Keith Goulden, M.D. graduated in Medicine from the University of Western Ontario in 1980 and interned at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. He trained in Pediatrics and Child Neurology at the IWK Hospital for Children in Halifax, Nova Scotia and then in Developmental-Behavioural Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.

Keith's career as an academic began at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Janeway Child Health Centre, the only hospital dedicated to the health needs of children in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has been an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta for the past 10 years. In 2002, he was appointed Director of the UofA's Division of Neurodevelopmental / Neuromotor Pediatrics and Clinical Director of the Capital Health Authority's Regional Neurodevelopmental Program. He also is a member of the Applied Developmental Neurosciences Group (Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta) and of the Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network. He is involved in clinical neurodevelopmental pediatrics in Edmonton at both the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and at regional Level II Clinics, with a particular interest in children with autism and their families.

Keith is a staunch supporter of family-centred approaches to treatment and broad spectrum care that recognizes the whole person. He is a beacon of light to many in his field!

Course Description: Autism in the Family: Parent & Professional Perspectives
While families of children with autism face significant challenges, outcomes for children and families are highly variable. One thing is clear. Most families will be changed forever by the experience. Many families, however, are changed for the better, as a result of personal growth and transformation. This presentation discusses what we actually know and what still remains unclear about the families of children with autism. It provides practical information for families and professionals to maximize the probability of positive adjustment.

Biography: Dick Sobsey is the Director of the JP Das Developmental Disabilities Centre and of the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre. He conducts transdisciplinary research, studies that cross the traditional boundaries between disciplines. As a result, his work is cited in fields such as bioethics, criminology, gerontology, law, medicine, nursing, sexology, sociology, and women's studies as frequently as it is in education, child development, and psychology. His research and teaching interests fall into four primary areas: (1) He studies the relationship violence and disability; (2) He studies the changes in families that occur as a result of having a child with a significant disability focusing on positive changes; (3) He explores ethical and human right issues, particularly as they are related to people with disabilities; and (4) He is interested in identifying best practices in community and educational inclusion for children with disabilities.

Course Description: Beyond grieving! Receiving the diagnosis of autism for a child can be traumatic for families. And as a teacher, working with the parents can be difficult, especially when the parents are in the stage of denial. This session provides information about loss and the grieving process that will assist parents, in accepting the diagnosis, help them manage their grief reactions, and move steadily toward healing. It will give teachers an expanded understanding of what families are experiencing and provide suggestions for helping the family during each stage of the process.

Biography: Dr. Jane Simington is a well-known speaker, author and healer. She has over 25 years experience assisting those who are moving through a difficult life experience. Educated in both nursing and psychology, Dr. Simington has an academic, research and practice background in healing methods, spirituality and spiritual healing.

Dr. Simington complements her academic background with an extensive knowledge of alternative and complementary methods of healing and spiritual growth. She is a master teacher and practitioner of a number of energy-transfer-healing modalities. A certified clinical hypnotherapist, Dr. Simington shares her understanding of symbol in its many forms, including art, dream and imagery, as she teaches and guides the healing journey. Her numerous professional publications focus upon her research interests in holistic health and healing as well as spiritual well-being and spiritual growth.

Course Description: Combining a rich source of experience from both a personal perspective and as an educator, Stephen Shore has customized this presentation to address characteristics and accommodations for successful education and inclusion of children on the autism spectrum and related disorders. Particular focus will be placed providing positive, successful experiences at camp, travel and vacations, in community activities as well as the classroom! Developed for parents, educators and other professionals working with children on the autism spectrum.

Biography: Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies" Stephen Shore was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen Shore is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible.

In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his book Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, the recently released Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and numerous other writings.

Dr. Valerie Paradiz is the Director of Education at the NYU Child Study Center's Asperger Institute. She is also the co-founder of the Open Center for Autism (www.oautism.org). Her work developing pioneering educational programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) has been featured in the New York Times, Redbook Magazine, Autism Spectrum Quarterly, and on Japanese Public Television. Dr. Paradiz's memoir, Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley, 2005) is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autistic son, their involvement together in the grassroots self-advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger syndrome.

Karen Simmons is the mother to six, two with special needs, best selling author and the Founder/ CEO of Autism Today©, a world leader, speaker and conference coordinator in autism information, research and resources. As the Internet Entrepreneur Award winner of the year, Simmons website www.autismtoday.com joins autism and special needs communities for all concerned. Simmons is also the author of four widely cherished books, and two CD’s including Little Rainman and Gold Medal recipient, “The Official Autism 101 Manual”. She is also co-author along with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Heather McNamara to “Chicken Soup For The Soul, Children with Special Needs” to be released September 2007.