Cost
Professional: $40 Early Bird/ $50 Regular
Parents/Self-Advocates: $30 Early Bird/ $40 Regular
Student: $30 Early Bird/ $40 Regular
Webcast (Keynote Speech Only): $20
Light Breakfast and Lunch provided
Boxed lunch options of Classic Cobb Sandwich, Roasted Vegetable Wrap, or Roast Beef are available.
CEU's Available!
The conference has been approved for various professional continuing education credits including social work and psychology by self-submission.
Rethinking Autism
A conference sponsored by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. and the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council and partners Spring Brook Behavioral Health System, South Carolina State University, Children's Hospital at Greenville Hospital System, the South Carolina Autism Society and the Children's Museum of the Upstate.
"Rethinking Autism", a South Carolina statewide Autism Conference, is being hosted on April 24th at the Crowne Plaza in Greenville. The Conference will showcase new and positive ways of living and working with autism and appreciating neuro-diversity and seeks to open the doors of self–determination to persons with autism through presenting practical suggestions on how to develop effective and respectful accommodations and supports in the community, school and workplace.
Self-Advocates, Parents, Professionals and Community Members are encouraged to attend! CEU's are available for a number of professions by self-submission.
A light breakfast and box lunch are included in the registration fee!
Can't make it in person? Join us via live webcast to hear Keynote Speaker Nick Pentzell's presentation by registering to attend the webinar below! Spaces are limited to the first 30 registrations, so register TODAY!
Keynote Speaker (Also available via live webcast!)
Nick Pentzell is a Communication Studies major and honors student at Delaware County Community College, as well as an autism self-advocate. In addition to conference and workshop presentations, he has shared his views about autism in his award-winning video, Outside/Inside, and in various published works such as the book, Sharing Our Wisdom, and journals like Disability Studies Quarterly and The Communicator.
Plenary presenter
The morning keynote and the plenary, “New Visions, New Possibilities,” will emphasize the nature of sensory and movement differences, and the ways in which awareness of those differences can help us replace negative assumptions with a recognition of each person’s intellect, sociability, and communicative capacity. Pat Amos is an advocate for people with autism and their families for over 25 years, a founder of Autism Support and Advocacy in Pennsylvania, past president of the Greater Philadelphia Autism Society and the Autism National Committee, and past TASH Board member.
Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions include: Sensorimotor Integration, Transitioning to Adult Life, Autism and the Arts, Social Skills, Self-Advocacy, and more!
Registration Information
You can pay now via PayPal or pay at the door with either cash or check the day of the event. Click below to register NOW!
Day At a Glance
Registration and Light Continental Breakfast: 7:30am - 9:00am
Welcome: 9:00am - 9:15am
Keynote Speech with Nick Pentzell (also available via webcast: 9:15am - 10:15am
Announcements: 10:15am - 10:30am
Plenary Session: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Lunch: 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Breakout Session One: 12:30 pm-1:45 pm
Breakout Session Two: 2:00 pm-: 3:15 pm
Wrap-Up: 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Break-Out Session Descriptions
BREAKOUT SESSION ONE:
The Art of Living Good Lives
Presenter: Diana Matteson, MS, Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
Participants will be introduced to the art therapy modality and its efficacy with individuals on the Spectrum. Based on the premise that engaging in the creative process is a healing and life-enhancing activity, the session will explore how art therapy augments relationship-building, communication, and empathy skills. The reciprocal relationship between resiliency and creativity will be discussed with regards to supporting family members and caregivers. The workshop will be participant driven with hands on art-making as well as a dialogue between the presenter and participants fueling the direction of the session.
Autism and Anxiety: From Stress to Success
Presenter: Pat Amos, MA
Parents and professionals have long been aware that most individuals on the autism spectrum experience a high degree of daily, chronic anxiety. This anxiety may manifest itself in activities that are mistaken for “behaviors” or “traits” of autism, leading to unproductive responses that may intensify the anxiety by directly targeting its symptoms for “extinction.” Anxiety is also associated with other mental health challenges frequently found among people with autism, such as obsessions and compulsions, and when unrecognized or improperly treated it can lead to depression. The identification and alleviation of anxiety can provide a gateway to the prevention or reduction of these closely related conditions. While some people respond well to medication and medical management, the mental health community emphasizes the importance of fostering the habits and attitudes of personal awareness and emotional resilience as sustainable approaches to coping with anxiety. People with autism, as well as their families, teachers, and supporters, can benefit greatly from exploring and adapting positive mental health strategies that can be implemented in typical everyday settings.
Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood: School Transition Services for Students with Disabilities & Community Integration-Protection and Advocacy for People for Disabilities Inc.
Presenters: Lynne Bosma,LMSW, Protection and Advocacy for People for Disabilities Inc. (P&A) and Kimberly Tissot from Able South Carolina
Why are school transition services and community integration so important? What are the challenges in SC regarding school transition services and community integration? Participants will learn about the free services that Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities (P&A) and Able South Carolina (formally Disability Action Center) can provide to individuals. Discussion will focus on legal rights, advocacy methods, and resources available for people with disabilities regarding school transition services and community integration (with an emphasis on employment and independent living). Discussion will be interactive and include case examples.
BREAKOUT SESSION TWO
Nothing Never Happens: Communication, Language, Speech and Literacy on the Autism Spectrum
Presenter: Pat Amos, MA
Communication, language, speech, and literacy have turned out to be broader, more various, and more accessible activities and achievements than many people think. Children and adults on the autism spectrum are always communicating, all the time. Receptive language may come to them far more easily than expressive language. They may be skillful in other kinds of organized communication systems, such as the languages of music, of art, or of animals. More and better pathways to supporting speech development are opening up as we learn more about the sensori-motor challenges of autism; we are also learning that people can speak out eloquently using instruments other than their vocal cords. And literacy turns out to be not only more widespread than we probably assumed, but accessible to all in the form of shared experiences and shared meanings. People with autism are taking the lead in helping all of us to redefine terms and expectations that were once too narrow, and to appreciate that “neurodiversity” can enrich our schools, our communities, and our lives.
Fun with Our Senses
Presenter: Elizabeth McSherry, Director of Programming , The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Join us for an exploration of your senses as we learn about play and it's vital role in learning. Participants will learn about sensory play programs and experiences available at the museum and ways you can take the learning home to your own classroom or playroom. Be prepared to get hands-on and share experiences in this interactive and "playful" session.
Advocacy and Support Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Carolina
Presenter: Kim Thomas, BSW, Acting Director of the South Carolina Autism Society
This session will look at advocacy efforts and supports for families and people affected by autism spectrum disorders living in South Carolina. The topics include an overview of advocacy and supports provided by the South Carolina Autism Society, as well as services that are provided through the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). The workshop will also share useful community resources and resources available through other local agencies.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presenter: Desmond Kelly, MD, Children’s Hospital, Greenville Hospital Network
Dr. Kelly is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician and is the director of the Autism Wonders program at the GHS Children's Hospital. He will discuss the current understanding of brain changes in children with autism. A review of the medical evaluation of a child suspected of having autism will include any special medical tests that might be performed and the recommended genetic testing. He will also discuss treatment approaches including possible medications. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion.