Autism Through the Lifespan
Free Video Webcast Beginning July 12th!

Congressman Chris Smith, the Head of the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education

Chris Smith will give attendees an update on what is happening in Congress and how important it is for parents and professionals alike to advocate for funding research as well as the continuation of improving services and supports for those on the autism spectrum long term.

- Find out what is going on politically in the autism field
- Learn what impact policy and governance will have on those with autism long term
- Understand the importance of advocacy for families and professionals
- Help improve services and supports through governmental impact
- Seek solutions by helping support funding research

Kelly Gilpin, Creative Director for Future Horizons

Kelly Gilpin is the Creative Director for Future Horizons, world leader in resources and conferences on autism, Asperger's syndrome, and sensory issues since 1996. If there is one theme in our publications, it's the focus on the positive and the progress these special people can make.

We are proud to support the journey toward self-sufficiency, productivity, and happiness for individuals on the autism spectrum. We invite you to visit our main website www.FHautism.com, our newly designed site on sensory issues www.SensoryWorld.com, and our online-education site www.AutismCEU.com.

Robert Hendren, DO Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco

Topic: Early Identification and Intervention in Autism

Among the most important area for those diagnosed with autism is early identification, intervention and proper programming. Not getting children into the best programs for their particular condition can impact the lives of the children with autism as well as their families. Robert Hendren has a wealth of knowledge in this area and will be able to assist professionals and families alike make better choices in their early intervention programs.

- Learn what the early signs of autism are
- Discover how to get past autism denial and right on to what’s best for the child
- Understand the programs available for autism
- Help family members and professionals understand the positive aspects of early intervention
- Find the right intervention program for your child
- Help your child get on the best pathway for lifelong success

Susan Daniels, PhD the Executive Secretary for the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (NIH)

Topic: The Latest In research from The National Institute of Health

Dr. Susan Daniels will provide an timely update from the Interagency Autism Coordinately Committee of the National Institute of Health detailing the latest national strategic plan for continued research in the autism spectrum field. Topics such future expectations from the agency’s position along with goals for research will be explained in detail.

- Learn how to prepare for the "spectrum child's" future
- Find out what future expectations are on the horizon
- Discover the latest updates from the National Institute of Health
- Understand upcoming goals and objectives in the area of research

Dr. Michael McManmon Degree: Ed.D, MS, Founder, College Internship Program

Topic: I’m Ready for College But I Can't Find My Backpack: Executive Functioning Strategies for Transition and Success in College

Learn strategies to help your students who have challenges planning ahead and staying organized to function effectively in everyday life. Understand how "Executive Functioning" and a lack of strong "EF" is a major reason why students fail in high school and college. Due to Executive Functioning difficulties these students often struggle to perform at an academic level that reflects their cognitive skills and abilities. Learn effective intervention strategies to help these students succeed.

Understand the strengths and challenges students with Executive Functioning challenges face when transitioning to and succeeding at college.

Learn how the brain develops through the teen years into adulthood and how it impacts on Executive Functioning when heading off to college when facing a traditional full time college work load, which requires planning for tests, finals & deadlines for papers.
Learn strategies to improve Executive Functioning with these bright students who too often fail at college because of poor EF, a lack of awareness, and a lack of skills and tools to help themselves.

Most college age adults with learning differences have challenges in areas of social, organizational, and executive functioning skills. Many go off to a traditional college but aren’t successful because their school or college does not provide the day-to-day supports they require. Even though these bright young adults have great potential, many will return home from college, isolate themselves, and lose motivation. This session will review & teach executive functioning strategies and key areas of support that can help this growing population transition successfully to college.

Dr Temple Grandin, CEO Grandin Livestock

Topic: TEMPLE GRANDIN AND KAREN INTERVIEW

Dr. Temple Grandin is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She has been featured on major television programs, such as "ABC's Primetime Live", the "Today Show", "Larry King Live", "48 Hours" and "20/20" and written up in national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping and humming. In 1950, she was labeled "autistic," and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed being diagnosed "autistic" was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.

Sheila Wagner, Assistant Director, Monarch Program Manager, Emory Autism Center Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Sheila Wagner, M.Ed., received her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and her graduate degree in Special Education from Georgia State University. Past experience in autism began at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University where she was an associate teacher, then demonstration teacher in the autism demonstration program and, later, an educational consultant to teachers and schools across the State of Indiana.

Currently, Ms. Wagner is an autism consultant, school consultant, teacher trainer, guest lecturer, and published author of numerous articles and books. She received the Autism Society of America's Literary Award for the first book in her inclusion series, Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism, and was named ASA's (Greater Georgia Chapter) Professional of the Year in 2002. Ms. Wagner lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and son.

