14th ANNUAL ALABAMA AUTISM CONFERENCE

14th ANNUAL ALABAMA AUTISM CONFERENCE Understanding Associated Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges in Diagnosis and Intervention February 27, 2015 Bryant Conference Center The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Ami Klin, PhD Emory University School of Medicine Grace Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lori Ernsperger, PhD, BCBA-D Author, Teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Linn Wakeford, MS, OTR/L University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Alexis Wineman Autism Advocate, Miss Montana 2012 Register or Learn More at autism.ua.edu JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA COLLEGE OF CONTINUING STUDIES THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF ALABAMA UAB CIVITAN-SPARKS CLINICS ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION BamaAtWork.ua.edu (205) 348-6222 #BamaAtWork

14th A L A B A M A AUTISM C O N F E R E N C E Understanding Associated Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges in Diagnosis and Intervention CARES Award Each year the Alabama Autism Conference awards the CARES Award. CARES stands for Commitment to Autism Research, Education and Service. This year we are accepting nominations for someone or an organization who shows dedication and commitment to either Autism Research, Autism Education or Autism Service. Please visit www.autism.ua.edu to nominate someone for the award. Scholarships Scholarships are available to parents and educators who are unable to afford the full registration fee for the conference. Please visit www.autism.ua.edu for additional information and the scholarship application. Parent Networking Social Join us for a casual, come and go gathering meet and mingle with others from all over Alabama who care for someone affected by Autism. February 26, 2015 Hotel Capstone, Club Suite 5:00-7:00 p.m. About the 2015 Conference The 14th Annual Alabama Autism Conference, Understanding Associated Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges in Diagnosis and Intervention, will provide an overview of common challenges in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Presentations will focus on improving access to early diagnosis and intervention, differential presentation of ASD in males and females, and improving our understanding of some of the less understood features of ASD, including sensory sensitivities and emotional difficulties. Throughout the day, speakers will present data and cases illustrating how the symptoms of ASD often present across individuals and settings to view behavior and other challenges from the perspective of the person with ASD. In the afternoon, participants will choose between two workshops to learn how to apply this knowledge in practical interventions in home, school, and community settings. The conference will be beneficial to regular education and special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior therapists, clinical psychologists, para-professionals, vocational rehabilitation therapists, researchers, families and others who provide direct services to children with ASD and their caregivers. Learning Objectives After participating in this activity, participants should be able to: recognize the early symptoms of autism, the recommended assessment protocols, and the typical priorities for treatment and intervention discuss new models of autism resulting from advances in genetics and neurobiology, and recognize the significance of these new insights to clinical practice describe sensory response patterns that are characteristic of children with ASD explain the impact of sensory response patterns on children s development and behavior identify the prevalence rates and ratio norms for males vs. females with ASD distinguish between specific characteristics of ASD which are related to girls and women with ASD discuss the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on data-based decision making describe the core elements of a functional behavior assessment describe at least 5 specific intervention strategies that can be used individually or in combination to address sensory processing issues for children with ASD in natural environments use a combination of observation and situation analysis to help guide individualization of intervention strategies to a particular child analyze family support systems how the diagnosis affects all family members and how to support and encourage sibling connections discuss and identify how to make inclusion work successfully and move from awareness to acceptance of autism Who Should Attend? - Academicians - Clinicians - Community Mental Health Counselors - Early Childhood Educators - Early Intervention Coordinators - Educators - Family Practice Physicians - Marriage and Family Therapists - Mental Health Nurses - Neurologists - Nurse Practitioners - Occupational Therapists - Pediatric Nurses - Pediatricians - Psychiatrists - Psychologists - Public Health Providers - Public Policy Personnel - Rehabilitation Specialists - School Counselors - School Psychologists - Social Workers - Special Education Coordinators - Speech Pathologists and Audiologists

