P.E.P. Rally Autism Conference Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions from 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm (Choose One)

1. Sexual and Sexuality Development in Students with Disabilities
   Dr. James Burton: Assistant Professor of Special Education, California University of Pennsylvania

   Children and adults with disabilities have difficulty during the onset of puberty and during times of physical change. Participants will engage in a dialogue about sexuality and concerns surrounding sexual development.

2. Using Therapeutic Play for Assessment and Intervention with Children on the Spectrum
   Dr. Margaret Christopher: Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work, California University of Pennsylvania

   Use of therapeutic play can be extremely helpful in assessing and understanding some of the more complex emotional and behavioral reactions of children with autism. Teachers, parents and providers can use therapeutic play intervention to help children with autism regulate emotions and develop more adaptive behavioral responses. This workshop will introduce participants to play therapy and prepare them to begin to use therapeutic play as part of their assessment and intervention work with children on the spectrum.

3. Communication Devices: What are They Talking About?
   Bryan Dawson: Representative, DynaVox-Mayer Johnson Systems Incorporated

   This session will concentrate on various higher tech communication devices that can be used with students on the Autism Spectrum.

4. The Occupational Therapist's Role in the Classroom: Incorporating Sensory and Fine Motor Strategies
   Tamara Fordyce: Occupational Therapist, Therapeutic Specialist Incorporated

   This session will provide participants with a greater understanding of the OT's role in the classroom and strategies that can be used for students with sensory needs.

5. The KidTools System Software
   Dr. Gail Fitzgerald: Professor, University Missouri-Columbia
   Dr. Kevin Koury: Professor, California University of Pennsylvania

   This training will provide participants hands-on training in the use of free software for Self-Management, Problem Solving, Organizational and Planning Tools to support students with Autism Spectrum disorder.

6. Assistive Technology: Tools for the Development of Communication Skills for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
   Marlene Kubina: Assistive Technology and Autism Consultant, Intermediate Unit 1

   This session will provide participants with an overview of various assistive technology tools that can be utilized to establish and enhance verbal and written communication skills.

7. First Signs: What to Look For
   Stacey Kuhn, M.S., BCBA, PA Certified School Psychologist, Program Director of WJS Psychological Associates, Inc.

   This session will discuss early warning signs of autism, and screening tools for use in early diagnosis. Information regarding steps to take once your child has been diagnosed, including behavioral support services and how these services can be accessed will also be presented.

8. Low Tech to High Tech; We've Got You Covered
   Dan Lipka: Representative, Tobii-Assistive Technology Incorporated

   This session will be an overview of ATI devices and how they can be used to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

9. What Happens when the IEP Ends? A guide to planning for Transition and Post School Outcomes
   Marilyn Nairn: Transition and Inclusive Practices Consultant, Intermediate Unit 1

   Marilyn and a panel of agency representatives will address life after school and the PATH (a planning tool) for life after graduation. This is a double session (1:00-3:45).

10. Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning
    Darlette Navrotski: SLP and Regional Consultant, Prentke Romich Company

    This session will introduce a philosophy and strategy for working with individuals with autism. The focus is on CORE vocabulary and repetition in many environments. Videos will be used to demonstrate the strategies.

11. Questions in the Round: A more intimate discussion with Ellen Notbohm
    Ellen Notbohm: Parent-Author-Journalist-Keynote Speaker

    Participants will have an opportunity to engage in informal conversation with Ellen during this question and answer session.

12. Parent Panel

    An open discussion by parents for parents, friends, and other members of the community on everything from overcoming behavioral issues, to goals parents have for their children, and what they are doing to help reach these goals.

13. Social Curriculum for Children on the Spectrum
    Lisa Plastino: Educational Consultant, The Watson Institute

    Social Skill development is a primary concern for students with ASD. This presentation will introduce a new curriculum designed for Middle School and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

14. Using Effective Strategies to Teach Academics to Students with ASD in Elementary Grades
    MaryAnn Rocco: Lead Support Teacher for Autism, Intermediate Unit 1

    This training will focus on using effective strategies to teach academics to students with autism in elementary school settings. The highlight of this session will include the interactive presentation of effective strategies by district/IU grade level teams (teams presenting may include a Special Education Director, regular/special education teacher, SLP, OT, paraeducator, and parent).

