The National Speaker Conference 2021- 4 Workshop Package

Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L, & Jacquelyn Fede, PhD: Saving Autistic Students From Neurotypical Goals: Person-Centered Preparation for a Neurodiverse World

September 24^th, 10:00AM-12:15 PM, EST

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is, by design, intended to be person-centered. However, when neurotypical people write goals for neurodiverse students, there is the potential to create goals with the neurotypical brain in mind. Dr. Amy Laurent and Dr. Jacquelyn Fede redefine our understanding of "person-centered," and challenge us, as teachers and parents, to create IEP goals that are specific to the individual autistic child. Creating goals that are authentically person-centered prepare an autistic child to thrive as an autistic adult.

Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L is a developmental psychologist and a registered pediatric occupational therapist. She is a co-author of the SCERTS model, a comprehensive, evidence-based model for supporting autistic individuals across the lifespan. She frequently lectures and provides training throughout the United States and internationally on topics related to neurodiversity and helping others to understand and honor the implications of "different ways of being" in relation to navigating the physical and social world. Her research interests include emotional / energy regulation and active engagement in natural contexts. Dr. Laurent strives to practice what she preaches and uses her love of play and movement to meet her own regulatory needs.

Jacquelyn Fede, PhD is a super fun, Autistic Self-Advocate, developmental psychologist and program evaluator. Her research interests include immigration policy, autism, and community engagement. She uses her experience to help educate others about autism through lecturing, blogging and consulting on evaluation projects. A full scholarship Division 1 athlete in college, Dr. Fede continues to meet her sensory needs by seeking extreme physical activity. She also enjoys the use of creativity and art for expression.

Paul Wehman, PhD: Vocational Training and Preparation for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Toward Competitive, Integrated Employment

September 24^th, 2:00PM-4:15 PM, EST

Creating a truly neurodiverse workforce requires two areas of focus: preparing the neurodiverse person for employment, and creating employment that fits the needs of the neurodiverse population. Dr. Paul Wehman will address both areas in his presentation, with a focus on highlighting the skills of workforce members with level 2 and level 3 ASD.

Paul Wehman, Ph.D. has been a tenured faculty member with Virginia Commonwealth University since 1980. Originally with the VCU School of Education, he moved to a joint appointment with SOE and the School of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has now returned to an exclusive faculty appointment with SOE. His highly interdisciplinary background and pioneering work in the beginning of supported employment has facilitated millions of persons with neurodevelopmental disabilities, brain injury and spinal cord injury in countries all over the world to gain and retain competitive employment.  As Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and Director of the VCU Autism Center for Excellence, he has written extensively on issues related to transition from school to adulthood and special education as it relates to young adulthood and employment and is founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. Dr. Wehman has been the recipient of numerous awards, most recently the 2018 VCU Distinguished Scholarship Award,  the 2017 Leader of the Year Award from the Virginia Division of Career Development and Transition. He’s been the Principal Investigator on more than $80 million worth of federal grants since joining VCU.

Stephen Shore, Ed.D.: Effective Self-Advocacy and Disclosure in the Workplace

September 25^th, 10:00AM-12:15 PM, EST

At The Autism Project©, we often hear questions like, "I have a job interview next week. Should I tell the interviewer that I have autism?" or "I've got some sensory needs that make it difficult for me to work in the office. How do I ask to work from home?" Dr. Stephen Shore will be addressing the areas of disclosure ("Should I disclose my diagnosis?"/ "How much should I disclose?"/How should I disclose my diagnosis?") and self-advocacy ("How do I ensure that my needs and my employer’s needs are both met?") in the workplace.

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too sick" for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonspeaking until 4, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a full time professor at Adelphi University and adjunct at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, focusing on aligning best practice in supporting autistic people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

 In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is an internationally renowned educator, consultant and author on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, and self-advocacy. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.

 A current board member of Autism Speaks, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), president emeritus of the Asperger/Autism Network, and advisory board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore also serves on the advisory boards of AANE, and other autism related organizations

 Michael John Carley: The Autism Spectrum Transitioning Primer: Work, Housing, Social Lives, Sex

September 25^th, 2:00PM-4:15 PM, EST

As parents and professionals, we are often hyper focused on work-preparedness. "Will my child/student be able to support themselves financially?" We may forget that independent/fulfilling adulthood also includes other factors, like housing, socializing, and safe sex. Michael John Carley will provide strategies for supporting people in all areas. 

As the Founder, and first Executive Director of GRASP, the largest organization in the world comprised of adults on the autism spectrum, Michael John Carley has contractually spoken at almost 150 conferences, hospitals, universities, and health care organizations, including trainings at numerous school districts and Fortune 1000 companies. As the Executive Director of ASTEP (now “Integrate”), he also spoke at conferences focusing on Human Resources, Corporate Diversity & Inclusion, and he conducted numerous webinars for more Fortune 1000 companies.

Bio Continues Here: Full Bio – Michael John Carley

Each presentation includes a 15 minute break. 

 Additional Information: 

• Certificates are available upon request. 
• When paying, if you do not have a paypal account, please use "checkout as guest." 
• Parent/Self-Advocate Scholarships are available upon request. Please contact Debra for more information. 
• Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the zoom link. Please double-check your email address when registering. 

 

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