Southern Maine Autism Conference April 7, 2018 Concurrent Sessions SESSION I: 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM Comprehensive Services for Students with Autism in Public Schools Presented by: Christine Morse, BCBA, The New England Center for Children Location: Whaleback Intended Audience: School administrators, Professionals, Parents Presentation Content Specific To: Children This workshop will address the critical elements of successful, comprehensive, and collaborative programs of education for students with autism. One such model will be detailed. Participants should have a basic working knowledge of services provided in education programs for children with autism. Christine Morse is the Director of Public School Services (NH/VT) for NECC. In that role, she oversees the start-up and implementation of public school-based ABA classrooms in partnership with school districts. She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2001 and has worked with students with autism and developmental disabilities for since 1992. Our Seven Senses Presented by: Kelly Purinton, LCPC/C, MA, Marcena Coaching Location: Cumberland Intended Audience: Parents, Caregivers, Professionals This talk is an introduction to our seven sensory systems and homeostasis, (our somatic - and sometimes unconscious - attempts to find sensory balance). Hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive responses will be explained, which is the real key to interpreting sensory-based meltdowns and reactions. This talk is a (low key, non-invasive, non-triggering) workshop designed so the participants can recognize their own (and others') sensory responses. Learner Outcomes: 1. Identity the Seven Sensory Systems, and Hyper-sensitive and Hypo-sensitive responses in each. 2. Differentiate between obstinate behavior and a sensory reaction. 3. For neurologically typical persons: Identify their own sensory reactions so they can (hopefully) personally relate to the overwhelm of the person with Autism. 4. Identify and employ methods of reducing Sensory Overwhelm.
Kelly Purington is a mother of two adult sons on the Spectrum. She holds a Master of Psychology and teaches Psychology at the college level. Her specialty is Developmental Psychology, where she focuses on partnering with children at each stage of their development. Kelly is also a former Clinical Counselor and held a private practice in Brunswick, Maine. She has experience working with children and their families. She now is a part time supporter, coach and mentor to children and adults on or off the Spectrum. Kelly also holds a USCG Captain's license and teaches sailing during the summer months. In her spare time she studies, and reads, the Tarot. Social Stories and Tough Topics (please note that this session will be repeated during Session 2) Presented by: Carol Gray, Consultant to Individuals with Autism and Founder, Team Social Stories and Social Stories Satellite Schools and Services Location: Ballroom Social Stories are used day to day in a variety of ways to meaningfully teach, inform, applaud, and reassure children, adolescents, or adults. Occasionally we encounter tough topics that seem to be impossible to address with the characteristically positive, literally accurate, and honest format of a Social Story. A topic may seem too abstract or elusive, like stereotypes and white lies; or evoke emotions that stop us in our tracks, like amputation or the death of a parent or loved one. Even an experienced Social Story author may be overwhelmed by the urgent need and number of topics following a hurricane, earthquake, wildfires, or other natural disaster or tragedy. This presentation uses lecture, case examples, and short activities to share helpful Social Story strategies for the most challenging topics. Participants will be able to list five ideas to keep pens moving and fingers typing when the writing gets tough. Carol Gray, Consultant to Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism, provides support via workshops and presentations, information, referral, resources, and direct services to individuals with autism, their families, and professionals who work on their behalf. She is an internationally sought-after keynote and seminar speaker, and has completed over one thousand presentations. Carol is best known for the development of Social Stories, a respected evidence-based practice used worldwide with people with autism of all ages. Carol began writing stories in 1989 for her students to share information with them that they seemed to be missing, information that so many of us take for granted. Many of the stories resulted in immediate and marked improvement in her students responses to daily events and interactions. Carol has received many awards for her international contribution to the education and welfare of children, adolescents, and adults with autism. These include Social Thinking s Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Learning Spring School s Spectrum Award (2012), the Autism Society of America s Education Book of the Year (The New Social Story Book: Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition (2009), and the Barbara Lipinski Award (Lansing, Michigan, 2005).
