Contact
The Hudson Valley Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (RCASD)914-493-7373
rcasd@wihd.org
Hudson Valley Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (RCASD)'s
3rd Annual Spring Conference
For school personnel, community professionals, and family members in the Hudson Valley who live or work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Date: Friday, April 29th, 2016
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Holiday Inn Middletown-Goshen
68 Crystal Run Road
Middletown, NY 10941
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:15-9:45 Registration
9:45-10:00 Welcoming Remarks
10:00-10:55 Evidence-Based Practices for Treating Fear and Anxiety in Individuals with ASD Presented by Laura B. Turner, Ph.D., BCBA — Assistant Professor, University of Saint Joseph
11:00-12:00 What does DNA have to do with it? The Basics you Should Know about Genetics and ASD Presented by Katie Gallagher, MS, CGC — Regional Medical Genetics Center
12:00-12:55 Boxed Lunch (Dietary restrictions other than vegetarian are NOT able to be accommodated)
1:00-1:55 The Importance of the Supervisory Relationship in Training New Staff Members Presented by Jennifer Gillis Mattson, Ph.D., BCBA-D — Associate Professor, Binghamton University
2:00-3:00 Using Visual Supports to Teach Skills and Promote Independence in Individuals with ASD Presented by Nicole Pearson, Ph.D., BCBA-D — Director of Education, NYC Autism Charter School
**Copies of the presentations will be made available the week prior to the conference at www.wihd.org/RCASD.
Please print a copy if you would like one, as they will NOT be available at the conference.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, contact us by phone at (914) 493-7373 or by email at RCASD@wihd.org.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Evidence-Based Practices for Treating Fear and Anxiety in Individuals with ASD
Presented by Laura B. Turner, Ph.D., BCBA — Assistant Professor, University of Saint Joseph
At the core of ASD is a limited ability to express, understand and regulate emotions. As such, individuals with ASD are at an increased risk of developing co-occurring psychological disorders, especially fear and anxiety. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 40% of youth with ASD experience clinically significant symptoms of at least one anxiety disorder. Throughout the past decade, significant focus has been placed on the evaluation of evidence-based approaches for the alleviation of fear and anxiety in youth with ASD. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information regarding key components of evidence-based interventions for fear and anxiety and considerations when implementing such approaches with youth with ASD.
What does DNA have to do with it? The basics you should know about genetics and ASD
Presented by Katie Gallagher, MS, CGC — Regional Medical Genetics Center
A diagnosis of autism can leave families with lingering questions: Why did this happen? Is there more I should know? Could this happen again? In this session you will learn the basics of what is known and unknown about genetics as it relates to autism spectrum disorder. You will get a truthful, uncomplicated look at what is understood today about the causes of autism and what geneticists can (and cannot) do for families with ASD.
The Importance of the Supervisory Relationship in Training New Staff Members
Presented by Jennifer Gillis Mattson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Associate Professor, Binghamton University
Retaining employment of staff is a major challenge for many human service organizations and schools. Identifying sources that might lead to attrition is equally as important as identifying and implementing evidence-based training and supervisory procedures. The purpose of this presentation is to acquaint the audience with the empirical research in this area as well as to provide considerations for developing and enhancing the supervisory relationship to improve both staff competency and clinical outcomes.
Using Visual Supports to Teach Skills and Promote Independence in Individuals with ASD
Presented by Nicole Pearson, Ph.D., BCBA-D — Director of Education, NYC Autism Charter School
Visual supports are tools that are used to improve communication and environmental expectations as well as provide structure and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. These supports can be helpful in improving such behaviors as eating, sleeping, transitioning from preferred activities, and completing work tasks. This presentation will provide practical strategies on how to develop and implement visual supports in a variety of settings including school, home, and the community in order to teach skills and promote greater independence in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.