EASTERSEALS MIDWEST AUTISM CONFERENCE SERIES

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1 EASTERSEALS MIDWEST AUTISM CONFERENCE SERIES SPONSORED BY KANSAS CITY CAPE GIRARDEAU SPRINGFIELD COLUMBIA ST. LOUIS COLUMBIA NOVEMBER 14 8:30 am 4:15 pm JOIN US. eastersealsautismseries.com Druy Plaza East 3100 Interstate 70 Drive SE Columbia, MO 65201

2 REGISTRATION INFORMATION Families receiving services from Easterseals Midwest are eligible for 2 free tickets. $20 per additional family member or all community members Professionals- $80 full day Groups of 5 or more professionals ($70 per person- must register by phone for rate) REGISTRATION 7:45 AM 8:30 AM WELCOME ADDRESS 8:30 AM 8:40 AM Presented by Jamie FitzGerald, Director of ESMW Central Office GROUP SESSION 8:40 AM 9:50 AM Morning Key Note Presented by Dr. Kristin Sohl BREAK 9:50 AM 10:00 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS ONE (3 SESSIONS) 10:00 AM 10:50 AM Session A: Supporting Sensory Development Naturally! Session B: Taking Care of Yourself: Who me? Yes, you! Session C: Discipline under IDEA BREAK 10:50 AM 11:00 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS TWO (3 SESSIONS) 11:00 AM 12:15 PM Session A: Knowing What is and Isn t Worthy of Sexual Intervention Session B: MO Able: A New Way to Save for Individuals with Disabilities Session C: Building an Effective IEP LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 12:15 PM 1:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS THREE (3 SESSIONS) 1:30 PM 2:45 PM Session A: Mental Health Issues and Autism Session B: Cyber Savvy Session C: 10 Steps to Effective Advocacy BREAK 2:45 PM 2:55 PM GROUP SESSION AND WRAP UP 2:55 PM 4:15 PM CHECK OUT 4:15 PM

3 SPEAKER AND SESSION DESCRIPTIONS: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 8:40 AM 9:50 AM Improving Access to Best Practice Diagnosis and Medical Care through ECHO Autism Presented by Dr. Kristin Sohl ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Kristin Sohl, MD, FAAP is an Associate Professor of Clinical Child Health at the University of Missouri, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Vice Chair of the Child Health Department. She is a pediatrician with extensive experience in medical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of children with a concern of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Sohl is regarded as an expert in quality and process improvement for comprehensive autism diagnostic and longitudinal services. She is the site principle investigator for the Autism Intervention Research for Physical Health/Autism Treatment Network (AIRP/ATN) and serves in national leadership roles with each of these programs. She is the founder of ECHO Autism, an innovative framework to increase community capacity to care for children with autism and other developmental/behavioral concerns. Her research focuses on systems change to improve healthcare and also focuses on understanding underlying medical conditions in individuals with autism. Dr. Sohl is a tireless advocate for children and enjoys engaging other physicians in being a voice for children s health. She is the President Elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Missouri Chapter. She completed medical school and pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism uses technology and case-based mentoring to partner with community physicians and practitioners to support them in providing best practice autism care in rural and underserved communities. ECHO Autism coaches providers to recognize symptoms earlier, manage common medical co-occurring conditions and partner with local resources to provide family-centered care. This framework allows families to access the care they need, when and where they need it, without long commutes to specialty providers. ECHO Autism is expanding beyond medical providers and working with behavior analysts, school teams, community psychologists, crisis care agencies and transition providers to help build Autism Ready TM Communities equipped to support families locally.

4 BREAKOUT SESSION ONE 10:00 AM 10:50 AM SESSION A Supporting Sensory Development Naturally! Presented by Dr. Aaron Cunningham ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr. Aaron Cunningham is a pediatric chiropractic physician (ICPA-International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) and is certified in Intersect4Life. He is the founder and owner of Keystone Chiropractic & Sensory Development Center in Columbia, Missouri. In May 2013, the Elevating KIDS program was announced for individuals with sensory processing challenges, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADD/ADHD, and anything along the autism spectrum. Dr. Aaron has been working with kids for 5+ years, helping them reach their full health potential through sensory integration therapy, nutrition & chiropractic. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Dr. Aaron will be speaking about how chiropractic, nutrition, and sensory movement plays a vital role in helping kids with sensory and autism concerns, while giving education and tips on how to give kids a better quality of life without the use of medication. SESSION B Taking Care of Yourself: Who me? Yes, you! Presented by Charity Goodwin ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Charity Goodwin is a mother of boys, Gabriel (7) and Levi (5). Gabriel is on the spectrum. She calls them her joys. She knows firsthand the effects of overwhelm and seeks to support others in living with more peace and grace. Goodwin is a The Daring Way Certified Facilitator where she encourages and empowers people to implement the research of Brené Brown. In addition, she is a pastor of The City - an engaging worship experience at the Missouri United Methodist Church. She received her MDiv from Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, KS in She is also a proud alumna of Mizzou s Journalism School in DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: This session will help you overcome overwhelm with techniques you ll get to practice. As a caregiver, your role is essential in the life of our loved ones. Learn how to be calm, daily practices for regrouping, and creating margin in your busy life. When you leave you ll have experienced a new sense of calm and a plan for practicing more when you get home.

