Stacey Kuhn, M - Intermediate Unit 1

Intermediate Unit 1 and California
University of PA
Co-Sponsor their First Autism
Conference
March 13, 2008
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Steele Performance Center
California University of Pennsylvania
Featuring
Ellen Notbohm
Award winning author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes
You Knew and Ten Things Your Students with Autism Wish You Knew
1
=

Best Western Garden Inn - Bentleyville Location
101 Gosai Drive, Bentleyville, Pa 15314
1-877-7-Hotel-1
$69.00 a night—be sure to mention that you are with the Cal U Autism Conference to receive
this discounted rate.
Please make reservations by March 2, 2008 to receive the great Cal U Conference Rate.
Registration:
Registration is to be completed through the Solutionwhere at www.solutionwhere.com/iu1
If assistance is needed for registration please contact Keith at golebiek@iu1.k12.pa.us.
Last day to register is March 5, 2008.
There will be no onsite registration.
ACT 48:
Act 48 credits are available. Please indicate when you register if you want to receive Act
48 credits.
Meals:
A Continental breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments are included in the conference
registration fee.
8:00 - 9:30 Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 Keynote Speaker
11:30 - 1:00 Lunch and Vendors
1:00 - 2:15 Breakout Sessions
2:15 - 2:30 Light Refreshments
2:30 - 3:45 Breakout Sessions
Alone we can do so little,
together we can make a difference!!!
2

Conference Program
9:30-9:45 Introductions and Special Violin Performance
by Joseph Schleicher
9:45 - 11:30 Keynote Speaker – Ellen Notbohm
Steele Performance Center
California University of PA
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL PERFORMER
Joseph is a very talented thirteen-year old artist and performer. Joseph has performed at the
State Capital for legislators. His artwork has been featured in the Prism Art Gallery Wall
and he has recorded a public service announcement for autism featuring the words of Ellen
Notbohm. We are so thankful to have Joseph share his talent with us for our first autism
conference.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Ellen Notbohm, award-winning author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes
You Knew and Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew, will increase
your understanding of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She inspires parents,
educators, and providers to work together with a positive, problem-solving approach. Ellen
supports and informs parents and professionals as they struggle to meet everyday
challenges. She believes in finding the unique potential that individuals with ASD bring to
our world.
In her award-winning book - 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Ellen and co-author Veronica Zysk offer strategies and ideas
for parents and professionals to help touch the lives of individuals on the spectrum.
Ellen has contributed to numerous websites and publications. Her most recently released
book titled The Autism Trail Guide: Postcards from the Road Less Traveled offers an
anthology of insights as wide as the autism spectrum itself.
Ms. Notbohm is a multi-award winning author, columnist for Autism/Asperger Digest
Magazine and Children’s Voice, and foremost a parent of a child with autism.
3

Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
1:00 - 2:15 pm
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 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.
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.
4

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.
5

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 (Choose One)
2:30 - 3:45 pm
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.
6

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.
7

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.
A Very Special Thank You to Joseph Schleicher, President Angelo Armenti,
Dean Geraldine Jones, Dean Ronald Wagner, Dean William Edmonds,
California University staff, Dr. Lawrence O’Shea, Candace Dunn, Dr. Jarol
DeVoge, Intermediate Unit 1 staff, and all the volunteers and supporters of
this event.
8

Schedule at a Glance
Please Indicate the Sessions You Plan to Attend So That Registration On Solutionwhere is Easier.
1:00 - 2:15 2:30 - 3:45
Session Topic Presenter Session Topic Presenter
1 Sexuality Burton 16 Sexuality Burton
2 Play Therapy Christopher 17 Play Therapy Christopher
3 AT Devices Dawson 18 Boardmaker Dawson
4 OT and Sensory Fordyce 19 OT and Sensory Fordyce
5 KidTools Fitzgerald 20 AT – High/Low Kubina
6 AT – High/Low Kubina 21 Early Signs Kuhns
7 Early Signs Kuhns 22 ATI Devices Lipka
8 ATI Devices Lipka 23 Language Dev. Navrotski
9 Transition Nairn 24 Discussion Notbohm
10 Vocabulary Navrotski 25 Social Skills Plastino
11 Discussion Notbohm 26 Academic Skills-Sec. Rocco
12 Parent Panel Suppo 27 Community Suppo
13 Social Skills Plastino 28 Autism Services Sutton
14 Academics-Elem. Rocco
15 Bullying Whoric
2008 Registration Rates
Parents and Family Members $40.00
Educators and Other Professionals $75.00
Students (must show id card) $20.00
Persons with ASD No Charge
All registrations must be done online at www.solutionwhere.com/iu1 no later than
March 5, 2008. Click on View by Month, select March and look for Autism P.E.P.
Rally. If you need additional assistance please contact Keith Golebie at
golebiek@iu1.k12.pa.us. Paper registration will not be accepted.
** Persons requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
please contact Dr. Katherine Mitchem at 724-938-6039 or mitchem_k@cup.edu.
9

About Our Exhibitors
• Future Horizons Bookstore:
Future Horizons’ mission is to bring current helpful information on autism and Asperger’s
Syndrome to individuals, families, and professionals. www.fhautism.com
• The Watson Institute:
The Watson Institute, through the family of schools and services, help children and youth with special
needs to achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. www.thewatsoninstitute.org
• Discovery Toys:
Discovery Toys provides educational and developmentally appropriate toys, games, books, and
music for all ages and all abilities. www.discoverytoyslink.com/Lenoremomkjpj Lenore Wossidlo
• Usborne Books:
Usborne Books are fun, innovative, and engaging books for children of all ages and skill levels.
Available through home demos, book fairs, and on the web. www.Usbornemom.com
Judy Kinnee 412-680-9205
• The Special Kids Network-System of Care (SKN-SOC):
Special Kids Network System of Care works in your communities with local service providers,
coalitions, and community groups to create or improve services for children with special health
care needs. www.center-school.org/sknsoc/index.php 1-877-986-4550
• Wesley Spectrum:
Wesley Spectrum Services provide transformational support for children and families as they strive
to become more independent, caring members of the community through a wide range of
specialized services. www.wesleyspectrum.org
• Center for Excellence in Autism Research (CeFAR):
The Pittsburgh-based Center of Excellence is under the direction of Nancy Minshew, MD. Dr.
Minshew works with a team of scientists from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Illinois at
Chicago to search genetic, cognitive and neurological basis for autism.
www.wpic.pittedu/research/CeFAR/
• WJS Psychological Associates Inc.:
WJS Psychological Associates, Inc. specializes in working with children diagnosed with an Autism
Spectrum Disorder, and providing both comprehensive evaluations and BHRS intervention
services. www.wjspsychological.com
• Family Behavior Resources:
Offers comprehensive level of services and support to families affected by ASD.
www.familybehavioralresources.com/servicesautism
• The Children’s Institute:
Pediatric rehabilitation facility in Pittsburgh, PA dedicated to promoting the well being of children,
young people, their families, and to provide services that meet their special needs.
www.amazingkids.org
• ABOARD:
ABOARD’s mission is to impact the lives of Pennsylvania children, adolescents, and adults with
autism through intervention, support, and education. www.aboard.org
• Assistive Technology Companies:
DynaVox/Mayer-Johnson, Augmentative Communication Consultants Incorporated, Tobii-
Assistive Technology Incorporated, Prentke Romich Company
• Transitional Support Agencies:
Achieva, MH/MR, Goodwill, Transitional Employment Consultants (TEC), OVR, SSI, AHEDD,
and more…
10