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AUTISM CONFERENCE
THE SPEAKERS
DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN

“Calling All Minds”
Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D., 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:
- Discuss methods to 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 to form social relationships
ANITA LESKO

“When Life Hands You Lemons Make Lemonade”
Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA, 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, Done 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
DR. JIM BALL

Early Intervention and Autism
Dr. Jim Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, has been in the autism field for over twenty years providing educational, residential, and employment services to children and adults affected by autism. As President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting,he provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, and behavior management/ assessment.
By attending, participants can:
- Identify seven effective strategies for the perfect EI program
- List the must-have components of an EI program
- Discuss contents of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
- Integrate social skills instruction into a curriculum
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) Service Provider of continuing education. This conference is offered for 0.6 AOTA CEUs. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA.
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
November 30, 2018
Nashville, TN
Autism Conference Schedule:
TIME | EVENT |
7:00am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
7:50 | Announcements |
8:00 | Dr. Temple Grandin – Calling All Minds |
9:30 | Break |
10:00 | Anita Lesko – When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade |
11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch on your own |
12:30 | Dr. Jim Ball – Early Intervention and Autism: Early Intervention Plan/Program |
2:00 | Break |
2:30 | Dr. Jim Ball (continued) – Early Intervention and Autism: Early Intervention Plan/Program |
4:00 | Conference Ends |
About the Venue:
Nashville Airport Marriott
Nashville Ballroom
600 Marriott Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Registration is Simple!
- Buy Online: Scroll down for ticket details
- Call in Registration: General booking and ASA Members 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.
Group discounts available for 5+ attendees
Discount Applied at Checkout
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Registration Still Available
The online registration window has passed however tickets for the conference are still available.
Attendees will need to register on-site.