Leading the Way: NEW PERSPECTIVES IN AUTISM EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 8:30am 9:15am Registration Opens - Coffee with Exhibitors Keynote New Approaches to Understanding Language in Autism: What Have We Learned and What is the Future? Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D. Professor, Psychological & Brain Sciences; Director, Center for Autism Research Excellence, Boston University 10:30am Break - Exhibits Open 11:00am Autism & the Transition to Adulthood: Neurodiversity in the Workplace Curriculum Stephen Shore, Ed.D. World - renowned author, lecturer and advocate for those on the autism spectrum Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D. Psychologist, author, and father of a son on the autism spectrum 12:15pm Lunch Buffet / Performance by the Higashi Jazz Band 1:15pm The Autism Revolution: A Uniquely Human Experience Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Author; Adjunct Professor, Brown University; Director, Childhood Communication Services 2:30pm 3:00pm Q & A with Panel Meet the Speakers / Book Signing
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D. Helen Tager-Flusberg received her Bachelors in Science in Psychology from University College London, and her doctorate from Harvard University. Since 2001 Dr. Tager-Flusberg has been at Boston University, where she is Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence. Dr. Tager-Flusberg has devoted her career to conducting research on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, exploring variability in phenotypic expression and investigating developmental and intervention-based changes in language and social cognition using behavioral and brain imaging methodologies. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and private foundations. She has edited seven books and written over 200 journal articles and book chapters and now writes a blog, Communicating Matters for spectrumnews.org. Dr. Tager-Flusberg is the Past President of the International Society for Autism Research, serves on the editorial board of several professional journals and is Associate Editor of the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She regularly presents her work at scientific and professional conferences and to parent advocacy groups and other stakeholders in the US and countries around the world. Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Dr. Barry Prizant is recognized as one of the world s leading scholars in autism spectrum disorders and communication disabilities, with more than 40 years experience as a researcher and international consultant for individuals with ASD and related disabilities. He is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, an Adjunct Professor at Brown University, and Director of Childhood Communication Services, a private practice. Formerly, he was a Professor of Communication Disorders at Emerson College and Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Brown University Medical School. Publications include four books, 130 chapters and articles and The SCERTS Model manuals, an educational approach now being implemented in more than a dozen countries. Barry has presented more than 800 seminars and keynote addresses internationally, including featured presentations at the United Nations in 2013 and 2017 for World Autism Awareness Day. For more than 20 years, he has co-developed and co-facilitates an annual retreat weekend for parents of family members on the autism spectrum. Barry has received many honors including the 2014 Honors of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, their highest honor, 2005 Princeton University-Eden Career Award in autism, and the 2013 Divine Neurotypical Award of GRASP (Global Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership). He also is a performing percussionist with a special interest in the positive impact of the arts on quality of life for persons with disabilities. His most recent book is Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (Simon & Schuster), winner of the 2017 Autism Society of America s Temple Grandin Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS Stephen Shore, Ed.D. Diagnosed with Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies and too sick for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism. In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is internationally renowned for presentations, consultations and writings on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. 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 and the Organization for Autism Research, president emeritus of the Asperger s Association of New England, and Advisory Board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore serves on the boards of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, The US Autism and Asperger Association, and other autism related organizations. Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D. Robert Naseef, Ph.D. has a distinct voice as a psychologist and father of an adult son with autism. Along with Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Naseef is a lead consultant to the Arc of Philadelphia s Neurodiversity in the Workplace program in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. He speaks at conferences nationally and internationally on issues facing families of children with autism and other special needs. He has a special interest in the psychology of men and fatherhood. His 2013 book, Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together, integrates advances in research and treatment with clinical experience to help families navigate the emotional and practical landscape through the lifespan. Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Parenting a Child with a Disability (1996), his first book, received international recognition. He is the co-editor with Cindy N. Ariel of Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom (2006). In 2008, Robert Naseef was honored by Variety, the Children s Charity, for his outstanding contributions to the autism community. He is a board member of the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists. In 2017, he gave a TEDx talk entitled How autism teaches us about being human. Dr. Naseef is a member of the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America.
