Free Autism Lecture Series: April 24, May 6, May 12

[Guest guest]

Autism Society of America’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter

With support from PECO Energy and

Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, Attorneys at Law

Presents

A FREE Four Part Autism Lecture Series

Each lecture will take place from 7-9 PM

Freedom Hall ~ Upper Merion Township Building

175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA

Seating is limited.

Reservations are suggested but not required.

To register, please call 610-358-5256 or e-mail: puzzleribbon@...

For directions, go to http://www.umtownship.org/

April 24 Jane Weiss, Ph.D.

Strategies for Successful Inclusion: Social and Academic Considerations

More students with autism spectrum disorders are spending more time in

inclusive educational environments, affording them more opportunities for

socialization and full integration with their peers. Meeting the diverse needs

of these students, however, can be a challenge. Dr. Weiss will review how

the attentional, learning, and communication challenges of students can be

accommodated in regular education classrooms, and how strategic supports can

facilitate learner coping and independence. She will also discuss how

communication between home and school can be fostered, how progress can be

measured, and how team members can work productively together to achieve goals

for students.

Jane Weiss, Ph.D is an Associate Research Professor at Rutgers

University, and the Director of Research and Training at the s

Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University. Her clinical and

research interests include defining best practice ABA techniques, and in

maximizing family members’ expertise and adaptation. She serves on the

Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research and on the Board of

the NJ Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community She has written

numerous articles and four books on autism.

May 6 Jed Baker, Ph.D.

No More Meltdowns: Managing and Preventing Meltdowns through Social Skills

Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their

feelings and interacting socially. Dr. Baker will describe how to handle

meltdowns when they occur, and how to design effective behavior plans to prevent

these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety. He will also discuss his new

book: No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Dealing with and Preventing

Out-of-Control Behavior

Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, a

private organization serving individuals with autism and social communication

problems and works closely with several other New Jersey school systems on as a

consultant on social skills programs. He lectures frequently on the topic of

social skills training and is an award winning author of four books on social

skills training. Recently, ABC news and Nightline featured his work to reduce

bullying and increase peer acceptance of students with autism spectrum disorders

in the schools. He is on the professional advisory board of ASPEN (an

information network for parents of children with Aspergers Syndrome).

May 12 Ruttenberg

“The Profile Book;” An Effective Tool to Communicate Assessment Information

for Intervention

The link between quality assessment information and intervention strategies is

vital, but often missing for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Ms. Ruttenberg will describe the Profile Assessment Book, a tool she developed

to capture and collect vital information about a person with autism from a

variety sources, and put that information in a positive, personal voice.

Designed for children and adults who are not able to communicate their own needs

and preferences through verbal language, The Profile Book ‘translates’ behavior

into words, helping parents, staff and others gain a better understanding of how

the individual experiences the world around them. This information – and

perspective- can be used to inform and shape effective, individualized

intervention strategies.

Ruttenberg is the Executive Director of The Center for Autism where she

provides strategic leadership and advances the organization’s mission of

improving the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and

their families. She provides consultation and training services to children,

adults and families affected by autism, school districts and county programs

throughout the Delaware Valley. She serves on the board of directors of the

Autism Society of America,

Greater Philadelphia Chapter. She holds Master’s degrees in Special Education

and in Education/Elementary Counseling, and is certified as a Special Education

Supervisor, Principal and Family Therapist.

Seating is limited.

Reservations are suggested but not required.

To register, please call 610-358-5256 or e-mail: puzzleribbon@...

For directions, go to http://www.umtownship.org/