The 7th Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger’s Conference will be held on June 15, 2009 at the Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Ohio. The theme for this year’s conference is "Life-Long Strategies for Success" and noted autism expert Brenda Smith Myles PhD is presenting the keynote address.
Brenda Smith Myles PhD
Brenda Smith Myles PhD is the Chief of Programs and Development for the Autism Society of America, a Ziggurat Group consultant, and the author of many books on autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Myles will be presenting the keynote address at the 2009 Milestones Organization conference on "Understanding the Hidden Curriculum: The Unstated Rules in Social Situations."
In addition to the keynote address, Myles will also be presenting on several additional topics including: tantrums and meltdowns in children with Asperger’s Syndrome and hints for educators working with individuals with high functioning autism.
Workshop Tracks
There are five distinct workshop tracks being offered at the 2009 Milestones Organization conference: Young Children/Elementary, Middle/High School, Adults, Asperger’s Syndrome, and a Professional Track for BCBAs. Some of the topics overlap as they are appropriate for individuals of all ages and attendees are not required to stay within an individual track for the entire conference.
Young Children/Elementary Track
There are nearly 20 workshops available in the Young Children/Elementary workshop track including a presentation about music therapy by Ronna Kaplan, MA, MT-BC and Marcia E. Humpal, Med, MT-BC. Additional workshops that may not be available at some of the more well-known autism conferences include a presentation on the inclusion process in the Boy Scouts of America and in the religious setting and the benefits of animation in language acquisition.
Middle/High School Track
Nevada Reed, MD, of the KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center, will be hosting a morning workshop on guiding teens on the autism spectrum through puberty. Parents of children with autism usually find that puberty is far more complex than they initially expected. The resources offered by Reed at the conference should make this journey easier for all involved.
Adult Track
Many of the autism support services in place today focus on early intervention and children on the spectrum. However, these children with autism grow up to be adults with autism and life-long support and information is required. The Milestones Organization conference has included several workshops that are beneficial for supporting these adults.
Workshops on vocational support for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, life long social independence, and transitioning into adulthood will be available to conference attendees.
Registration Information
There are several different registration options available: individuals on the autism spectrum can register for $60 while professional registration is $150. Group, student, and family member discounts are available. Additionally, scholarship aid may be available. For more information on conference registration, call (216) 371-4765.
The 2009 Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger’s Conference is designed to meet the needs of family members as well as special educators, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and a variety of other autism professionals.
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