15. Bullying and Beyond
    Donna Whoric: Behavior Consultant, Intermediate Unit 1

    This session will address bullying and the effects it has on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a double session (1:00-3:45).

Breakout Sessions from 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm (Choose One)

16. Sexual and Sexuality Development in Students with Disabilities
    Dr. James Burton: Assistant Professor of Special Education, California University of Pennsylvania

    Children and adults with disabilities have difficulty during the onset of puberty and during times of physical change. Participants will engage in a dialogue about sexuality and concerns surrounding sexual development.

17. Using Therapeutic Play for Assessment and Intervention with Children on the Spectrum
    Dr. Margaret Christopher: Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work, California University of Pennsylvania

    Use of therapeutic play can be extremely helpful in assessing and understanding some of the more complex emotional and behavioral reactions of children with autism. Teachers, parents and providers can use therapeutic play interventions to help children with autism regulate emotions and develop more adaptive behavioral responses. This workshop will introduce participants to play therapy and prepare them to begin to use therapeutic play as part of their assessment and intervention work with children on the spectrum.

18. Using Boardmaker in the Classroom
    Bryan Dawson: Representative, DynaVox-Mayer Johnson Systems Incorporated

    In this session participants will learn strategies to improve the use of visual strategies in the classroom.

19. The Occupational Therapist's Role in the Classroom: Incorporating Sensory and Fine Motor Strategies
    Tamara Fordyce: Occupational Therapist, Therapeutic Specialist Incorporated

    This session will provide participants with a greater understanding of the OT's role in the classroom and strategies that can be used for students with sensory needs.

20. Assistive Technology: Tools for the Development of Communication Skills for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Marlene Kubina: Assistive Technology and Autism Consultant, Intermediate Unit 1

    This session will provide participants with an overview of various assistive technology tools that can be utilized to establish and enhance verbal and written communication skills.

21. First Signs: What to Look For
    Stacey Kuhn, M.S., BCBA, PA Certified School Psychologist: Program Director of WJS Psychological Associates, Inc.

    This session will discuss early warning signs of autism, and screening tools for use in early diagnosis. Information regarding the next steps to take once your child has been diagnosed, including behavioral support services and how these services can be accessed will also be presented.

22. Low Tech to High Tech; We've Got You Covered
    Dan Lipka: Representative, Tobii Assistive Technology Incorporated

    This session will be an overview of ATI devices and how they can be used to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

23. Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning
    Darlette Navrotski: SLP and Regional Consultant, Prentke Romich Company

    This session will introduce a philosophy and strategy for working with individuals with autism. The focus is on CORE vocabulary and repetition in many environments.

24. Questions in the Round: A more intimate discussion with Ellen Notbohm
    Ellen Notbohm: Parent-Author-Journalist-Keynote Speaker

    Participants will have an opportunity to engage in informal conversation with Ellen during this question and answer session.

25. Social Curriculum for Children on the Spectrum
    Lisa Plastino: Educational Consultant, The Watson Institute

    Social Skill development is a primary concern for students with ASD. This presentation will introduce a new curriculum designed for Middle School and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

26. Using Effective Strategies to Teach Academics in Secondary Classrooms
    Mary Ann Rocco: Lead Support Teacher of Autism, Intermediate Unit 1

    This training will focus on using effective strategies to teach academics to students with autism in secondary school. Highlights of this session will be the interactive presentation of strategies by district/IU secondary grade level teams (teams may include a Special Education Director, lead support teacher, regular/special teacher, paraeducator, SLP, OT and parent).

27. Out and About: Overcoming Challenges Presented When Going Out in the Community
    Jennifer Suppo: Parent and Special Education Graduate Student at Cal U

    Helpful tips for families, friends, and other community members to have their children with Autism successfully participate in the community. Towards the end, Jennifer would like to take questions participants may have and open up the floor to any additional suggestions for successful community outings.

28. Bureau of Autism Services: What are We All About?
    Dr. Larry Sutton: Bureau of Autism Services

    The Bureau of Autism Services was created to focus on the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. Dr. Sutton will share the Bureau's mission, goals, and the services they offer.