8:30-9:45 a.m. EST — Parenting a Child on the Spectrum During COVID
Speakers:
10-11 a.m. EST — Managing Your Child's Behavior Issues at Home
Ever wish you could have an autism behavior expert at home when your child is mid-meltdown? This is the next best thing! Learn simple behavior management strategies and effective tools that have proven to motive children on the spectrum to behave. Presenters will share their top advice after working with and training many caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Speakers:
10-11 a.m. EST — Parent-to-Parent Q&A
Nothing is sacred in this parent-to-parent session where the questions and answers will fly. Tap into other parents' trial-and-error experiences to find out what's worked for them and how it might for you, and share your own tried-and-true tips for making a difference in the lives of other autism families. Also scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m.
Panelists
11 a.m.-Noon EST — A Conversation with Temple Grandin
Speaker: Temple Grandin, Autism Author and Advocate
Moderator: Tisa Johnson, MD, Henry Ford Health System
8:30-9:45 a.m. EST — Autism: A Uniquely Human Experience
Forget the many misconceptions about autism and those on the spectrum. In this presentation, best-selling author Dr. Barry Prizant debunks some of these myths and offers a compelling new way of understanding and living with autism. This philosophy challenges the focus on "fixing" people with autism by attempting to eliminate symptoms. Instead, this “uniquely human” approach honors the uniqueness of each individual and builds on interests and strengths by providing a range of appropriate supports.
Speaker: Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Autism Author and Advocate
10-11 a.m. EST — Getting Picky Eaters to Try New Foods
Got a child who only eats chicken nuggets or pizza? Expand their palates with tried-and-true techniques to promote healthy mealtime behavior at home. In this session, we'll review common challenges that caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders face when trying to make their child eat different foods and provide parents with simple ideas, tips and strategies to try at home. Bring your questions for an end-of-session Q&A to offer specific guidance for your pickiest eater.
Speakers:
10-11 a.m. EST — Beyond the Autism 'Box' Q&A
Many parents struggle with how and when to tell their child they have autism. And as the child grows up, parents struggle with helping them live beyond the "box" of their diagnosis. In this interactive Q&A, we'll offer guidance on supporting your child throughout their journey to self-acceptance.
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11 a.m.-Noon EST — Playing With a Purpose
We all know "play is the work of the child," but some parents feel like playing with their child is work. This may be because it is difficult to know how to play with a child who plays differently. This session will provide some guidance on how to approach play as a play partner. We'll offer strategies to reduce demands and ensure a balance in play which may keep your child playing with you longer and enjoying it more.
Speakers:
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Ask the Experts Q&A
Say goodbye to that issue that keeps you up at night. Our panel of experts will be ready, willing and able to help tackle some of your toughest challenges — or point you in the right direction for the resources and solutions that could help. Whether you are bringing your own dilemmas or listening in, be prepared to soak up some rapid-fire expert advice. Also scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m.
Panelists:
8:30-9:45 a.m. EST — Your Health Insurance Rights
National autism health insurance expert and advocate Lorri Unumb shares what every parent should know about health insurance and autism. Gain a better understanding of your rights and your child's rights when it comes to treatment coverage. Lorri will tackle your personal health insurance questions at an end-of-session Q&A.
Speaker: Lorri Unumb Esq., The Unumb Center
10-11 a.m. EST — Overcoming Social Skills Deficits: Strategies for Children with ASD
Developing social skills is a crucial part of having healthy relationships throughout life. But for those on the spectrum, these all-important skills don't always come easily. We'll give you an overview of social skill development and offer strategies to use within the home to support healthy development.
Speakers:
10-11 a.m. EST — Managing Marriage + Other Important Relationships Q&A
When you have a child on the spectrum, it's easy for our other relationships to take a back seat. In this interactive group discussion, we'll share ideas to make marriage a priority (and spice up our love lives!), set aside time for friends and our support network, create quality time for our neuro-typical kids and make time for ourselves. It may not be easy, but it is possible. Find out how others are doing it and you can too!
Panelists:
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Mastering Toilet Training with an Evidence-Based Approach
Are you ready to start toilet training your child, but don't know where to begin? Or perhaps you've already started the process but find yourself stuck and unsure how to proceed. If you're facing the challenges of toilet training and looking for guidance, this presentation is for you. The purpose of this discussion is to review general strategies, tips and tricks, drawing on evidence-based ABA methods to help your child successfully achieve this important milestone. Some topics we'll cover include: prerequisite skills, common techniques, how to handle accidents and other frequently asked questions. Our goal is to provide you with tools that will not only take the stress out of toilet training, but also make it a fun and rewarding experience for you and your child.
