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Events / Conferences
 

** Online Registration Has Closed **

Walk-in Registration Begins at 8:00 AM on Sunday, April 15th
Walk-in Fees are an ADDITIONAL $20.00 for all categories

 

Travel Directions to Conference

By TRAIN from Penn Station (Hempstead Line)

Train leaves at: 7:48 am - change at Jamaica -

Arrives at Garden City - Nassau Blvd.8:30 am

There will be an ADELPHI mini van to pick up conference attendees

All other travel information can be found on the Adelphi site:

Travel to Adelphi's Ruth S. Harley University Center

 

Below is the schedule of events for our spring conference. Registration includes three choices of workshops, all materials, breakfast, lunch, and attendance at the keynote address and the premiere showing of the documentary film “On The Spectrum”. A hard copy of the brochure can be downloaded, or call 516.470.0360.

Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association
Adelphi University Ammon School of Education,
Asperger Institute at NYU Child Study Center,
The Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University,
The Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at
North Shore-LIJ Health System
GRASP/The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
proudly present:

Issues in Independent Living for Adolescents
and Adults on the Autism Spectrum

8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 2007

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
Ruth S. Harley University Center

Buy 2007 Conference Audio/Booklets

download brochure>

Our mission continues to be to increase awareness of the countless challenges, difficulties and strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum. The focus of this annual regional conference is to establish more effective supports and services from transition through adulthood so as to create increased independence for individuals on the spectrum. Each year our speakers identify the few resources that are currently available and some of the creative strategies being used.

We look forward to your participation,
Pat Schissel, President, AHA
Conference Coordinator
   
The Conference Committee  
Bernice Polinsky, AHA
Maureen Holohan, AHA
Carole Kalvar, AHA
Ellen Forrest, AHA
Ellen Bell, AHA
Judith H. Cohen, Adelphi University
Lynda Geller, Asperger Institute at NYU Child Study Center
Virginia Cover, The Cody Center
Ellen Woodward, The Cody Center
May Lynn Andresen, Fay J Lindner Center for Autism
Michael John Carley, GRASP
Valerie Gaus
Faith Kappenberg

 

 

 


Registration for the conference includes a booklet containing materials of the keynote address and all workshops, a continental breakfast, and boxed lunch. Books and DVD’s are for sale. Representatives from agencies and schools with information and handouts will be at tables all day providing opportunities for networking. Audiotapes of conference workshops are for sale.

Should you require disability accommodations, please email DSS@adelphi.edu, giving notice of 72 hours before the event. Should you require ASL interpreting, seven days notice is required.
 

 

Schedule of Events
8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Registration, Bookstore, Resources
Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Greetings from Adelphi and AHA
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Speaker, Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.
Free To Be Ourselves: The Power of Autistic Culture and Community
Valerie Paradiz, author of “Elijah’s Cup”, will speak about the importance of fostering friendships, relationships and mentoring experiences among individuals on the autism spectrum. Paradiz shares both professional knowledge and personal experiences with these crucial friendships in her own life and that of her teenaged son Elijah.

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

On The Spectrum, a film by Isabel and Nati Dziobek
Featuring Michael John Carley, Katherine Eddy, Michael Madore and Karl Wittig Introduced by Michael John Carley, M.F.A.
This intimate documentary by two sisters, one a researcher and the other a filmmaker, depicts four individuals on the autism spectrum. Filmed in the homes and communities of these four individuals, and told in their own words, On the Spectrum dramatizes the impact of diagnosis and the ways in which Asperger Syndrome has affected their lives, work, and relationships.

11:30 – 12:45
Workshop Period A

A1. “I Can’t Get Going”
Valerie Gaus, Ph.D.
This presentation will address the many reasons a person on the spectrum may have difficulty leaving the house, whether it be for school, work, appointments or social activities.  This problem can be caused by anxiety, executive function and/or motor problems.  Strategies to "get going" will be discussed, with a special emphasis on anxiety issues.

A2. Understanding Government Benefits and Eligibility
Debra A. Ciccarelli, MSW
The government benefits system can be daunting. The speaker will help attendees learn how to navigate this system, learn about government requirements to determine their eligibility for available services and benefits and learn how to decide which services are most appropriate for particular individuals.

A3. Supported college options: considerations in selecting the best program fit. 
Bob Kavanaugh, M.S., Moderator
Michele Campbell, Michael R. Dillon, Ed.D., Wendy Eisner, Ph.D., Carol Phelan, L.C.S.W.,
Peter Wigg, Psy.D.
A panel of college advisers and program representatives will present a range of programming options available for college-level students and discuss the process of assessing an individual's readiness and transition into post-secondary education.

