In partnership with Future Horizons Publishing Company, the Autism Action Partnership (AAP) formerly known as the GWR Sunshine Foundation will host its annual conference Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel and Conference Center at the intersection of I-80 and Giles Road.
“The conference is a social and educational opportunity for parents of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum, doctors, teachers and the general public,” said Mark Hirschfeld, executive director of AAP. “We are especially looking forward to this year’s conference because we have secured an outstanding lineup of speakers.”
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Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. |
- Dr. Atwood will speak about “The Complete Guide to Asperger’s syndrome — Making Friends and Managing Feelings.” A clinical psychologist, professor and author, Dr. Atwood will offer ideas about improving social understanding; love and relationships; managing anxiety and anger; a child’s reaction to a diagnosis and specificities in girls with Asperger’s syndrome.
- Dr. Melmed will speak about “The Vital Subjects of Behavior and Early Intervention.” A developmental and behavioral pediatrician, author and co-founder and medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Dr. Melmed has developed early intervention programs and is in the process of researching the genetics and phenotypes of autism.
- Dr. Paradiz will speak about “Fostering Deep and Focused Interests in Children with ASDs.” The mother of a teen with Asperger’s syndrome, Dr. Paradiz has developed educational programs for children and adults diagnosed on the autism spectrum and a curriculum and training series for educators and therapists who work with individuals with ASDs. Dr. Paradiz writes about her own diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome in her memoir, “Elijah’s Cup: A Family’s Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s syndrome.”
By participating in the conference, participants can:
- Explore in-depth perspectives and ideas on Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism;
- Examine emotion management; and
- Discover skills needed to understand the nature of the social skill challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum.
“Since the first summit six years ago, the autism conference has grown from a 20-person event to a forum for internationally-renowned experts on autism,” said Bridget Cannon-Hale, director of programs for the AAP.
This mission of AAP is to improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families through education, advocacy and support. With the financial support of the AAP, the Munroe-Meyer’s Institute’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has been able to offer scholarship support to families whose children are served by the early intervention and severe behavior autism programs at MMI; provide stipends for children seen in the MMI autism diagnostic clinic; and create social skills clubs for youths with Asperger’s syndrome.
For more information about the conference, visit www.autismaction.org or contact Bridget Cannon-Hale at (402) 763-8825 or bridget@autismaction.org.
To register, visit the Web site, call (800) 489-0727 or fax (817) 277-2270. Registration fees vary for persons with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, family members, students and professionals.