Old Westbury, NY - June 11th, 2013 - How best to address challenging behavior sometimes associated with children with autism spectrum disorders? What strategies should be employed to ensure such children are successfully included in the classroom? What legal issues impact how school districts handle autism-related matters? These are just a sampling of the critical questions facing parents and teachers of children with autism spectrum disorders. They are also some of the questions at the heart of an upcoming conference.
The SUNY College at Old Westbury’s Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is offering “Teaching to Successful Outcomes,” a free conference for parents, educators, and professionals providing the latest information on evidence-based supports for children with autism spectrum disorders. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013. Admission is free but seating is limited so those interested in attending should RSVP to 516-628-5647 or via email to autism@oldwestbury.edu.
“Our goal is to serve as a resource for children, parents and schools so that we can bring research and practice together for children with autism spectrum disorders on Long Island,” said Sanja Cale, assistant professor in the College’s School of Education and director of the Old Westbury center. “We must ensure these children are impacted by the knowledge and resources that can help them achieve successful outcomes.”
A keynote address titled “Learning Styles of Children with Autism” will be made by Dr. Gary Mesibov, professor emeritus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Mesibov was a member of the UNC faculty for 35 years and served for 18 years as director of Division TEACCH, the internationally recognized statewide program that is among the pioneering providers of service, treatment, training, research and education of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
In addition, a series of workshops will be held featuring faculty from the College’s School of Education along with other presenters, covering such topics as “Understanding Anxiety in Youth with Autism,” “Social Skills Interventions,” “Transition Planning,” Problem Behavior Interventions,” and a bilingual session: “Navigating the Special Education System – A Practical Guide for Families.”
