Featured by:
AUTISM CONFERENCE
THE SPEAKERS
DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN
Educating All Kinds of Minds
Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor, has served as an inspiration and role model to hundreds of thousands of families and persons with autism. In this unique presentation, Temple eloquently and candidly describes the challenges she has faced and offers glimpses into her own childhood, with ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet these obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Backed by her personal experience and evidence-based research, Temple shares her valuable insights on all types of thinkers, why they are important, and ways in which young people can continue to think about and understand what it means to be innovative.
By attending, participants can:
- Create a learning environment to accommodate those who think differently
- Distinguish between voluntary behaviors and involuntary behaviors
- Identify ways of intervention for those newly diagnosed
- Review methods to assist the older child and Adult to form social relationships
(NOTE: Bibliography for Dr. Grandin’s presentation is available upon request at: bookstores@fhautism.com)
PAULA AQUILLA, DO, BSC, OT
Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration
Paula Aquilla, DO, BSc, OT is an occupational therapist. She has worked with adults and children in clinical, educational, home, and community-based settings. She founded the Yes I Can! Integrated Nursery School, Yes I Can! Summer Camp, and the I Love My Baby Program in Toronto. Paula was also the founding executive director of Giant Steps in Toronto, an innovative program of intensive therapies, academics, and support services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Paula is the coauthor of Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration and the author of Sensory Strategies to Improve Communication, Social Skills, and the new Sensory Detective book.
By attending, participants can:
- Recognize and identify sensory processing challenges in children
- Define and describe the “inside out perspective”
- List the benefits of a sensory diet
- Create and implement a custom sensory diet
- Recognize behavioral signs of sensory overload and/or autonomic nervous system overload;
- Utilize visual supports
(NOTE: Bibliography for Paula’s presentation is available upon request at: bookstores@fhautism.com)
NICK MALEY
The Yoda Guy Shares His Path to Success
Renowned worldwide as “That Yoda Guy” for his involvement in the creation of Yoda for the classic Star Wars films, Nick successfully went from being a “misfit” kid to a successful creative life – rubbing shoulders with hundreds of famed individuals along the way. All just because he dared to be that little guy who thought big.
SEAN BARRON
There’s a Boy in Here: Emerging from the Bonds of Autism
Sean Barron tells the story of how he went from being a child with low-functioning autism to the successful man, journalist and boyfriend he is today. When Sean was young, he felt alone, isolated from others. Over time, he learned many social “unwritten rules” that have helped him become more connected with society, resulting in renewed personal relationships. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Sean is currently working as a reporter for the Youngstown Vindicator.
By attending, participants can:
- Apply the 10 Rules of Social Relationships
- Differentiate Between Situation-Based and People-Based Social Rules
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PRESENTATION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR APA CONTINUING EDUCATION.
(NOTE: Bibliography for Sean’s presentation is available upon request at: bookstores@fhautism.com)
DR. JED BAKER, Ph. D.
“MANAGING FRUSTRATION, ANXIETY AND TEACHING SOCIAL SKILLS”
Dr. Jed Baker, Ph.D., author of the best-selling The Social Skills Picture Book series, will be focusing on the subject of managing anxiety and frustration in children, teens, and caregivers.
Dr. Baker’s high-profile appearances on numerous television shows include ABC World News, Nightline, Fox News, The CBS Early Show, and the Discovery Health Channel. He will focus on the subjects of preventing negative behaviors that are also detailed in his books No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior; No More Victims: Protecting those with Autism from Cyber Bullying, Internet Predators & Scams; and Overcoming Anxiety in Children and Teens.
By attending, participants can:
- Propose how best to think about challenging behaviors to ensure better outcomes.
- Explore methods to discover triggers for fear and frustration.
- Assess effective prevention plans to prevent debilitating anxiety and frustration.
- Review practical treatment of anxiety: modify triggers, understand alarm system, motivate participation, think like a scientist, create fear ladders, exercise, meditation, and biological interventions.
ANITA LESKO
“When Life Hands You Lemons Make Lemonade”
Anita Lesko was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age fifty. Despite all the challenges and obstacles, Anita forged ahead to obtain exciting goals.
A 1988 graduate of Columbia University in New York City with a master of science degree in nurse anesthesia, Anita has nearly three decades as a certified nurse anesthesiologist, specializing in anesthesia for neurosurgery.
After seeing Top Gun in 1995, Anita spent the next seven years working towards her dream of flying in a fighter jet. She became an internationally published military aviation photojournalist and got a flight in an F-15. She also spent time with the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Having been honored by the United Nations as a guest speaker for National Autism Day in 2017, Anita is an advocate for people with Asperger’s Syndrome. She started a support group for people of all ages with Asperger’s and their families and friends, which meets monthly. She is the Founder of the Flying High with Autism Foundation, as well as founder and CEO of Born With Asperger’s—an educational and helpful site not only for people with Asperger’s, but their families, employers, fellow employees, educators, neighbors, and anyone who might know someone with Asperger’s.