Dr. Stephen Shore

Topic: Cutting Edge Techniques in School Aged Services

Going against conventional wisdom, this presentation examines how deficits and challenges so pervasively attributed to autism can be reframed as strengths. Employing an autobiographical structure combined with experiences of others with autism, participants will come away with practical solutions for considering characteristics of autism as potential springboards to success in education from preschool to post graduate, employment, effective self-advocacy, meaningful engagement in the community as building blocks for leading a fulfilling and productive life.

- Develop greater understanding of what it is like to be an individual with autism
- Recognize and successfully address common sensory issues that for students with autism
- Learn effective educational strategies for social inclusion while addressing academics.
- Create easy to implement, practical solutions for challenges teachers face
- Educate students with autism in successful advocacy skills as part of an effective transition plan towards leading a fulfilling and productive life.

His presentation will cover the following:

- Introduction and experiencing a bit of autism
- Practical solutions for challenges facing students with autism
- Identifying, understanding, and learning what to do about sensory issues
- Developing accommodations promotion social and academic inclusion
- Teaching those with autism the "Hidden Curriculum" of successful social interaction in school, home, and the community.
- Successful navigation of transition to adulthood.
- Educating the student on developing effective skills of self-advocacy
- Preparing for fulfilling and productive employment
- Relationships: From strangers and acquaintances to intimacy
- Promoting a bright future for individuals with autism

Michael Strautmanis, Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama

Latest autism updates from the office of the President of the United States.

Patricia Wright, Easter Seals National Director of Autism Services

Patricia Wright has a passion for education and advocacy and has dedicated her career to ensuring that individuals with autism are fully-included in society. Her personal mission is to offer the support that makes it possible for people with autism lead meaningful, happy and productive lives. As Easter Seals National Director of Autism Services, Wright leads autism programs for Easter Seals, one of the nation's largest provider of services for individuals with autism across the life span. Wright's expertise as an educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst inform her individualized approach to creating effective treatment plans. She knows that early diagnosis and intervention offer the best outcomes but also is a proponent of appropriate treatment for anyone with autism at any age. Everyone has the ability to learn and develop skills. She is a member of the Organization for Autism Research's Scientific Council and is currently a serving on the Executive Committee for the Friends of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. Wright is well known as a presenter and has been invited to deliver presentations and conduct training across the United States and internationally.

Wright earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of Hawaii in 2006. She also has a master's of public health from the University of Hawaii, and a master's degree in special education from San Francisco State University.

Anita Miller Sostek, Autism Speaks, Vice President of Scientific Review and Operations

Anita Miller Sostek joined Autism Speaks as Vice President of Scientific Review and Operations in September of 2008. In this role, Anita oversees Autism Speaks' Grants Program, which currently processes over 1,000 investigator-initiated grants annually. She is involved in overseeing the review of proposals, the evaluation of progress reports, and financial monitoring of the Science Program.

She is also responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operations for the Science Program. Anita has extensive background in early development and scientific peer review. After receiving a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, she joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University. There she studied the developmental outcomes of infants born at risk because of prematurity and/or medical complications around the time of birth. She moved to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1987 to administer peer review in the areas of mental retardation, neurodevelopmental disorders and prematurity. With her 2002 promotion to the position of Director of the Division of Clinical and Population-Based Studies at the Center for Scientific Review at the NIH, Anita was responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring peer review policy. She worked with more than 70 Scientific Review Officers and their Chiefs to ensure fair and expert review in behavioral science, neuroscience and population-based research.

Karen Simmons, Founder and CEO of Autism Today

As a mother of six children, one with autism and one with ADHD, Karen recognized the need for an exceptional resource to assist families struggling to find easy and affordable autism answers. As a result she founded the first online information and resource center in the late 90's. Today Autism Today offers conferences, resources, and leading expertise for families, educators, and professionals who work and live in the autism spectrum community.

Karen, also known as "The Autism Lady" is the author of some widely acclaimed titles including "Little Rainman" , "The Autism Experience", "Artism", "Surrounded By Miracles", "The Official Autism 101 Manual", "Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs" with Jack Canfield, Autism Tomorrow, plus hundreds of DVD's with world renowned autism experts.

She has been featured in international publications such as Woman's World Magazine, The Vicki Gabereau Show with Temple Grandin, Global Television as one of Edmonton Alberta based Woman of Vision, FOX News, PBS Healthy Minds, CBC, The View from the Bay, and many magazines, radio talk shows and print media.

Karen makes her home in Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada with her husband Jim Sicoli and their six children, Kimberly, Matthew, Christina, Jonathan, Stephen and Alexander where she rounds out her motherhood experience with her families own gifts and eccentricities. Needless to say, Karen is a busy woman!