2015 CONFERENCE AGENDA Understanding Associated Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges in Diagnosis and Intervention 7:00 8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:00 8:15 a.m. Convene Sarah O Kelley, PhD, Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Psychology; Director, Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at UAB Civitan International Research Center Sparks Clinics 8:15 9:45 a.m. Bringing Science to the Community: A New System of Healthcare Delivery for Infants and Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Ami Klin, PhD, Director, Marcus Autism Center, Children s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Professor and Chief, Division of Autism and Related Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine This presentation highlights the critical role of early diagnosis and intervention in attenuating the symptoms of autism. Data will be presented on early diagnostic indicators obtained through eye-tracking-based behavioral assays that quantify the social disabilities in autism. This work will be contextualized in terms of recent developmental social neuroscience research with toddlers with autism, which implicated developmentally very early emerging, and evolutionarily highly conserved, mechanisms of social adaptation that set the stage for reciprocal social interaction, which in term represent the platform for early social brain development. 9:45 9:55 a.m. Break and Exhibits 9:55 11:10 a.m. Understanding the Nature and Impact of Sensory Features in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Grace Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor and Associate Chair for Research, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 11:10 11:20 a.m. Break and Exhibits This presentation will describe what current research tells us about the nature and functional impact of sensory features in children with ASD. Characteristic sensory response patterns and their associations with child and family outcomes will be explored. 11:20 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders Lori Ernsperger, PhD, BCBA-D, Author, Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Girls and women with ASD are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. During this session, Dr. Lori Ernsperger will highlight preliminary findings for the gender disparity between males and females with ASD including genetic differences, socialization, and gaps in diagnostic tools. The focus of this presentation is to provide strategies that will empower girls and women with ASD and to ensure a quality of life through independence, work and social relationships. 12:30 1:30 p.m. Lunch and CARES Award Presentation 1:30 2:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions: 2:45 3:15 p.m. Break and Exhibits 1. Proactive Strategies for Addressing Problem Behaviors for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Focus on Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans Lori Ernsperger, PhD, BCBA-D, Author, Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Individuals with autism spectrum disorders exhibit a variety of challenging behaviors that often interfere with their learning and quality of life. Highly effective educational programs must emphasize proactive strategies for reducing problem behaviors and teaching replacement skills across settings. Dr. Ernsperger provides dozens of practical strategies for addressing problem behaviors and developing evidence based behavior intervention plans. 2. Evidence-Based Intervention to Address Sensory Processing Differences in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Linn Wakeford, MS, OTR/L, PhD Candidate, Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Intervention Coordinator, Early Development Project, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill This session will include a discussion of behaviors that may result from sensory processing differences, and specific, evidence-based intervention strategies to address those behaviors that can be used in a variety of natural environments (home, school, community). 3:15 4:30 p.m. Autism: A Sibling Perspective Alexis Wineman, Autism Advocate, Miss Montana 2012 Amanda Wineman, twin sister Alexis and Amanda provide a personal and honest account of their joint journey living with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Twins, Amanda (neurotypical) and Alexis (diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of 11) discuss what it was like to grow up not fully understanding Alexis differences, how both were bullied in school, how they both finally came to accept being a family with autism and how the family encouraged Alexis to be more social and ultimately try out for Miss Montana. Alexis, with the support of her entire family, won the Miss Montana competition and was voted the America s Choice contestant at the 2012 Miss America Pageant. 4:30 p.m. Evaluations, Professional Approval Sign-in Sheets, CEU Certificates and Adjournment

