Columbus, OH Conference

ASDs and the House of Human Development, with Teresa Bolick, Ph.D.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) show a vast array of strengths and challenges. All too often, their challenges lead to behavior that interferes with success in everyday life at home, at school, and in the community. Because their developmental profiles are so complex, intervention is complicated and potentially overwhelming to families, schools, and other treatment teams. The House of Human Development is a user-friendly model of human development that suggests that communication, learning, and social competence rest upon the foundation of efficient sensorimotor processing and self-regulation. It emphasizes the interaction between an individual’s developmental strengths and challenges and the situation at hand. Finally, it allows us to identify efficient modifications, accommodations, and interventions that support learning and social competence. Participants will learn: 1) Developmental challenges that can interfere with everyday life 2) Environmental modifications and accommodations that enhance availability for learning 3) Strategies for teaching adaptive and efficient skills for self-regulation, communication, learning, and social/emotional/behavioral competence.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Social Skills Training and Frustration Management, with Jed Baker, Ph.D.
Specific, user-friendly strategies and techniques for providing relevant social skills instruction to children and teens with ASDs will be shared at this workshop. Enjoyable socialization methods are emphasized so individuals may experience success and desire to build skills. Social deficits affect life at home, school and eventually the workplace. Conference participants will learn both highly beneficial strategies that can be used across a variety of settings and routines; and practical and effective solutions to assist typical peers, family members and professionals to become more understanding and engaging of those with social difficulties. Participants will learn: 1) The reasons for skill deficits and disruptive behaviors in children with social communication problems 2) Strategies to deal effectively with meltdowns and tantrums 3) How to put together an effective behavior plan for repeat problems 4) How to put together a social skills training program in schools or at home 5) Strategies for teaching and generalizing social skills in group or one-on-one situations 6) How to create programs for peers to accept students with disabilities and model positive behaviors.