Jonathan Sicoli, Person with ASD

Jonathan is currently a 21 year old technical coordinator with high-functioning autism. Jonathan was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder at the age of three and was given the label of autism when he was five. He is also the subject of "Little Rainman," a "must read" book written by Karen Simmons.

Dave Gardy, - CEO. TV Worldwide - A Pioneer In Streaming Media Services and The Internet's First TV Network

TVWorldwide.com, Inc., founded in 1999 to serve the Internet’s evolving streaming video and multi-media market and build a network of community-based interactive internet TV channels, initially concentrating on the business-to-business market. Mr. David R. Gardy, founder, Chairman and CEO of the company is a recognized business leader in the professional television and video production, webcasting and Internet video streaming industries. Mr. Gardy was the principal founder, Chairman and president of Gardy McGrath International, which grew from a two-person basement video production company in 1985, to become one of the nation’s largest full service television and video production facilities today with over 60 full-time professionals on staff. In 1996, the company envisioned the potential markets for video content production for the World Wide Web and started TV onthe WEBsm, a wholly-owned division dedicated to pursuing business models for video distribution over the Internet.

Ling Huang, CMC, PMP, CISSP, CSSLP, ISP, ITCP President and CEO of Technology North Corporation

Ling is a highly sought after senior security and project management consultant with 25 years of professional experience. Ling has led and managed a variety of major initiatives and projects, including the development and implementation of mission critical technology solutions and implementations, design of sophisticated IT security infrastructure, IT disaster recovery planning, and business application development for a wide range of clients. His experience spans the spectrum of private industry, various Alberta Government Ministries and even not-for-profit organizations. This diversity of experiences has demonstrated Ling's exceptional leadership abilities, focus on quality of execution, as well as his innovation and contagious "can do" attitude.

As the CEO of Technology North Corporation, Ling sets company strategy direction and coordinates his troop of professionals. Technology North is embarking on the development of a new venture with an innovative IT solution offering and is positioning itself as a "game changer" and "enabler" in the social service market.

Donna Williams, Author, "Nobody Nowhere"

Donna Williams was born in 1963. She had Rickets (vit D deficiency) by 5 months old, and grew up with primary immune deficiencies. At the age of 2, in a three day hospital assessment, she was diagnosed as psychotic (autism was deemed Childhood Psychosis until the 1970s). At school in the 1970s she was assessed as disturbed, diagnosed with language processing disorder in late childhood around 1972, then her diagnosis of autism was reconfirmed in 1991 by Australia's leading autism expert at the time. She acquired functional speech in late childhood, experienced homelessness from an early age, but went on to resume education and became a qualified teacher with an honors degree in Sociology and a degree in Linguistics, a ronowned public speaker in the field of autism and a professional autism consultant since 1996.

Donna is the author of two international bestselling autobiographies and has 10 published books including 4 text books. As a screenwriter, she wrote the screenplay to "Nobody Nowhere", the first book in her 4 book autobiographical series. That screenplay is currently under option to become a Hollywood film. She is an professional artist, whose work has sold around the world, a singer-songwriter and published poet. She lives in Australia with her husband Chris Samuel.

Paul Andrew, Managing Director, Employment & Community Services- CARF Intl

Over forty years of personal and professional experience with individuals who have disabilities and challenges to employment. Fifteen years in the management, coordination and administration of public and privately funded vocational rehabilitation programs. A graduate from the College of Education at the University of Arizona and a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Presently Managing Director of Employment and Community Services of CARF…the Accreditation Commission. The role of the director is to facilitate the development of market driven accreditation standards and approaches, which help to continuously improve services to consumers, enhance organizational design, and improve responsiveness to community stakeholders. Formerly a provider of services and trainer for the University of San Francisco, McLaren College of Business, provides training and technical assistance to over 5,000 organizations and individuals each year in the United States and Canada.

Dr Carol Shall, Representative from the Virginia Commonwealth University

Topic: Trend Setting Transition Services

A wealth of information including the latest evidence based and best practices on model transition programs for people with autism will be presented by a representative from the Virginia Commonwealth University. Discussions on how to implement transitional programs into educational settings will be highlighted. Additionally, topics such as how to evaluate the effectiveness of certain transitional services will be carefully explained. This discussion helps to set trends into motion rather than reacting to programs already in place.

