“Calling All Minds”

Dr. Temple Grandin 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 no-nonsense 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 a wide variety of topics, and offers useful dos and donts.

By attending, participants can:

• Create a learning environment to accommodate those who think differently
• Distinguish between voluntary behaviors and involuntary behaviors
• Introduce ways of intervention for those newly diagnosed
• Review methods to assist the older child and Adult form social relationships

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“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

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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

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Autism Conference Schedule:

About the Venue:

Addison Conference & Theatre Centre
15650 Addison Rd.
Addison, TX 75001