5 SESSION C Discipline under IDEA Presented by Karen Cooper ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Karen Cooper works for Family Advocacy and Community Training (FACT), a non-profit, family run organization in St. Charles County, MO. FACT provides Educational Advocacy Services and Parent Support Partners to families who have children with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses. Educational Advocates have extensive training in the laws that govern the education for children with disabilities. Parent Support Partners have extensive training in how to use their lived experience to empower parents to effectively navigate the systems they are involved in to improve outcomes for their child with a disability. Everyone who works at FACT has a family member with a disability. Karen s son Sam, now 24 years old, is on the Autism Spectrum. Karen used FACT services for her son when he was in Elementary School to help him get the services he needed. When Sam was in the 5th grade, an Educational Advocate position came open and Karen applied. Karen has been at FACT for 13 years, starting as an Educational Advocate, then becoming a Transition Specialist focusing on supporting youths and families develop a meaningful Transition Plan through the IEP process, then becoming the Training Specialist for FACT, training all employees and developing workshops to educate families and professionals. She is now also the Advocacy Supervisor, supervising the Educational Advocates. Her son Sam, by the way, is doing great. He graduated from Ranken Technical College in the Information Technologies program, works full time at a job he loves, drives, and lives on his own without any formal supports. Karen reports this would never have been possible without the services she received from FACT when he was younger and the training and knowledge she gained on how to effectively advocate for Sam. Karen is dedicated to sharing that same information to parents so they can choose the right path for their children and their families. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Provides information on your child s rights and your rights when your child is disciplined and on an IEP. Gives parents tools to use to help ensure their child continues to receive an education that meets their needs regardless of the discipline consequences.

6 BREAKOUT SESSION TWO 11:00 AM 12:15 PM SESSION A Knowing What Is and Isn t Worthy of Sexual Intervention Presented by Nicholas Aether, MSPSY, BCBA, LBA and Caitlin Silger, MSWABA Candidate and ABA Practicum Student ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Nicholas Aether, MSPSY, BCBA, LBA, is Co-Owner and CEO of Empowered: A Center for Sexuality, LLC. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with over 6 years experience in treatment of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is also 16 years experienced as a Sex Educator, and is a Sex Therapist in Practicum, while also now seeking his second Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is a member of AASECT, for whom Nicholas has presented at the national level and is in the Sexual Behavior Research and Practice SIG for ABAI. Nicholas has been featured in Contemporary Sexuality, where he was noted for his inclusivity in practice and was highlighted for his treatment successes. He has been given nods from Saint Louis University, The Institute for Relational and Sexual Therapy and Health, and the developer of the Me Too! Curriculum and Institute. Nicholas is a Certified PEERS Instructor and is developing his own program for ongoing sexual education in class and natural environment settings. It is Nicholas personal goal to provide education and therapeutic support to people from all populations and backgrounds. He is very grateful to present, as his expertise is something he loves to share with the community. Caitlin Silger, MSWABA Candidate and ABA Practicum Student, is one of Empowered s most valued members. In her single semester of completed work, she has proven to be competent, knowledgeable in many areas of ABA, and gifted with client rapport. Caitlin is a student at Saint Louis University, and prior to coming to Empowered, also gained experience working with dementia in the elderly population. She is likely going to be making waves in the ABA community soon, and her Supervisor at Empowered is grateful to have her assistance in this presentation. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: This candid presentation covers a variety of actual case requests received at Empowered: A Center for Sexuality, some of which were truly worthy of the intervention process and some of which were less so. There will be parallels made between typical teenagehood and adulthood VS the experiences many clients on the Autism Spectrum face during the transition into sexually-realized selves. The interventions that were warranted will be discussed for those who need assistance and ideas in the present. Similarly, those cases where Empowered recognized the issue was not the client, but rather the environment or history of reinforcement that was causing behavioral concerns, will also be discussed. Religiosity and its impact in guardian and stakeholder decision making, as well as the way it has impacted client lives, will be examined so that values can be taught and emphasized while still allowing a person to become whole during their transitional phases through sexuality. Expect some realness, some candor, and also expect to learn something new! ABA does not typically address sexuality, so this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of only 2 BCBAs competent in sexual behavior in the entire state of MO. Please be advised that explicit information will be discussed during this session and may be uncomfortable for some people.