2015 CONFERENCE PRESENTERS GRACE BARANEK, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Dr. Grace Baranek is Professor and Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received a BS in Occupational Therapy, and MS and PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Illinois. Dr. Baranek has had a long standing program of research on sensory features among children with ASD, and serves as the Principal Investigator of the Sensory Experiences Project, a 10-year grant funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She is also one of the Principal Investigators on a new grant studying sensory precursors to anxiety disorders in children with ASD, funded by the Department of Defense, and a Co-Executive Directors for PEARLS: Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service, at UNC. Dr. Baranek has served on several working groups of the National Academy of Science and National Institutes of Health to evaluate evidence-based practices for children with ASD. She is the author of numerous journal articles and book chapters on the topic of sensory processing in ASD, and is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in this field. LORI ERNSPERGER, PhD, BCBA-D Dr. Lori Ernsperger is an international presenter, author, college professor, educational consultant and President of Autism and Behavioral Consulting. Dr. Lori Ernsperger received her PhD degree in Special Education from Indiana University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has over 27 years of experience working in the public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. AMI KLIN, PhD Dr. Ami Klin is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Professor and Chief of the Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of the Marcus Autism Center, Children s Healthcare of Atlanta. He obtained his PhD from the University of London, and completed clinical and research post-doctoral fellowships at the Yale Child Study Center. He directed the Autism Program at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine until 2010, where he was the Harris Professor of Child Psychology & Psychiatry. Dr. Klin s primary research activities focus on social mind and social brain, and on developmental aspects of autism from infancy through adulthood. These studies include novel techniques such as the eye-tracking laboratories co-directed with Warren Jones, which allow researchers to see the world through the eyes of individuals with autism. These techniques are now being applied in the screening of babies at risk for autism. He is the author of over 180 publications in the field of autism and related conditions. He is also the co-editor of a textbook on Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Infants and Toddlers published by Guilford Press, the third edition of the Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders published by Wiley, and several special issues of professional journals focused on autism spectrum disorders. LINN WAKEFORD, MS, OT/L Linn Wakeford, MS, OT/L, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she teaches a variety of clinical content, including assessment and intervention for children. She has 28 years of experience as an occupational therapist working in early intervention, school systems, outpatient pediatric rehab, and camp settings. Research and practice interests include working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to support occupation and social participation for young children at risk for or diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their families. For the past seven years, Linn has served as the Intervention Coordinator for the Early Development Project, an early intervention research project targeting very young children screened as at-risk for ASDs. She has authored two book chapters related to evidence-based occupational therapy interventions for people with ASDs, and has made presentations on this and related topics nationally and within North Carolina. Currently, Linn is also pursuing a PhD in Education, with a focus on early childhood and intervention, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ALEXIS WINEMAN Alexis Wineman s journey started long before being crowned Miss Montana 2012, and ultimately the America s Choice contestant in the 2012 Miss America competition. Prior to the Miss America 2012 competition, Alexis rarely wore high heels and makeup. The competition for her was an opportunity to challenge herself and prove wrong her naysayers who never thought the shy, quiet girl in a hoodie could actually compete on one of the biggest stages in America. That opportunity turned out to be so much more, Alexis was also representing a community, a community of 1 in 88 children in the United States who are diagnosed with autism. Her unique personal story as the first Miss America contestant diagnosed with autism and the third contestant with a disability since the competition s inception in 1921 made headlines around the world. Alexis was recently recognized as a titleholder who has had a significant impact on pageantry. At the age of 11, Alexis was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified), an autism spectrum disorder. She was in middle school when officially diagnosed but felt different from an early age. As she got older, she struggled with some of the aspects that come with an autism diagnosis, like a speech impediment, communication challenges, sensitivity to sounds and other sensory sensitivities. Part of her struggle was the bullying that resulted because of her differences. Fortunately, her family was and continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for her. Her twin and two other siblings helped Alexis get involved more with school life she joined cheerleading, drama and cross country. Her confidence in herself began to grow, which helped her improve her speech and cope with other challenges. Alexis still faces some of the same challenges but strongly believes that everyone, with autism or without, should always keep trying to improve themselves.