SESSION 2: 1:15 PM 2:30 PM Assistive Technology to Support Home Safety Presented by: John Brandt, MS.Ed., Maine CITE, and Kelley S. Smith, COTA/L, ATP, Maine Assistive Technology Solutions Location: Whaleback Intended Audience: Parent, Caregivers, Professional Presentation Content Specific To: Adults, Transition-Age Youth Families of adults on the spectrum who are living at home may be concerned about their safety when they are alone at home. In this presentation we will discuss various Assistive Technology (AT) equipment and services that can be used for home monitoring and support. Information and resources regarding AT equipment demonstrations and loans, as well as funding for AT will be shared. John E. Brandt, MS.Ed, is the Training and Operations Coordinator for Maine CITE, Maine's Assistive Technology Program. A former school psychologist and psychological examiner, John has doctoral-level training in clinical neuropsychology and is the former program director of the School/Health Psychology Program, and the Masters in Education Distance Learning Programs at the University of New England. John has an avid interest in technology, consulting on the use of technology in psychology and mental health and more recently has owned and operated a web design/development firm specializing is accessible and universally designed digital content. Kelley Smith is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant who is also a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Practitioner. She worked as an independent living specialist and regional manager for Alpha One's Bangor and Presque Isle offices for 17 years. She oversaw the AgrAbility project and worked with farmers with disabilities to continue to farm using assistive technologies. Kelley led her IL team in the State Homeward Bound project assisting many individuals to move back home from nursing facilities and AT played a major role with each person. Kelley chaired Maine's Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council for 8 years and she also served on the AgrAbility advisory board. Kelley developed Goodwill's Assistive Technology Program for 3 years before leaving to open her own business, Maine Assistive Technology Solutions which provides AT consultations and training services. Social Stories and Tough Topics (please note that this session is also offered during Session 1) Presented by: Carol Gray, Consultant to Individuals with Autism and Founder, Team Social Stories and Social Stories Satellite Schools and Services Location: Cumberland Social Stories are used day to day in a variety of ways to meaningfully teach, inform, applaud, and reassure children, adolescents, or adults. Occasionally we encounter tough topics that seem to be impossible to address with the characteristically positive, literally accurate, and
honest format of a Social Story. A topic may seem too abstract or elusive, like stereotypes and white lies; or evoke emotions that stop us in our tracks, like amputation or the death of a parent or loved one. Even an experienced Social Story author may be overwhelmed by the urgent need and number of topics following a hurricane, earthquake, wildfires, or other natural disaster or tragedy. This presentation uses lecture, case examples, and short activities to share helpful Social Story strategies for the most challenging topics. Participants will be able to list five ideas to keep pens moving and fingers typing when the writing gets tough. Carol Gray, Consultant to Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism, provides support via workshops and presentations, information, referral, resources, and direct services to individuals with autism, their families, and professionals who work on their behalf. She is an internationally sought-after keynote and seminar speaker, and has completed over one thousand presentations. Carol is best known for the development of Social Stories, a respected evidence-based practice used worldwide with people with autism of all ages. Carol began writing stories in 1989 for her students to share information with them that they seemed to be missing, information that so many of us take for granted. Many of the stories resulted in immediate and marked improvement in her students responses to daily events and interactions. Carol has received many awards for her international contribution to the education and welfare of children, adolescents, and adults with autism. These include Social Thinking s Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Learning Spring School s Spectrum Award (2012), the Autism Society of America s Education Book of the Year (The New Social Story Book: Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition (2009), and the Barbara Lipinski Award (Lansing, Michigan, 2005). How Are You Feeling? Presented by: Linda Bonnar, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP, Director, Brian Schaab, CCC-SLP, Meghan Langella, MS, CCC-SLP and Shannon McFarland, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP of Communication Pathways, a program of Pine Tree Society Location: Ballroom Communicating one s feelings can be a challenge regardless of age, cognitive ability, diagnosis, or communication skills. Teaching students to recognize and communicate emotions can feel like an equally daunting task. Communication Pathways of Pine Tree Society will present some helpful tips and strategies for families and caregivers for teaching these skills across the Autism Spectrum. Linda Bonnar, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP first came to Pine Tree Society in the 1980s when she joined the Pine Tree Camp team as a camp counselor. Little did she know, that was just the start of her impact on Maine people with disabilities and their families. Linda joined the Pine Tree Society team as a speech language pathologist in 1996 and in 2005 was named the director of the
organization s speech language and Assistive Technology program. She is known for her contagious energy, enthusiasm and an unparalleled commitment to the people she serves. Her background is primarily in working with individuals with profound cognitive and physical challenges as well as those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. She also works extensively with high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users both in programming and training the student and their team members in their device use. Meghan Langella, MS, CCC-SLP holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Idaho State University and maintains the American Speech Language Hearing Association s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology. Meghan joined the Communication Pathways team at Pine Tree Society in 2013. Previously, she worked in a special education program with students with a variety complex communication needs including those on the Autism Spectrum which provided her with experience navigating the dynamics involved in the public school setting. In addition, she has developed expertise in working with both children and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities, as