Sunday, March 22, 2009

NYU/Silver School of Social Work Conference

Clinical Approaches for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum as They Transition

June 4, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm

Kimmel Center for Student Life, 60 Washington Square South
NYU Silver School of Social Work

overview

The conference is a continuation of conference that we have convened related to disability across the life spectrum. This is the first in a seriesthat will focus on specific categories of disability. The autism spectrum has been identified on numerous occasions as a topic that is of great interest and relevance to social workers, mental health and other professionals, educators, and parents.
Less understood, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, individuals on the autism spectrum face significant life challenges that impact them, their family, school, community, social interactions and the work place. Strategies for growth and successful outcomes will be highlighted.

This conference will focus on the spectrum and differential diagnosis, evidence based practices, transition points and how to plan for them and navigate through them, the role of the social worker and other professionals in the transition process, the team and how to build and sustain an effective interdisciplinary team with family and consumer partnerships. Through lectures by professionals, parents, consumers, educators and counselors, participants will be provided with current knowledge, skill building, and resources.

This conference is of value to social workers (agency based, case managers, private practice), rehabilitation counselors, educators, school counselors, advocates, occupational therapists speech therapists, and related professionals.

content summary

Introduction to the Field will address current thinking, an examination of the spectrum and what it means, evidence based practice, transition points, the role of the social worker in transitions, the team and how it works, and family and consumer partnerships. Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD

Consumer Presentation will consist of a personal narrative discussing developmental experiences from a non-speaking child to a college professor, what the journey has been, who has been involved, lessons learned, experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes. Leader: Steve Shore, EdD

Panel Presentation will explore the challenges faced in transitioning from preschool to school, through adolescence and into adulthood, navigating personal, familial, school and work systems. Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work
Facilitator: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

Workshops will provide information about the experiences of individuals on the spectrum and the skills and techniques that are effective in maximizing care.

Individual work as well as group work and treatment teams and collaborations will be emphasized..

8:45 - 9:15 am Registration Coffee, light fare

9:15 - 9:20 am Welcome Address Eileen Wolkstein, Ph.D.

9:20 - 10:15 am Introduction to the Field Lynda Geller, PhD

10:15 - 11:00 am Consumer Presentation Steve Shore, EdD

11:15 - 12:30 am Panel Presentation Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Parental Perspectives:
C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW and Veronica Acosta

Social Work Perspectives:
Lisa Bell, LMSW; Erica Levy, LMSW; Harry Nussbaum, LMSW

12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)

1:45 - 2:15 pm Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

2:30 - 4:00 pm WORKSHOPS

From Assessment to Delivering Services: Skills, Techniques, and Resources

Each participant to choose one workshop:

a. Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Leader: Valerie Gaus, PhD

b. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 3-10 Leader: Donna Mizrachi, LMSW and Patricia Mahalko, MS

c. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 10-18 Leader: Ellen McHugh and Lisa Bell, LMSW

d. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 19 and Above Leader: Harry Nussbaum, LMSW; Patricia Schissel, LMSW; Rachel Pollack, JD and Halley Ceglia, LMSW

e. Developing Social Skills: Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD and Rhea Hopper, MS

$90 for the day (incl. breakfast & materials) Silver School of Social Work

25% discount for Silver School of Social Work Alumni, Field Instructors, and agency groups of 3 or more.

7 CEUs will be awarded for the day.

Name:
Email:
Mailing Address:
Phone :
Degree earned:
Title: Agency:
NYU SSSW alumni Year of graduation:
Make check payable to: NYU Social Work

Mail or fax this form to:

New York University
Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Room 205
New York, NY 10003
Attention: Priany Hadiatmodjo, Training Manager
Fax: 212.995.4172

Co-Sponsored by:

Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) and Young Adult
Institute (YAI), Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)

UJA Autism Symposium

UJA-Federation Autism SymposiumPromoting Inclusion: Best Practices for Education, Vocation, and Socialization Across the Age Continuum

Details and registration http://www.ujafedny.org/autismsymposium09

A symposium for agency executives, program directors, school administrators, and parents.

Organized in Collaboration With The Hilibrand Foundation

Program
Breakfast and Registration (8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Welcome and Introductions (9:00 – 9:15 a.m.)

Keynote, Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair of Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research (9:15 –10:15 a.m.)

Today, families and learners with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond employment to include such measures of quality of life as personal satisfaction, choice, control, and happiness. This presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting adults with an ASD label to lives of competence and quality. Particular attention will be paid to understanding social challenges that can limit individual opportunities, positive behavior support, and personal independence across multiple environments.

Q&A With Keynote (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)

Break (10:45 – 11:00 a.m.)

Panel: Promoting Independence: Best Practices to Achieve Success in the Workforce, Institutions of higher education, and Independent Living (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

This panel will address multiple strategies to promote a successful transition toward vocation, higher education, and independent living for young adults spanning the autism spectrum. The panelists will discuss the range of skills necessary to obtain employment, higher education, and live independently, as well as the additional roles of job coaches, professional advocates, and parents in assisting with the transition process and offering ongoing support. Panelists will further provide insight as to best supporting host agencies to ensure a mutually successful experience for both the employee and employer.
Panel will feature:

* Michael Storz, M.B.A., Director of Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program and Executive Vice President of Chapel Haven, Inc.
* James Rein, President of B&R Resources, Inc
* New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals With Disabilities (VESID)
o Debbie Gross, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
o Paola Nappo, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID


Q&A With Panelists (12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Afternoon Lecture: No More Meltdowns: Positive behavioral supports to manage and prevent challenging behaviors.: Jed Baker (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)

Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This presentation will describe how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.

Q&A With Jed Baker (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)

Break (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.)

Afternoon Breakout Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Title: Social Skills across the age continuum
Presenter: Jed Baker, Ph.D., Director of the Social Skills Training Project
Description: This breakout session will address social skills and positive behavioral supports for students with Autism, Aspergers and other Social-Communication Problems. We will review strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.

Title: Social Groups with LST – Language/Sensory/Technology
Presenter: Phoebe Tucker, Speech/Language Pathologist, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist, and Director of the Montano Assistive Technology Center — A Division of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern Connecticut
Description: Learn the role of the three senses and how they effect communication outcomes. Preview software and voice-output devices that solidify concepts. Discover a pioneer intervention — virtual reality — as it relates to social interaction. Learn strategies for intervention that include the nuances of communication, critical for an older person’s success with peers and prospective employers. Win Point for Technology prizes based on your interaction during presentation

Title: Best Practices for Inclusion in the School Environment: A Case Study of an Elementary School
Presenters: Julie Cohen, Ph.D., Private Practice With Children and Families in Stamford, Connecticut, and Former School Psychologist at Parkway School Greenwich, Connecticut; and Sandra Mond, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Description: This presentation will offer the discussion of an effective inclusion model in a school community, including techniques to support classroom and special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, special needs and typical students, as well as other members of the school community, such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers. Some of these practices are modifications in programming and curriculum, parent support groups and workshops, sibling groups, a "circle of friends," and inclusive social-skills groups. Both positive and negative experiences will be explored, and presenters will welcome input and questions.

Title: Social-Skills Instruction for Transition-Age Youth With ASDs
Presenter: Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Pediatrics in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Description: Social-skills problems are a significant barrier for many people with ASDs. This interactive breakout session will lead attendees through a process for understanding why social-skills problems are likely and then provide a “menu” of common-sense, easy ways to improve social skills. This presentation will focus on transition-age youth.

Conclusion and Evaluations (3:45 – 4:00 p.m.)