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2008 PAN Conference
“FACING THE FUTURE WITH OPTIMISM” - March 28, 2008
FEATURED PANEL SESSION
“Living Arrangements for Adults on the Spectrum: A Variety of Options”
This panel will be introduced by Nina Wall Coté, Director of the Bureau of Autism Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Anthony Rostain, MD, Medical Director for the University of Pennsylvania’s Social Learning Disorders Program, will serve as moderator. Panelists include:
- Paul McCarty, Executive Director, Intra-Governmental Council on Long Term Care
- David Gates, Esq., Managing Attorney, Pennsylvania Health Law Project
- Annemarie Clarke, Ph.D., Corporate Officer, Special People in the Northeast
- Roy Diamond, President, Autism Living and Working
- Jim McFalls, Director of Youth & Adult Services, KenCrest
Among the topics this session will explore are: basics of housing for individuals with ASD; a variety of residential living situations; available funding; legal issues; and housing transitions.
FEATURED PLENARY SESSION
“Transitioning to Post-Secondary Education for Students on the Spectrum”
Scott Robertson will discuss the college experience and transitioning to a variety of post-secondary education options for students on the autism spectrum. He will integrate knowledge and experiences from academic research literature, the autistic self-advocacy community, the secondary/postsecondary educational communities, and his own experiences as a self-advocate.
WORKSHOPS SESSION 1
Preparing Students with Asperger Syndrome and Other Disabilities for College
Students and parents are often surprised to find that the legislation that provided them with IEPs, accommodations, course waivers, etc., is no longer applicable after high school graduation. This program seeks to provide parents, students and others with information on life after high school for students with cognitive disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities and Asperger Syndrome who had been receiving services via IDEA or Section 504. It will address preparation of the student for the college option: college programs for students with disabilities, specifically learning disabilities and Asperger Syndrome; Section 504 at the post-secondary level; and the need for students to understand their disability and to become self-advocates.
Presenters: Vincent Varrassi & Lori Shery
Life After High School for Low Functioning Students with Autism
For young adults who are cognitively challenged, life after high school is an unknown. Transition is crucial as is planning on the part of parents, professionals, teachers, clinicians, etc. This session will explore ideas and discuss next steps for the 18- to 21-year-old who is aging out of the system. Living, working and community activities will be discussed. Participants will be active in this session in sharing what is available in their geographic area.
Presenter: Jane Thierfeld Brown
Best Practices in Vocational Transition Assessment for Adults with Autism
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with complex neurodevelopmental needs requiring the provision of vocational transition programs and services. This workshop will detail the best practices in vocational transition assessment of autistic individuals using a neuropsychological framework. Other topics include differential diagnosis of Non-verbal Learning Disabilities, autism, high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome; planning for post-secondary education; and linking assessment to intervention for successful vocational transition to the work place.
Presenter: Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D. NCSP, DABPS
How the Law Can Help You Get and Keep a Job
People with autism face many hurdles in the employment process. This workshop, led by two experts on disability law, will describe the panoply of federal and state laws that help individuals with disabilities enter the workforce and that provide them with services, supports, and protection from discrimination once they begin working.
Presenters: Ira Fingles Esq. & Linda Wong Esq.
Employment Counseling Program for Young Adults with ASD
This workshop will present the challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum face in gaining and retaining employment. It will also present a new treatment approach under development at Penn’s Social Learning Disorders Program, using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve the comfort and skill of individuals with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning autism in job interviews.
Presenters: J. Russell Ramsay, PhD & Edward S. Brodkin, MD
Setting the Stage for Social Success
This presentation will be a highly interactive session in which parents, professionals and adults with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning autism will learn the theory and practice behind using theater techniques to teach social cognition. Participants will learn how these activities can build self-confidence and self-advocacy skills while developing a viable leisure time activity.
Presenter: Cindy B. Schneider
Effective Transitioning to Higher Education for Students with ASD
Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be qualified academically for higher education options, but may not succeed because of a lack of preparation. Often, transition planning focuses only on academic goals, without regard to life skills, social skills or self-management skills so critically necessary in higher education environments. In addition, students with ASD have little insight into how to deal with the expectations of the postsecondary environment and may have unrealistic expectations for the provision of services and accommodations. This presentation will focus on facilitating a smooth transition for students by engaging students, parents and K12 educators and advisors in early and intentional transition planning beginning in 9th grade. Tools, strategies and sample templates will be provided that can be adapted for use in different settings.
Presenters: Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D, Univ. of Connecticut School of Law; Lisa King, MEd; Lorraine Wolf, PhD, Boston Univ.; Ruth Bork, MEd, Northeastern University
Comprehensive Transition Strategies in Vocational and Community Instruction for Adolescents with ASD
With personal competence and community independence being a primary goal of comprehensive transition planning, this presentation will provide an overview of the planning process, identify systemic challenges, and offer research-based strategies in support of individuals as they approach adulthood. Practical strategies to increase community and vocational opportunities will be discussed.
Presenters: Peter Gerhardt, EdD, Organization for Autism Research; Gloria Satriale & Lou Chance, PAAL Program (Preparing Adolescents for Adult Life)
Autistic Self-Advocates & College: Diverse Experiences & Perspectives from Students On The Spectrum
The panelists will share their experiences about life in college on the autism spectrum. In addtion, they will answer questions from the audience about preparation, planning, transition to, and support for life in college. Topics addressed in the session include college social life, interdependent living skills, managing academic work, and other important aspects of the college experience.
Presenters: Scott Robertson & Ari Ne’eman, Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Functional Fixations and Designing Realities
Many on the autism spectrum have fixations that can be wonderful strengths, given the right niche. We’ll explore how individuals, families, professionals, and systems can identify functional fixations early in transition planning. We’ll also address strategies for preparing fixations for vocational and post-secondary opportunities, while promoting housing that complements the fixations.
Presenters: Eric Mitchell, PhD, & Herman Axelrod, PhD, Green Tree School; Susan Schoenberger & Shelly Silverman of United Cerebral Palsy
Legal Issues for Older Children & Adults
As children enter adulthood, a host of legal issues arise: What services and benefits will my child be eligible for? How can I provide financial protection for my child without jeopardizing benefits? How do waiting lists work? When is a guardian needed? This workshop will provide answers to these questions and many more.
Presenter: Ira M. Fingles Esq.
ASD & Co-Morbidities
Autism spectrum disorders are more prevalent in individuals with sensory disabilities such as deafness and blindness, as well as in individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. This workshop will discuss the identification of co-morbidities, as well as how to best facilitate complete access/ community integration, vocational achievement, and optimal living situations. Case examples will be offered to facilitate discussion.
Presenter: Annie Steinberg, MD