- Find out the latest evidence based and best practices today for transitional services
- Learn proper implementation procedure for services and how to implement within current educational settings
- Professionals and family members will understand how to measure and evaluate effectiveness of programs
- Understand the importance of finding proactive trend setting solutions
- Be on the cutting edge of what is happening with adult services

Tonia Ferguson, Director, National Initiatives of The Arc and The National Autism Resource and Information Center

Topic: The Autism Now Project and Adult Services

With the prevalence of autism being diagnosed at 1 in 88 children which was recently announced by the Center for Disease Control, the numbers with autism are through the roof and is definitely a NOW condition. Tonia Ferguson who is with the “Autism Now” Project will talk about these staggering statistics and the impact they will have on the future of society in general. With the rising autism population aging, it is of utmost importance that we learn about federally funded programs that serve as a resource to professionals and families that are helping to address lifespan issues. The primary focus will be on adult services and supports.

- Find out how children with autism can grow up to be outstanding citizens with proper interventions
- Seek positive solutions for those nearing adulthood
- Siblings will learn about options for their brothers and sisters care
- Families and Professionals will become aware of more options available for little or no cost
- Parents will find out how to prepare for their child on the spectrum after they are gone

Leslie Long, Director of Housing and Adult Services, Autism Speaks

Leslie is director of housing and adult services at Autism Speaks. In this role, she manages the organization's mission to promote supports for adults with autism spectrum disorders throughout the country. Leslie has over 20 years of professional experience in leading federal, state and local advocacy efforts to benefit people with developmental disabilities. Her expertise includes supported employment, school to adult life transition issues, residential supports and Medicaid, specifically home and community-based waivers for individuals with developmental disabilities. Leslie consulted on public policy and grant projects throughout New Jersey with a focus on urban areas.

Leslie was formerly director of public policy for Autism NJ where she successfully collaborated on healthcare legislation, worked with the office of New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez on drafting the Helping Hands Act, testified at multiple state legislative hearings to advance autism policies and analyzed funding and service delivery policies that impact individuals with autism. She was also the director of adult resources for Autism New Jersey where she spearheaded state-wide advocacy activities on behalf of adults with autism spectrum disorders. Leslie successfully convened a think tank of leaders from the New Jersey human services community to develop a white paper with over 80 recommendations for the state's human service system to improve supports for adults with autism, developed a statewide guide on services for adults with autism including housing and employment.

Leslie was recognized by NJ Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts for contributions towards legislation for the autism community. She was appointed by Governor Jon S. Corzine to serve on "New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force," received recognition for advocacy work on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and received a leadership recognition for service to persons with supported employment by NJ APSE.

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Editor in Chief, Autism Spectrum Quarterly Magazine

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D. is a communication disorders specialist and licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in autism, Asperger Syndrome, and related conditions. She holds an MA in speech-language pathology, a Sixth Year Diploma in early childhood special education, and a Ph.D. in Special Education.

Diane is the author of chapters on high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome in the Division TEACCH series (1998) and also in Communication and Language Issues in Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Transactional Developmental Perspective (2000), edited by Amy M. Wetherby and Dr. Barry M. Prizant. She also has authored numerous books: A Passion to Believe: Autism and the Facilitated Communication Phenomenon; Trevor Trevor, a metaphor for children designed to increase the sensitivity of typical peers toward their classmates with special needs; How To Be A Para Pro: A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals; and How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up?, co-written with her daughter, Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly, M.S., CCC-SLP (yet another of our esteemed Resident Experts.) Diane's column, "Straight Talk About Language and Communication", is a regular feature of The Autism-Asperger's Digest.

Diane also serves on several professional advisory boards, including the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America, ASC-US (Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States), and ASPEN (Asperger Syndrome Education Network). She provides consultative services and training seminars internationally on a variety of topics related to autism spectrum disorders and language development.

Joel Manzer, lead editor for Autisable.com

Autisable was born following a difficult two year process when Joel's son was diagnosed with autism. It was at that moment that his life-long mission became clear. He began helping not only his own family but the millions of others who deal with autism's triumphs and challenges in everyday life. Joel manages Autisable with the same love and determination in his own life. He invites you to become a member of the community which laughs, cries and shares their comments and questions about autism at www.Autisable.com

Jennifer McIlwee Myers, Person with ASD

Lee Grossman, Former President Autism Society of America

Topic: The Future of Autism and What it Should Look Like

With over twenty years as a parent and leader in the autism field, Mr Grossman will share his viewpoint on where we are today and what the future of autism should look like. In this forward thinking talk he will discuss his vision of the national plan today and what the plan should be for tomorrow in areas of early diagnosis, smooth transitions during every juncture, secondary schooling and viability of its importance depending on the child as well as long term outcomes goals and solutions.

- Gain hope and understanding of the possibilities for those on the autism spectrum
- Discover options and interventions you may not have thought possible
- Focus on the positives by engaging in solutions rather than problems
- Become a visionary for the future of autism
- Learn about what the national plan could look like

Find YOUR answers by watching
the most important autism event of the year.