GENERAL INFORMATION Registration The registration fee to attend the full-day Conference on February 27, 2015, is $150 for early bird registration through January 30, 2015, and $175 a person after that date. The Conference fee includes handout materials, continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, and lunch. Registration fees do not include lodging which is the responsibility of the participant. A group discount of 10% is available for organizations sending three or more persons to the same event. Group registrations must be submitted simultaneously for this discounted fee to apply. A special student rate of $75/ person for the Conference is available to students providing proof of student status when registering. Refer to Three Convenient Ways to Register on the Registration Form panel for information about enrollment procedures. The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please state your request for accommodation on the registration form at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program. Cancellations and Refunds Cancellations received after February 13, 2015, are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. A substitute participant may be designated in place of a registrant who cannot attend. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections; to limit registration; or to change instructors. Any moneyback guarantee offered on specific programs does not necessarily apply to other programs of The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies. Attendance Certificates Certificates of Attendance will be emailed to all registered attendees following the conference. Please provide an email address on the registration form to receive a Certificate of Attendance. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Certificates The Conference awards.60 CEUs (6 contact hours) for full attendance. Certificates will be made available at the end of the conference. To request a CEU certificate, please select the option on the registration form. Certificates will not be awarded early. (Psychology and CME certificates will be mailed after the conference). Partial CEU credit will not be issued. The cost of a CEU Certificate is $10. Location and Lodging The 14th Annual Alabama Autism Conference will be held at the Bryant Conference Center, a premier learning facility located on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. Suggested lodging is at the Hotel Capstone, adjacent to the Bryant Center. For reservations please call (205) 752-3200. Mention you are attending the Alabama Autism Conference for a discounted rate. Additional lodging is available at the Hampton Inn (one mile from the program site), (205) 553-9800. Please identify yourself as a program participant when making your reservation. Further Information Contact the College of Continuing Studies at (205) 348-6222 or email learnmore@ccs.ua.edu Visit Our Website For updated information about this special educational conference, visit our website at autism.ua.edu To learn about all our continuing education training opportunities, visit our home website at: training.ua.edu APPROVAL BY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS This conference has been planned to meet the various requirements for professional development contact hours of the following organizations. Please visit our website often to view the status of professional approvals application results at www.autism.ua.edu Approval has been requested from the following organizations: Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Alabama Board of Nursing (Provider #ABNPO222) approval expires 11/25/2015 Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (Provider # 0290) Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) (Provider #5-68.0)** American Psychological Association* Certified Rehabilitation Counselors American Speech-Language-Hearing Association*** Continuing Medical Education**** National Council on Family Relations * This program is sponsored by The University of Alabama and the Alabama Psychological Association (apa). The Alabama Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. apa maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. This program is approved for 6 credit hours for psychologists by apa. Partial attendance, late arrival, or early departure will preclude the issuance of CE credits. ** ASNA is accredited by the Central Regional Accrediting Committee of the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a provider and approval body for continuing education for nursing. This approval is recognized in all U.S. states and territories (except California, Florida, and Iowa). *** This course is offered for up to 0.60 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area). **** The University of Alabama School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Alabama School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s). UAB is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of ethnicity, gender, faith, gender identify and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Please Rush - Dated Material Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid The University of Alabama Box 870388 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0388 The University of Alabama is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. REGISTRATION FORM Brochure I.D. 14815 For multiple registrations, please duplicate this form. Please submit this entire page for your registration. [ ] Check here if name and address information are correct as shown on mailing label. [ ] Dr. [ ] Mr. [ ] Ms. [ ] Mrs. Name First Last M.I. Preference on Name Tag Company / Organization Name Company Phone Company Fax Company Business Phone Personal Business Fax Email Address Job Title Mailing Address City State Zip METHOD OF PAYMENT Early bird discounts only apply when paying by credit card [ ] Enclosed is a check in the total amount of $ made payable to THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA. [ ] Charge $ to my credit card: [ ] American Express [ ] MasterCard [ ] VISA [ ] Discover Card # Exp.Date Authorizing Signature REGISTRATION PREFERENCES TYPE OF PROFESSION: (Please check one) Counselor Psychologist Nurse Rehabilitation Specialist Physician Speech Pathologist & Audiologist Educator Student Therapist Parent Psychiatrist Other APPLICABLE FEES: February 27, 2015; Program # 07-148-15 [ ] $150/person Early Bird before January 30, 2015 [ ] $175/person after January 30, 2015 [ ] $135/person (reflects 10% discounted fee for organizations registering 3 or more persons from the same organization) [ ] $75/person (student discount) Edu. Institution: Exp. Grad. Date [ ] I would like a CEU Certificate (add $10) Note: The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please make your request for accommodation at least 30 calendar days in advance of program date by stating your requests here. Mail form and fee to: Registration Services College of Continuing Studies The University of Alabama Box 870388 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0388 THREE CONVENIENT WAYS TO REGISTER Phone in registration to: (205) 348-3000 Toll Free: 1-866-432-2015 Phone-in registrations must have credit card number and information. Online registration available at: autism.ua.edu Two percent of the registration fee goes to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Society to cover its share of the cost of the Conference.