San Diego, CA Conference

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Mental Illness in Children, with Christopher Okiishi, M.D.
Childhood is a time of many changes, challenges and, at times, confusion. This is even more so for children with psychiatric disorders. In this seminar, we will overview the most common childhood psychiatric conditions. At the end of the day, we will look at real world examples of behaviors a child may exhibit in the classroom, community or home and understand the possible mental health underpinnings of these behaviors. Dr. Okiishi will be addressing: Depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, grief, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, Tourette Syndrome, mental disabilities, learning disorders, elimination disorder, and Schizophrenia. Learning objectives for each disorder: Diagnostic strategies; symptoms and 'hallmark' behaviors; predisposing factors; co-morbid disorders and disorder comparisons; impact of symptoms on individual, family and friends; skills training for parents/teachers; statistics and prevalence of disorders; reasons to treat; how to treat, including medications, therapy and other interventions; when it gets dangerous; and things to avoid.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Teaching Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorders, with Maria Wheeler, M.Ed.
Some of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) include limitations of attention, sensory difficulties, communication impairments, auditory processing problems, restrictive patterns, excessive anxiety and limited social functioning. These traits significantly interfere with learning and performance. When limited by the impact of the characteristics of an ASD, the learner needs to be taught concepts and skills differently than traditional students. Learning objectives for participants: 1) Explore how the traits of ASDs, including Autism, PDD and Asperger Syndrome, interfere with learning 2) Learn how to prepare students for learning 3) Learn how to structure and present teaching experiences that actively involve children who have ASDs in a variety of learning experiences 4) Learn how to evaluate a non-verbal child's knowledge of concepts taught 5) Learn effective modifications and supports to facilitate learning and performance for students of different ages across the Autism Spectrum.