National Speaker Conference September 24-25, 2021
Meaningful Work: Preparing, Empowering and Accommodating a Neurodiverse Workforce
Join us for a unique opportunity to hear five leading authorities on supporting a neurodiverse workforce. The conference will be virtual with four unique and informative key note presentations representing the full spectrum of people in the workforce.
Individual Presentations: $50 each
Package of Four Presentations: $175 total
Click Here to Register for All Four Workshops
Saving Autistic Students From Neurotypical Goals: Person-Centered Preparation for a Neurodiverse World
Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L, & Jacquelyn Fede, PhD
September 24th, 10:00AM-12:15 PM, EST
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is, by design, intended to be person-centered. However, when neurotypical people write goals for neurodiverse students, there is the potential to create goals with the neurotypical brain in mind. Dr. Amy Laurent and Dr. Jacquelyn Fede redefine our understanding of "person-centered," and challenge us, as teachers and parents, to create IEP goals that are specific to the individual autistic child. Creating goals that are authentically person-centered prepares an autistic child to thrive as an autistic adult.
Vocational Training and Preparation for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Toward Competitive, Integrated Employment
Paul Wehman, PhD
September 24th, 2:00PM-4:15 PM, EST
Creating a truly neurodiverse workforce requires two areas of focus: preparing the neurodiverse person for employment, and creating employment that fits the needs of the neurodiverse population. Dr. Paul Wehman will address both areas in his presentation, with a focus on highlighting the skills of workforce members with level 2 and level 3 ASD.
Effective Self-Advocacy and Disclosure in the Workplace
Stephen Shore, Ed.D.
September 25th, 10:00AM-12:15 PM, EST
At The Autism Project©, we often hear questions like, "I have a job interview next week. Should I tell the interviewer that I have autism?" or "I've got some sensory needs that make it difficult for me to work in the office. How do I ask to work from home?" Dr. Stephen Shore will be addressing the areas of disclosure ("Should I disclose my diagnosis?"/ "How much should I disclose?"/How should I disclose my diagnosis?") and self-advocacy ("How do I ensure that my needs and my employer’s needs are both met?") in the workplace.
The Autism Spectrum Transitioning Primer: Work, Housing, Social Lives, Sex
Michael John Carley
September 25th, 2:00PM-4:15 PM, EST
As parents and professionals, we are often hyper focused on work-preparedness. "Will my child/student be able to support themselves financially?" We may forget that independent/fulfilling adulthood also includes other factors, like housing, socializing, and safe sex. Michael John Carley will provide strategies for supporting people in all areas.
Click Here to Register for All Four Workshops
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better"
Maya Angelou
The Autism Project's National Speaker Conference Goal
One of our core beliefs at The Autism Project is that autistic individuals, their families, those who work with them, and members of their communities are best supported by a model of continuous learning and research.
An important component of The Autism Project programming, our National Speaker Conference, is an annual learning opportunity that brings current evidence-based strategies and interventions to Rhode Island. It enables our community to continue to build our knowledge base, challenge our practices, and stay aligned with national research and trends for educating and supporting individuals with ASD.
The National Speaker Conference is a one- or two-day event focused on a specific topic. Speakers are leading researchers, educators, and advocates who present nationally and internationally. Community partners and related vendors create a resource area so attendees have the opportunity to learn about local offerings.
Past Speakers & Topics
Dr. Kathleen Quill, Ed.D., BCBA-D
Social and Communication Intervention for Children with Autism
Dr. Roger Cox , Ph.D.
Structured Teaching and the Development of Social Skills for Individuals with ASD
Dr. Jeanie McAfee
Supporting Children with Asperger Syndrome to Navigate the Social World
Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D.
Integrated Play Groups Model
Michelle Garcia Winner, SLP
Intro to Social Thinking, Implementing Social Thinking, Teaching Beyond the Social Thinking Curriculum
Gary Mesibov, Ph.D., Division TEACCH
Successful Inclusion of the Independent Learner
Drs. Cathy Pratt, Ph.D. and Teresa Grossi, Ph.D.
Planning for Life After High School
Drs. Ruth Aspy, Ph.D., Barry Grossi, Ph.D.
The Ziggurat Model
Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D.
The Hidden Curriculum
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP
Executive Functioning
Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D.
Collaborative & Practical Solutions
Kari Dunn Buron, MS
The Incredible 5-Point Scale
Jill Molli, M.Ed., CD Master Instructor
Conscious Discipline: It Takes Two To Regulate
Kim Jackson, CD Master Instructor
Conscious Discipline: Creating the School Family and Emotional Mayhem