00 p.m.

4. AN INTRODUCTION TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
(BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE)
Shelly Russin and Kelly McAndrew

Defining features and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders will be presented, with an introduction to effective practices and strategies.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

5. IMPROVING EDUCATION AND TREATMENT IN AUTISM WITH ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED, BACB CEUs)
Rick Fleming

This presentation will describe how organizational behavior management can be used to train and support team members who work with persons with autism.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

6. RECENT RESEARCH IN ASPERGER SYNDROME
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)
James McPartland

A review of clinical characteristics of Asperger syndrome and current research in the field will be presented.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

7. BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC RESEARCH IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED, BACB CEUs) 
David Celiberti

An overview of the state of research in autism that evaluates behavior analytic and non–behavior analytic treatments will be presented, with an emphasis on considerations for future research in applied settings.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

8. MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS OF AUTISM AND THE AUTISM TREATMENT NETWORK SITE IN PITTSBURGH
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)
Nancy Minshew

This session will discuss the major differences in thinking and social-emotional development between persons with autism and typically developing peers.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

9. ADVANCES IN UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING SENSORY SYMPTOMS IN AUTISM
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)
Roseann Schaaf

An update on research on the causes, manifestations, and interventions for sensory processing disorders in autism will be presented.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

10. AN UPDATE ON RESEARCH FINDINGS IN SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)
Mike Murray

A research update on social skills development in persons with autism spectrum disorders will be presented, with particular focus on the Comprehensive Social Skills Training Program.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

11. NATIONAL STANDARDS REPORT: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND AUTISM
(INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED, BACB CEUs)
Susan Wilczynski

A model of evidence-based practice endorsed in the National Standards Report will be discussed.
2:00–5:00 p.m.

12. POSTSECONDARY JOURNEYS: RESEARCHING COLLEGE TRANSITION AND SUPPORT FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM STUDENTS (BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE)
Scott Robertson

This session will examine the research—including ongoing dissertation research—on supporting students with autism spectrum disorders transitioning to and attending a college/university.

 

8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE

noon–6:00 p.m.

EXHIBIT HALL

 

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