Session handouts will be posted on the Handouts page of the Web site.
If you do not see a specific session handout, please check back.
Tuesday, August 2 |
|
| 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Registration |
| Morning Sessions | |
| 9:00 a.m.–noon |
12 and 23. Setting the Stage for Social Success
Cindy Schneider (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA) This is a very interactive workshop in which participants will be actively engaged. We will briefly review the social needs of the students, youngster, adults diagnosed with HFA or AS. Participants will then learn strategies and techniques through active participation in theater games and activities that specifically address those social issues. Group discussion about skills and adaptations will follow each activity. |
| 9:00–noon |
13 and 24. Analyzing and Removing Barriers that Impede Language Acquisition
Mark Sundberg (Intermediate/Advanced, BACB, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Children with autism face many challenges when it comes to learning. Any of the basic verbal skills (mand, tact, intraverbal, echoic) can become impaired in a variety of ways. Some may demonstrate language that is dependent on prompts, is rote, repetitive, or out of context. They may also have difficulty generalizing the skills they have learned, seem unmotivated, or emit scrolling (guessing) responses. These learning barriers can often be overcome if they are identified early, and appropriate steps are taken to ameliorate them. The VB-MAPP Barriers Assessment is a tool that is designed to identify and score 24 different learning and language acquisition barriers that might affect an individual child. Participants will learn how to analyze a sampling of these barriers, as well as a variety of intervention strategies that can reduce or remove them. |
| 9:00–noon |
14 and 25. Introduction to Relational Frame Theory Ian Stewart (Intermediate/Advanced, BACB, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This presentation will provide an overview of Relational Frame Theory and its application to developing novel, flexible verbal behavior at early and advanced levels of language programming. |
| 9:00–noon |
15 and 26. The Efficacy of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Toward Evidence-Based Practice Ralf Schlosser (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Participants will find out how to navigate evidence-based information sources to identify augmentative and alternative communication interventions that are empirically supported. |
| 9:00–noon |
16 and 27. What Are the Active Ingredients of Effective Programs for Toddlers with ASD? Amy Wetherby (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include impairments of social communication and social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors. Limitations of behavioral intervention strategies for promoting generalization and spontaneous communication have led to a growing body of research on developmental intervention approaches. Guidelines for targeting meaningful outcomes for children with ASD using empirically-supported intervention strategies based on the recommendations of the National Research Council (2001) will be presented. Strategies for blending developmental approaches with evidence-based practice in everyday activities in the natural environment will be suggested and illustrated with video vignettes of toddlers with ASD and their families. |
| 9:00–noon |
17 and 28. Bureau of Autism Services Updates
Nina Wall-Cote and Lindsay Lawer (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) In order to better meet the needs of the growing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Pennsylvania, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the extent to which current public systems are meeting the service needs of individuals with autism and their families. This interactive session will share information about Bureau of Autism Services current initiatives and adult programs, as well as highlight major findings from the ASERT PA Autism Needs Assessment survey in areas such as accessing services, co-morbid disorders, disciplinary actions, and education and employment for adults with ASD. |
| 9:00–noon |
18 and 29. Unraveling the Mysteries of Motor Planning Susan Thompson (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This session will provide information about motor planning and how to address motor planning difficulties in children who struggle with this complex and important skill. |
| 9:00–noon |
19 and 30. National Standards Project: Evidence-Based Practice and Autism Hanna Rue (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, BACB, ASHA, Psych) This presentation will review the outcomes of the National Standards Report, the most comprehensive, systematic, evidence-based practice guideline on autism. |
| 9:00–noon |
20 and 31. The Essential 8: An Assessment and Curriculum of Functional Skills for Children and Adults with Limited Skill Repertoires Patrick McGreevy (Intermediate/Advanced, Act 48, ASHA, BACB, Psych) This session will present the Essential 8, which is an assessment and curriculum based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. The skills contained therein are essential for effective daily living and are appropriate for both children and adults, especially those with limited skill repertoires. |
| 9:00–noon |
21. Autism Basics Liz Maher (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, BACB, Psych) This session will present an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders including acknowledging the diversity of those who make up this group of individuals. An overview of the diagnostic criteria for autism will be provided as well as a discussion of basic educational considerations including individualized educational programs and the importance of providing services in the least restrictive environment. Both a parent’s perspective and professional perspectives will be represented. A brief review of the importance of evidence-based practices in guiding educational programs will be presented. |
| 9:00–noon |
22. Language Essential for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) — Module 1 Workshop Laura Moran, Dan Thompson, Pam Kastner (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This will be an all-day workshop Module 1 helps the learner understand why learning to read is so difficult for many students, how reading develops, and what is happening when the reading process does not progress as expected. |
| noon–1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| Afternoon Sessions | |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 12