well as those who have acquired speech language needs as the result of stroke, ALS, or TBI, all with a specific focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Meghan has a wealth of knowledge regarding AAC and practical experience implementing it into the classroom and community. She is known for her positive attitude and commitment to finding the right tools for individuals to access communication. Shannon McFarland, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist who has been a member of Pine Tree Society s Communication Pathways program since 2005. Shannon is certified as an Assistive Technology Professional through RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) and is also a member of Maine CITE s Accessible Educational Materials Community of Practice. Shannon provides evaluation, consultation, and therapy services to children and adults, conducts in-service trainings, and has presented at local and state conferences and webinars on AAC/AT. On any given day, Shannon will teach a young child how to use low tech pictures to support communication, write a Social Story for a young adult with Autism, trouble-shoot speech recognition problems for a client with muscular dystrophy, and help a client with ALS record their voice for future use on an AAC device. Brian Schaab MS, CCC-SLP joined Pine Tree Society s Communication Pathways team in 2015. After completing his M.S. in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire, he completed two years of clinical fellowship training at Pine Tree Society. As a speech-language pathologist at Pine Tree Society, on any given day Brian may run a social skills group for students with a history of trauma, support students with their communication during community outings, or program an AAC device to meet a client's individual needs. Being open to new experiences is one of Brian s many strengths and he loves working with people with all different communication styles. He says that he finds it very rewarding to edit and program communication software to include the fringe vocabulary that is most important to the device user and to consult with teams about techniques and strategies for promoting communication in non-verbal clients' daily lives.
Session 3: 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Progressive Employment: Connecting high school students and business communities Presented by: Lillian Doughty, BS, LSW, ACRE, Director of Pine Tree Society Career Development Services Location: Whaleback Intended Audience: Parents, teens and young adults Presentation Content Specific To: Transition-age youth The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services of the Maine Department of Labor is dedicated to bringing about full access to employment, independence and community integration for high school aged youth with disabilities by matching them to businesses in the community with employmentrelated activities. Join Lillian Doughty, B.S, L.S.W, ACRE, Director of Pine Tree Society s Career Development Department as she facilitates a panel discussion on vocational supports and services that is made up of individuals representing, Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Rehabilitation Providers and the Business Community. Lillian Doughty, LSW, ACRE provides leadership and oversight of Pine Tree Society s Career Development Department to help increase Maine s workforce through the employment and retention of people with disabilities. A Licensed Social Worker and Certified in Supportive Employment with over 30 years in working with people with disabilities. Doughty is passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential and connecting them with the right job. Video Modeling: How to Use this Evidenced-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Presented by: Audrey Bartholomew, PhD, University of New England Location: Cumberland Video modeling (VM) has been identified an evidence-based practice for teaching individuals with Autism. With the advances in technology, it is now easier than ever to develop these videos. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the research behind VM including who it has been effective with and for which skills. Additionally, this presentation will emphasize practical applications of VM and provide a "how to" on developing these videos. Outcomes: As a result of this presentation, participants will be able to 1. Describe the research behind VM including effective age ranges and outcomes 2. Identify the steps to developing a VM 3. Develop a plan for using VM in their own practice Audrey Bartholomew is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department. She teaches special education courses on introduction to special education, Autism, differentiation, and data-based decision making. Prior to coming to UNE Audrey worked for the National Secondary
Transition Technical Assistance Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on helping states improve their secondary transition practices for students with disabilities. Three Peas in a Pod Navigating Social Relationships Presented by: Eric Campbell, Senior Program Director, Spurwink, and Sheri Sastre, Lead Residential Consultant, Spurwink Location: Ballroom Intended Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals Social interactions can be particularly challenging for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Social deficits can lead to more pervasive difficulties in initiating and maintaining conversations, and interactions with both peers and adults. This can make it harder to establish friendships and often leads to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. Today s training will encourage participants to examine challenging social situations that occur for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder across environments. Participants will learn to identify related social nuances and develop strategies to teach new skills to promote positive social interactions. Eric Campbell has a Master s Degree in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Eric has been employed by Spurwink for 18 years. During this time at Spurwink, Eric has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder ages 3 to adult and their families in both the residential and school settings, including as a classroom teacher, program consultant, trainer, director of Spurwink s therapeutic preschool program, and currently as Senior Program Director of Education. Sheri Sastre has a Master s Degree in Education and is a certified Special Education Teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Sheri has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ages birth to 21, and their families for 18 years in early intervention, preschool, day treatment and residential settings. Sheri has worked at Spurwink for 17 years and has served as a teacher, consultant, administrator and Behavior Analyst in that time. Sheri also has personal experience with Autism, as a parent of a 14-year-old daughter who was diagnosed at the age of 2.