EXHIBITORS Arc of the South Shore s Autism Resource Center www.arcsouthshore.org The Arc of the South Shore s Autism Resource center provides information, referrals and inclusive, community-based programming for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families/caregivers in need of services and education by developing and building upon existing community collaborations, workshops, presentations, support groups and therapeutic activities. Autism Services Association www.autismservicesassociation.org Autism Services Association is a private non-profit human service agency which provides vocational, social and community skills training for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities or present similar challenges in order to maximize vocational potential, community integration and membership.it is ASA s mission to ensure that the quality of life of persons with autism remains as great as their potential allows them and strives to serve the community with what is needed. Berkshire Hills Music Academy www.berkshirehills.org Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) is a vibrant community offering a post-secondary transition program as well as a long-term graduate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. BHMA offers a music-infused, college-like experience for young adults between the ages of 18-30. Students reside in our dormitory or attend as day students, and participate in a wealth of programming aimed at increasing their independence in the areas of life skills, social skills, and vocation. Boston Higashi School www.bostonhigashi.org For over 30 years, the Boston Higashi School has helped children and young adults with autism exceed expectations through the methodology of Daily Life Therapy. Academics, art, music, physical education, computer technology and social education allow students to take on challenges, learn to overcome obstacles, and gain confidence from their own success. As each student grows and learns, their individual character matures, allowing them to benefit from, and most importantly, contribute to society as adults. SPARK - Boston Children s Hospital www.sparkforautism.org SPARK is a nationwide study focused on increasing our understanding of the genetic basis of ASD and speeding up ASD research as a whole. SPARK aims to enroll 50,000 people of all ages who have a diagnosis of ASD as well as their family members. Enrollment in the study consists of filling out an online consent form/brief questionnaire and then providing a small saliva sample. Cardinal Cushing Centers www.cushingcenters.org At the Cardinal Cushing Centers we support people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing possibilities and opportunities for growth and advancement. Our programs for students, adults and community members include education, employment training, transition services, therapeutic and recreational services. Diann Sespico Book: Nicol s Way www.nicolsway.org Very little was known about autism in 1982 when our journey with Nicol began. Although each challenge brought new knowledge and more options for the journey, each transition, developmental stage and change brought new challenges. Being persistent and having Nicol as the focus keeps the momentum of the journey alive. Never say you or a person with autism is limited in what can be learned or developed.
EXHIBITORS Charles River Center www.charlesrivercenter.org At the Charles River Center, we provide programs and services for over 950 children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. We serve families from many communities including Needham, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, Newton, Dedham, Sharon, Waltham, Roslindale, and many more. Our programs are organized into four divisions: Employment Services, Day Habilitation, Residential Services, & Family Support. Center for Autism Research Excellence www.bu.edu/autism Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge about the language and social communication impairments in autism/asd. We carry out studies on all ages using behavioral, brain, and cognitive measures. The goal is to understand the range of abilities, developmental patterns, and brain systems that may explain why people with autism have difficulties communicating with spoken language. Our research is aimed at developing new interventions that directly address the communication problems that we discover. Kennedy Day School www.kennedydayschool.org Kennedy Day School provides fully collaborative special education, therapeutic, and health services to students, ages 3-22, with significant and complex medical, physical and cognitive challenges. Located in Brighton at Franciscan Children s we serve students from over 30 cities and offer 1:2 student/teacher ratios in a state-of- the-art facility. League School of Greater Boston www.leagueschool.org Founded in 1966 and now located in Walpole, MA, League School of Greater Boston is devoted exclusively to children and young adults ages 3-22 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our mission is to help our students develop to their fullest potential socially, emotionally, academically and behaviorally. Offering both day and residential programs, at every level on the spectrum, we are the only school in Massachusetts to incorporate the SCERTS Model into our curriculum. Liberty Bay Credit Union www.lbcu.org At Liberty Bay, we value relationships, not accounts. We put your needs and best interests first, every day. We serve hardworking men and women through a full range of banking and lending services. Beyond the expected, what truly differentiates us from other institutions is our focus on financial education. We give you the tools you need to achieve your goals. Now that s a better style of banking! NuPath, Inc. www.nupathinc.org NuPath s mission is to make life s journey happier, healthier, and more fulfilling for people living with disabilities. We provide education, coaching, opportunity and success. Our goal: provide support that feels right and makes sense for each individual while driving connection to community. We provide residential, employment, day, and community experiences. We both support and challenge people, giving them the opportunity to achieve goals in an environment that is safe, caring, and secure. Dr. Barry Prizant www.barryprizant.com Dr. Prizant s book, Uniquely Human, offers a new and compelling paradigm: the most successful approaches to autism don t aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms, but rather seeking to understand the individual s experience and what underlies the behavior.