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"Life Planning: a Primer for Families with Special Children" is a guide to help families plan effectively for their special needs children by introducing them to the Letter of Intent and the Life Planning Notebook. These two tools allow families to effectively communicate in writing their choices and dreams for their children on such major issues as guardianship, housing and finances while also providing an in depth instruction manual for future caregivers for their child. By using these tools effectively, parents can prepare an environment where their wishes for their children can be heard and followed.

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This workshop offers practical strategies for families, educators, and professionals who care for and work with children and adults diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism, and PDD-NOS. Participants will learn about the life span of individuals with AS/HFA/PDD-NOS from early childhood to adult life. Practical strategies will be offered in the areas of self-monitoring/self-regulation, self-advocacy, and creating safe, supportive home and school environments that foster social development and emotional confidence.

This presentation will educate parents as to what dietary enzymes are and how they work. Emphasis will be placed on understanding which enzymes are appropriate for their child's digestive problems, as well as what to look for in choosing enzyme products.

Presentation Abstract:
Dietary enzymes, while relatively new to the autism scene, are now considered mainstays in supporting good gastrointestinal health. As enzyme therapy is now incorporated into accepted treatment protocols, many more companies now offer competing enzyme products. Enzymes are very specific in their function, therefore; knowledge of different kinds of enzymes is necessary to adequately address specific digestive problems. Protease enzymes are helpful in breaking down food proteins such as gluten, casein, soy, cereals, etc. Often, these proteins are involved in the food intolerances suffered by many ASD children. By breaking down these proteins more thoroughly, smaller fragments are produced, which are less likely to be allergenic or to set off the body’s immune system. Carbohydrase enzymes are helpful in disaccharide disorders, such as lactose and starch intolerance, which affect many with inflamed GI tracts. Phenolic intolerance to many fruits and vegetables can also be addressed by appropriate enzyme usage.

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Presentation learning objectives:
1. Understand cognition and learning style as essential, need-to-know characteristics of Autism.
2. Identify sensory states as basis for behavior.
3. Utilize The Learning Model to map cognition, learning style and sensory processing needs.
4. See useful accommodations for sensory processing and learning style implemented in the classroom.
5. Recognize the role of arousal in learning, socialization and behavior.

This presentation will focus on the benefits of utilizing specialized computer software for instructing both children and adults with autism in the areas of Language Development, Reading, Math, Processing and Social Skills. An overview of these programs will be presented as well as information to help professionals and parents select the appropriate programs for each individual.

Presentation Abstract: Individuals with autism- children, adolescents, and adults can benefit from utilizing computer-based intervention. Research has indicated that the gains from utilizing this type of therapy often exceeds behaviorally based teaching. Programs are available that teach speech, language, math, reading, social skills, auditory processing, work skills, life skills, etc. These are not the typical computer software that you would purchase at a store, but specialized programs designed for the special needs population. At this time, there are many programs on the market to choose from. Valerie Herskowitz, a 28-year veteran speech pathologist who specializes in computer therapy, will discuss many of these specialized computer programs. In addition, she will disseminate valuable information on how to select the right programs for your child.

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Mr. Kaufman, CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America™, will provide concrete, bold strategies you can implement now for your child’s immediate gain. As a child, Mr. Kaufman was diagnosed with severe autism and recommended for lifelong institutionalization. Instead, his parents developed The Son-Rise Program, which enabled their son to completely recover from his autism. Now an international speaker and Ivy League graduate with a degree in Biomedical Ethics, Mr. Kaufman bears no traces of his former condition (and is the subject of a book and movie). His lecture focuses on some innovative, outside-the-box techniques you can use today to help your child: move beyond stimming (without you stopping or discouraging your child’s behavior), learn new skills (without you having to push or pressure), and, most especially, to form meaningful, caring relationships with others.

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