The World Needs All Kinds of Minds

Dr. Temple Grandin has served as inspiration and role model to hundreds of thousands of families and persons with autism. In this unique presentation, Temple eloquently and candidly describes the challenges she has faced and offers no-nonsense ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet these obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Backed by her personal experience and evidence-based research, Temple shares her valuable insights on a wide variety of topics, and offers useful do’s and don’ts.

By attending, participants can:

• Create a learning environment to accommodate sensory challenges
• Illustrate ways to develop talents into a career path for individuals
• Introduce ways of intervention for those newly diagnosed
• Help the older child and Adult form social relationships

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Creating a Sensory Lifestyle for Children with Autism & SPD

Britt Collins, M.S., OTR/L is an occupational therapist who has worked with adults and children of all ages in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, homes, hospitals, rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities. She has created four DVDs for children with special needs as a visual learning tool for parents and caregivers to carry over occupational therapy into the home and community. She has authored three books including Sensory Parenting: Newborns to Toddlers; Sensory Parenting: The Elementary Years: and her latest book Sensory Yoga for Kids. Britt currently practices in Denver, Colorado and works in a school district as well as early intervention. She is a feeding specialist and is working towards her children’s yoga certification.  

By attending, participants can:

• Creating a Sensory Lifestyle for your child at home, school and in the community
• Define the 6 subtypes of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)         
• Provide strategies for parent-teacher support teams 
• Assist students with difficult transitions 
• Implement calming techniques  
• Yoga techniques  
• Mindfulness and breathing exercises   
• And more!  

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Senses and Sensibilities:  An Inside View on Recognizing and Supporting Individuals with Sensory Issues

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too sick" for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism.

In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is internationally renowned for presentations, consultations and writings on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.

A current board member of Autism Speaks, president emeritus of the Asperger's Association of New England, and advisory board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore serves on the boards of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, The US Autism and Asperger Association, the Scientific Counsel of OAR, and other autism related organizations.

• Explore what sensory overload may feel like for an individual on the autism spectrum.   
•  List at least three situations that might indicate that a sensory issue is present. 
• Examine methods to develop and implement accommodations for sensory issues. -
• Recommend instruments for assessing for sensory issues.

Financial and Non-Financial Disclosures