23. Setting the Stage for Social Success Cindy Schneider (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA) This is a very interactive workshop in which participants will be actively engaged. We will briefly review the social needs of the students, youngster, adults diagnosed with HFA or AS. Participants will then learn strategies and techniques through active participation in theater games and activities that specifically address those social issues. Group discussion about skills and adaptations will follow each activity. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 13
24. Analyzing and Removing Barriers that Impede Language Acquisition Mark Sundberg (Intermediate/Advanced, BACB, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Children with autism face many challenges when it comes to learning. Any of the basic verbal skills (mand, tact, intraverbal, echoic) can become impaired in a variety of ways. Some may demonstrate language that is dependent on prompts, is rote, repetitive, or out of context. They may also have difficulty generalizing the skills they have learned, seem unmotivated, or emit scrolling (guessing) responses. These learning barriers can often be overcome if they are identified early, and appropriate steps are taken to ameliorate them. The VB-MAPP Barriers Assessment is a tool that is designed to identify and score 24 different learning and language acquisition barriers that might affect an individual child. Participants will learn how to analyze a sampling of these barriers, as well as a variety of intervention strategies that can reduce or remove them. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 14
25. Introduction to Relational Frame Theory Ian Stewart (Intermediate/Advanced, BACB, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This presentation will provide an overview of Relational Frame Theory and its application to developing novel, flexible verbal behavior at early and advanced levels of language programming. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 15
26. The Efficacy of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Toward Evidence-Based Practice Ralf Schlosser (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Participants will find out how to navigate evidence-based information sources to identify augmentative and alternative communication interventions that are empirically supported. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 16
27. What Are the Active Ingredients of Effective Programs for Toddlers with ASD? Amy Wetherby (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) Core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include impairments of social communication and social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors. Limitations of behavioral intervention strategies for promoting generalization and spontaneous communication have led to a growing body of research on developmental intervention approaches. Guidelines for targeting meaningful outcomes for children with ASD using empirically-supported intervention strategies based on the recommendations of the National Research Council (2001) will be presented. Strategies for blending developmental approaches with evidence-based practice in everyday activities in the natural environment will be suggested and illustrated with video vignettes of toddlers with ASD and their families. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 17
28. Bureau of Autism Services Updates Nina Wall-Cote and Lindsay Lawer (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) In order to better meet the needs of the growing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Pennsylvania, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the extent to which current public systems are meeting the service needs of individuals with autism and their families. This interactive session will share information about Bureau of Autism Services current initiatives and adult programs, as well as highlight major findings from the ASERT PA Autism Needs Assessment survey in areas such as accessing services, co-morbid disorders, disciplinary actions, and education and employment for adults with ASD. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 18
29. Unraveling the Mysteries of Motor Planning Susan Thompson (Beginning/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This session will provide information about motor planning and how to address motor planning difficulties in children who struggle with this complex and important skill. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 19
30. National Standards Project: Evidence-Based Practice and Autism Hanna Rue (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, BACB, ASHA, Psych) This presentation will review the outcomes of the National Standards Report, the most comprehensive, systematic, evidence-based practice guideline on autism. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Repeat of Session 20
31. The Essential 8: An Assessment and Curriculum of Functional Skills for Children and Adults with Limited Skill Repertoires Patrick McGreevy (Intermediate/Advanced, Act 48, ASHA, BACB, Psych) This session will present the Essential 8, which is an assessment and curriculum based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. The skills contained therein are essential for effective daily living and are appropriate for both children and adults, especially those with limited skill repertoires. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
32. Effective Assessment Katie Staub (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, BACB, Psych) Effective service delivery starts with quality assessment. This session will review why assessment is important, strategies for completing an assessment of an individual’s strengths, needs and relative performance in relation to sequences of skills including state standards. Since individual functioning is related to how well educational programs are implemented, strategies for reviewing educational environments and programs will be included as part of the overall assessment process. Consideration of how to assess a wide range of skills will be reviewed. |
| 1:15–4:15 p.m. |
Language Essential for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) — Module 1 Workshop (Part 2) Laura Moran, Dan Thompson, Pam Kastner (Beginner/Intermediate, Act 48, ASHA, Psych) This will be an all-day workshop Module 1 helps the learner understand why learning to read is so difficult for many students, how reading develops, and what is happening when the reading process does not progress as expected. |
| 4:30–5:30 p.m. | 33. Poster Session, ABA 4 Reception with Cash Bar, and The Art of Expression Exhibit |
| 8:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Children's Institute |
| 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Exhibits |