A4.   The Four Stages of Disclosure: A Route to Self-Advocacy and Fulfillment
Stephen Shore, M.A., ABD
Working with an individual through self-discovery of an autism spectrum disorder can be an opportunity for growth. The presentation describes a four-step approach to disclosing diagnosis that frames a person’s characteristics as a series of strengths and challenges.  The presentation will focus on using strengths as the route to a more fulfilling adult life.  Attendees will learn practical strategies to assist in greater self-awareness.

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 – 3:00 Workshop Period B

B5.  Coping with Characteristics of Autism in the Adult World
Lynda Geller, Ph.D., Elizabeth Roberts, Psy.D.     
The common differences that children have in processing, organizing, and self-regulating do not go away in adulthood, when new approaches may be needed.  This presentation will discuss neuropsychological differences that individuals commonly experience, how they may best be accommodated and how understanding one’s own patterns of strengths and weaknesses can be the most critical tool for self empowerment in college, work, and personal life.

B6.  Young Adult Panel
Valerie Paradiz, Moderator  
These young adults will discuss the ups and downs that led them to where they are today. A question and answer period will follow.

B7.  Sleep Issues: How they affect individuals on the spectrum.
Catherine Kier, MD
Currently research on autism spectrum disorders has grown in tandem with the literature on sleep disorders, and researchers have begun to examine the relationship between the two.  This workshop will discuss current research on the autism-sleep relationship and will address such recommended interventions as parental guidance, sleep hygiene and behavior intervention, with the goal of improving both the daytime functioning and quality of life.

B8.  “If You Can Have a Conversation, You Can Have a Relationship”
Gina Marie Muscillo, CCC-SLP
The ability to socialize and communicate effectively requires complex skills. Attendees will learn about strategies such as: using cues to redirect off-topic digressions, fostering perspective taking, and developing conversational skills on motivating topics.

3:15 – 4:30 Workshop Period C

C9.  Transition from High School to Post Secondary Alternatives
Elise Hahn Felix, L.C.S.W.  
Individuals and their families need to be involved in the transition process as early as possible: such involvement is important for social and emotional growth.  The speaker will discuss challenges and strategies to assist individuals in planning for their futures.

C10.   The Team Approach: Maximizing the Impact of Medication
Joel Bregman, M.D., May-Lynn Andresen, R.N.   
Medications are frequently prescribed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Complete information and data from a variety of perspectives is critical. Dr. Bregman will describe how to maximize the impact of medication through engaging the entire treatment team in establishing specific outcome goals and evaluating effectiveness.

C11.    The Importance of Sexual Well-Being: Myths, Goals, and Assessing Potential
Zosia Zaks, M.A., Moderator
Michael John Carley, M.F.A., Shana Nichols, Ph.D., Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.
Shana Nichols and Michael John Carley will outline the challenges, strengths, and myths about healthy sexual lives for adults on the autism spectrum. Afterwards, Zosia Zaks will moderate a sexuality panel with Dr. Nichols, Mr. Carley, and keynote speaker Dr.Valerie Paradiz.

C12.  Creative Solutions to Housing
Faith Kappenberg, Ph.D, L.C.S.W., Moderator
Robert Budd, M.P.S., Elizabeth Annarella
Each year we give an overview of what housing programs are presently available and how innovative situations can be created while continuously challenging ourselves to new possibilities

 

Hotel Rooms
For information about local accommodations, visit:
http://www.adelphi.edu/conferenceservices/guest.shtml#hotels.

Directions
The conference can be easily reached by the LIRR or car. For directions, visit:
http://www.adelphi.edu/visitors/directions.php

Audios
MP3 of keynote and workshops.
Pre-Conference Special Prior to April 1 $25.00 available only to conference registrants, After April 1 $50.00 available to all.
Booklet of conference workshop presentations $20 (includes shipping and handling).

Kosher food for our continental breakfast and boxed lunch is available but must be ordered by April 10th. It is prepared under the supervision of the Vaad of Queens.

No refunds after April 1, 2007.
Receipts will be available upon request at the conference.
Confirmation by request only. Email: conference@ahaNY.org.

Walk-ins  
Walk-ins will be charged an extra $20
Lunch may not be available, Adelphi cafeteria is open.

FEES 

$100  
$150  
$  35  
$  50 
Member of AHA
Non-Member
Student or Individual w/ASD
Adelphi Faculty

 

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