Her books include: Asperger’s Syndrome: When Life Hands you Lemons, Make Lemonade, The Blue Angel, co-author of Been There, Don’t Try That, Try This! The Aspie Mentor Guide to Life on Earth, a featured chapter in Dr. Temple Grandin’s book Different . . . Not Less, and Lesko’s latest book, The Complete Guide to Autism and Healthcare: Advice for Medical Professionals and Those on the Autism Spectrum.
- Discuss the importance of not focusing on a label
- Explain the importance of getting out and DOING STUFF
- Determine methods to overcome obstacles and reaching goals
Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L
A Sensory Lifestyle for Children with Autism, ADHD, SPD and more
Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L graduated from Colorado State University over 14 years ago and since then has worked tirelessly on OT and Sensory Integration awareness, research and application. Britt has worked in a variety of settings including pediatric hospital inpatient, ICU, rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, homes, schools and skilled nursing facilities. She is a four time published author with her books; Sensory Parenting: Newborns to Toddlers, Sensory Parenting: The Elementary Years, Sensory Yoga for Kids: Therapeutic Movement for Children of all Abilities and her latest children’s book, My Special Brother Bo, she’s among the cutting-edge leaders in the field. Her books have received enthusiastic reviews from Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L, and she presents nationwide alongside experts Temple Grandin, Paula Aquilla, Diane Bahr and Carol Kranowitz.
Britt’s professional specialties include: working with children with sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, feeding disorders and more. Britt is also certified to teach yoga for children with special needs ages 0-12. She is working to complete her full yoga certification and her children’s yoga certification.
Currently, Britt resides outside of Memphis, TN. She has two young children that keep her busy along with writing and presenting across the country. For more information on Britt, please visit www.sensoryparenting.com and www.sensoryyogaforkids.com
By attending, participants can:
- Define 6 Subtypes of SPD
- Create a Sensory Lifestyle
- Discuss Strategies for Home, School and Community
- Describe Sensory Yoga Tools for Regulation
(NOTE: Bibliography for Britt’s presentation is available upon request at: bookstores@fhautism.com)
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Completion requirements: Sessions must be attended in full. No partial sessions will be considered for credit. Resources/References for sessions will be provided upon request. Target audience: intermediate, professional
APA
Future Horizons is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Future Horizons maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
ASHA
This course is offered for up to 0.6 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area)
AOTA
Future Horizons is an American Occupational Therapy Association
(AOTA) approved provider of continuing education. This conference is offered for 0.6 AOTA CEUs, Intermediate level, professional. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
ASWB
Future Horizons ACE #1018 is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards ( ASWB) www.aswb.org., through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Future Horizons maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 7/29/2018-7/29/2021. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 6 continuing education clock hours.
Future Horizons is dedicated to making its courses, events and meetings accessible to all. We strive to provide access – to the fullest extent possible – to our conferences based on an awareness of participants’ needs. If you require assistance due to a disability, please provide Future Horizons with the information and we will engage in a process to work with each individual to determine appropriate accommodations. Please click the below button to send your request for special accommodations or visit our contact us page.
SCHEDULE & MAP
September 19, 2019
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Autism Conference Schedule:
| TIME | EVENT |
| 7:00am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 7:50 | Announcements |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Dr. Temple Grandin – Creating A Learning Environment for Those Who Think Differently |
| 8:45 – 9:30 | Dr. Temple Grandin – Methods to Assist the Older Child and Adult with Social Relationships |
| 9:30 | Break |
| 10:00 – 10:45 | Sean Barron – Apply the 10 Rules of Social Relationships THIS PRESENTATION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR APA CE HOURS. |
| 10:45 – 11:30 | Sean Barron – Differentiate Between Situation-Based and People-Based Social Rules THIS PRESENTATION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR APA CE HOURS. |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch on your own |
| 12:30 – 1:15 | Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L – Define 6 Subtypes of SPD |
| 1:15 – 2:00 | Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L – Create a Sensory Lifestyle |
| 2:00 | Break |
| 2:30 – 3:15 | Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L – Discuss Strategies for Home, School and Community |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L – Describe Sensory Yoga Tools for Regulation |
| 4:00 | Conference Ends |
About the Venue:
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
Junior Ballroom, Third Floor
500 West Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX 75039
Registration is Simple!
- Buy Online: Scroll down for ticket details
- Call in Registration: General booking please call this number for registration: +1 (800) 489-0727
- Print/Fax/Mail Registration: Unable to register online? Download our registration form to print and fax, or mail in with your payment.
- All Speaker Presentation handout materials are complimentary and will be sent via digital file one week before event.
Group discounts available for 5+ attendees
Discount Applied at Checkout
Registration Still Available
The online registration window has passed however tickets for the conference are still available.
Attendees will need to register on-site.
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PRE-REGISTRATION – DISCOUNTED PRICING
Pre-register before noon CST on Wednesday, September 18th to take advantage of these prices.
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Professional$135Group Discount Rate $108
- Educators & Practitioners
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Family$120Group Discount Rate $96
- Parents & Family Members
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Student with ID$70Group Discount Rate $56
- College Student
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Person with ASD$50Group Discount Rate $40
- Person with ASD
AT THE DOOR PRICING
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Professional$145
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Family$130
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Student with ID$80
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Person with ASD$60