National Conference Addresses Autism-Spectrum Disorders June 28 and 29

---

Families of children with autism spectrum disorders are invited to attend a discussion of the “hidden curriculum” and “unwritten rules that are important for life success,” a special session of the sixth annual Topics in Child Development Conference, hosted by Kent State’s College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services. This session, which features Dr. Brenda Smith-Myles from the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incident Disorders, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 28, in the Kent Student Center.

Photo by Jeff Glidden

As more and more children are diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorders, the need becomes imperative for parents and school personnel to increase their knowledge and communicate effectively with one another about the child’s progress and education plan.

The conference as a whole, which takes place June 28 and 29 on the Kent Campus, will address assessment-driven interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Regional, state and national leaders in the study and treatment of autism spectrum disorders will provide strategies, insights and research-based information about implementing these models for schools, health practitioners and families.

Conference activities on June 29 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kent Student Center and include a discussion on brain differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related implications for learning with Dr. Nancy Minshew from the University of Pittsburg.
Additionally, 20 breakout sessions on June 29 will feature some of the following topics:

• assistive technology;
• communication assessment;
• data system development;
• family participation;
• functional behavior analysis;
• medical intervention;
• music therapy and occupational therapy intervention;
• play-based assessments;
• social-emotional assessment; and
• social-skill instruction.

A resource room featuring information from vendors and service agencies also will be open both days to provide materials to participants.

For a complete listing of the sessions and registration information, visit the College of Education, Health, and Human Services Conference Web page or register by phone at 330-672-3100 or 800-672-KSU2.

For additional information, contact Kathy Brown, College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services, at 330-672-0537 or kbrown5@kent.edu.

You can read more about autism and autism-related research at Kent State in “Autism on the Rise: New program helps teachers help children, parents” from Kent State Magazine. You can also listen to a podcast that features Lisa Audet, conference coordinator and assistant professor of speech pathology and audiology, who discusses challenges and solutions for autism.