7 SESSION B Missouri ABLE: A New Way to Save for Individuals with Disabilities Presented by Drew Dziedzic ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Drew Dziedzic works for Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt as his Chief of Staff. Drew advises the Treasurer on his agenda, and he assists the Treasurer with his service on several state boards and commissions. Drew is Treasurer Schmitt s primary contact on MO ABLE, Missouri s savings program for individuals with disabilities. Since its launch, over 700 Missourians with disabilities have signed up to begin saving for a better life. Before the Treasurer s Office, Drew previously worked for the Department of Health and Human Services, as a Policy Analyst for the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: MO ABLE is an investment account for individuals with disabilities that does not harm eligibility for public benefits programs. Launched in 2017 by Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, ABLE accounts allow families to save with tax advantages. Missourians with disabilities are now able to sign up for tax-advantaged savings accounts without having to risk losing federal benefits. This tool can help people save, without penalties to their Medicaid benefits. With these accounts, individuals in the disability community will be able to save money for things like education, medical expenses, housing, and more. This workshop will answer all of your questions about Missouri ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts. Find more out at

8 SESSION C Building an Effective IEP Presented by Karen Cooper ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Karen Cooper works for Family Advocacy and Community Training (FACT), a non-profit, family run organization in St. Charles County, MO. FACT provides Educational Advocacy Services and Parent Support Partners to families who have children with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses. Educational Advocates have extensive training in the laws that govern the education for children with disabilities. Parent Support Partners have extensive training in how to use their lived experience to empower parents to effectively navigate the systems they are involved in to improve outcomes for their child with a disability. Everyone who works at FACT has a family member with a disability. Karen s son Sam, now 24 years old, is on the Autism Spectrum. Karen used FACT services for her son when he was in Elementary School to help him get the services he needed. When Sam was in the 5th grade, an Educational Advocate position came open and Karen applied. Karen has been at FACT for 13 years, starting as an Educational Advocate, then becoming a Transition Specialist focusing on supporting youths and families develop a meaningful Transition Plan through the IEP process, then becoming the Training Specialist for FACT, training all employees and developing workshops to educate families and professionals. She is now also the Advocacy Supervisor, supervising the Educational Advocates. Her son Sam by the way, is doing great. He graduated from Ranken Technical College in the Information Technologies program, works full time at a job he loves, drives, and lives on his own without any formal supports. Karen reports this would never have been possible without the services she received from FACT when he was younger and the training and knowledge she gained on how to effectively advocate for Sam. Karen is dedicated to sharing that same information to parents so they can choose the right path for their children and their families. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Offers a hands on approach with activities and tools parents can use to be an effective part of creating an IEP for their child while focusing on what the parents want their child to accomplish.

9 BREAKOUT SESSION THREE 1:30 PM 2:45 PM SESSION A Mental Health Issues and Autism Presented by Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW is the Manager for Patient and Family Support Services at the Missouri Psychiatric Center. Beth has over 18 years of clinical experience as a social worker in a wide range of settings including Biggs Forensic Center, Juvenile Probation, community mental health centers, and inpatient mental health care. She has also served children, adolescents and adults who have experienced a wide range of mental health issues. Beth is also a mother of 2 boys- Gabe who is 2 yrs old and loves all things outdoors and involving trucks and Nathan who is 10 and loves Nintendo video games, Minecraft, and Pokemon. Nathan is an Easter Seals client and is diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder. As a parent and a clinician Beth has had the opportunity in the trenches to experience how mental illness and autism connect and hope to help you understand some of the most commonly cooccurring mental health issues and treatments. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: This workshop will review the mental illnesses that most commonly co-occur with autism. How these mental illnesses are diagnosed and treatment options will also be reviewed. A brief review of the services offered at Missouri Psychiatric Center and some of the challenges faced by an individual with autism in an inpatient psychiatric hospital in order to help providers and parents feel most prepared when coming to the hospital for care. SESSION B Cyber Savvy Presented by Christi Brown ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Christi Brown has taught many young people with autism to use public transportation and earn their instructional driver permit getting the name Bus guru. She has had multiple roles in her 18 year career at Boone County Family Resources such as direct support professional, employment specialist, life skills trainer and Transition Network class instructor. Christi has volunteered through her church as a media specialist and amongst friends has the nickname, ibrown. She is a wife and an adoptive mother of two girls ages 4 and 11. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: The improvements to our lives through technology and the internet are well known. The internet and its connections are not going anywhere. As we prepare our children for what they will encounter in the real world, we cannot ignore how to prepare them for encounters on the world wide web. We will explore device settings, website resources and skill training to allow access with confidence and security.