Speakers:
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Parent-to-Parent Q&A
Nothing is sacred in this parent-to-parent session where the questions and answers will fly. Tap into other parents' trial-and-error experiences to find out what's worked for them and how it might for you, and share your tried-and-true tips for making a difference in the lives of other autism families.
Panelists:
8:30-9:45 a.m. EST — Peer-to-Peer Education Support in the Age of COVID
Learn how to establish peer-to-peer support programs to increase opportunities for students with ASD to access general education settings and curriculum — even in the age of distance learning. Peers model typical academic and social behavior in educational environments throughout the school day and provide support for students with ASD to promote independence and socialization. Peer-to-peer support programs and inclusion of students with ASD not only affects outcomes for the students with ASD, but can also impact a number of outcomes for typical peers and at-risk students. The specific steps for developing a peer-to-peer support program will be presented, including recruitment, training and maintenance of the peer-to-peer support students.
Speaker: Maureen Ziegler, Ed.S., Special Education Consultant and Speaker
10-11 a.m. EST — Using Communication Devices to Jumpstart Communication in Young Children with ASD
This session will present ideas for using communication devices and other forms of "talking" besides words to teach early communication skills to young children with autism. Several different types of "alternative" communication will be discussed as well as the benefits for each method. Case studies will be presented to show proven results. Plus, understand the rationale for selecting verbal versus non-verbal communication methods with your child.
Speaker: Christy Schweitzer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Henry Ford Health System
10-11 a.m. EST — Ask the Experts Q&A
Say goodbye to that issue that keeps you up at night. Our panel of experts will be ready, willing and able to help tackle some of your toughest challenges — or point you in the right direction for the resources and solutions that could help. Whether you are bringing your own dilemmas or listening in, be prepared to soak up some rapid-fire expert advice.
Speakers:
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Self-Advocacy in Action: How Parents and Professionals Can Help
Parents should advocate for their child, particularly if they have autism. But you also have to teach your child to advocate for themselves. Behavioral consultant and autism mom Stacie Rulison and her son, Ryder, share how they worked together to foster the ability for Ryder to speak up for himself and communicate what he needs to be his best self.
Speakers: Stacie Rulison, M.S., M.Ed, BCBA, LBA and son Ryder Rulison
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Special Education Expert Q&A
Living through IEP hell? Struggling to get educational resources for your child? Our experts can help. Bring all of your education-related issues and challenges to this open idea-sharing forum, plus learn some of the best special education resources many parents aren't tapping into.
Panelists:
8:30-9:45 a.m. EST — A Better 'Sense' of ASD
Speaker: Chloe Rothschild, Autism Author and Advocate
10-11 a.m. EST — Digital Overload: Setting Limits for Screen Use in ASD Youth
From iPads to televisions to cellphones, screens have become an ever present part of our daily lives. As use of screens become integrated even into school curriculum, it can be confusing and overwhelming to set limits and understand appropriate use. When does screen time become too much? How does the use of screens differ in my child with ASD? In this talk, we will discuss answers to these questions by describing how screen use differs in children with ASD, and how to set appropriate limits for screen use.
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10-11 a.m. EST — Transitioning Into Adulthood Q&A
Is your child getting older and you're wondering about sex education, college readiness, job opportunities, independent living and more? Join us for a group discussion on all things transitioning to help you navigate these questions and so much more. We'll share local resources that will help and help solve your questions and challenges.
Panelists
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Autism, Growth & Transitioning into Adulthood
Learn practical ways to empower individuals with autism for transitioning into adulthood from someone who knows firsthand. Ron Sandison shares his own personal struggles with transitioning into adulthood and how he was able to overcome and become a dad, author, professional and motivational speaker. He'll break transition phases of life into manageable steps and offer goals and measurable steps to accomplish them.
Speaker: Ron Sandison, Autism Author and Advocate
11 a.m.-Noon EST — Protecting Kids With Autism Q&A
Our No. 1 charge is to protect our child's safety. In this interactive session, we'll share advice on protecting your child from some of the additional safety challenges for those on the spectrum. Get insights on preparing your child for interactions with first responders, warding off online predators, setting healthy physical boundaries and more. Bring your safety concerns and solutions for this important discussion.
Panelists