10 SESSION C 10 Steps to Effective Advocacy Presented by Karen Cooper ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Karen Cooper works for Family Advocacy and Community Training (FACT), a non-profit, family run organization in St. Charles County, MO. FACT provides Educational Advocacy Services and Parent Support Partners to families who have children with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses. Educational Advocates have extensive training in the laws that govern the education for children with disabilities. Parent Support Partners have extensive training in how to use their lived experience to empower parents to effectively navigate the systems they are involved in to improve outcomes for their child with a disability. Everyone who works at FACT has a family member with a disability. Karen s son Sam, now 24 years old, is on the Autism Spectrum. Karen used FACT services for her son when he was in Elementary School to help him get the services he needed. When Sam was in the 5th grade, an Educational Advocate position came open and Karen applied. Karen has been at FACT for 13 years, starting as an Educational Advocate, then becoming a Transition Specialist focusing on supporting youths and families develop a meaningful Transition Plan through the IEP process, then becoming the Training Specialist for FACT, training all employees and developing workshops to educate families and professionals. She is now also the Advocacy Supervisor, supervising the Educational Advocates. Her son Sam by the way, is doing great. He graduated from Ranken Technical College in the Information Technologies program, works full time at a job he loves, drives, and lives on his own without any formal supports. Karen reports this would never have been possible without the services she received from FACT when he was younger and the training and knowledge she gained on how to effectively advocate for Sam. Karen is dedicated to sharing that same information to parents so they can choose the right path for their children and their families. DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Once you have the knowledge, how do you use it in the right way? This workshop provides an easy to use format that will guide parents in using strategies to build positive interactions and collaborative teams.

11 GROUP SESSION 2:55 PM 4:15 PM Parent Perspective Panel: Everyday Advocacy DESCRIPTION OF THE SESSION: Participants in this session will have the opportunity to hear parents of children on the autism spectrum share their experiences with advocacy. Parents will discuss how autism has affected their family and how they have developed their advocacy for their children over the years. Commonly utilized resources will be recommended and discussed throughout the panel as well as an intimate view of families with some extraordinary children and stories.

12 ATTENDEE INFORMATION Name Organization Address REGISTRATION FORM Title EASTERSEALS MIDWEST AUTISM CONFERENCE SERIES DRUY PLAZA EAST 3100 INTERSTATE 70 DRIVE SE COLUMBIA, MO City State Zip Phone Fax BREAKOUT SESSION REGISTRATION Please only select one per breakout session. SESSION ONE 10:00am - 10:50am Supporting Sensory Development Naturally! presented by Dr. Aaron Cunningham Taking Care of Yourself: Who me? Yes, you! presented by Charity Goodwin Discipline under IDEA presented by Karen Cooper SESSION TWO 11:00am - 12:15pm Knowing What Is and Isn t Worthy of Sexual Intervention presented by Nicholas Aether, MSPSY, BCBA, LBA and Caitlin Silger, MSWABA Candidate and ABA Practicum Student MO ABLE: A New Way to Save for Individuals with Disabilities by Drew Dziedzic Building an Effective IEP presented by Karen Cooper SESSION THREE 1:30pm - 2:45pm Mental Health Issues and Autism presented by Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW Cyber Savvy presented by Christi Brown 10 Steps to Effective Advocacy presented by Karen Cooper ATTENDANCE INFORMATION $20 per person $80, Full day for professionals ESMW Family, 2 free tickets $70 per person, Group of 5 or more professionals (must register by phone for rate) METHOD OF PAYMENT Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Check Enclosed Purchase Order Account Number Expiration Date 3-Digit Code (upon request) Name As It Appears on Card Signature Purchase Order # (If Applicable) Please return form and make payment payable to: Easterseals Midwest 918 Bernadette Drive Columbia, MO Attention to: Tara Wehmeyer Register online at: eastersealsautismseries.com

EASTERSEALS MIDWEST AUTISM CONFERENCE SERIES

EASTERSEALS MIDWEST AUTISM CONFERENCE SERIES SPONSORED BY KANSAS CITY CAPE GIRARDEAU SPRINGFIELD COLUMBIA ST. LOUIS KANSAS CITY NOVEMBER 14 8:30 am 4:30 pm JOIN US. eastersealsautismseries.com Kauffman