ASA's 37th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders (July 13-15, 2006)

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Thursday, July 13, 2006: 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
551 A-B
#1878- Mama Told Me There'd Be Days Like This.....But Not How Many :(
We've all had THOSE days. Days of angst, frustration,endless battles with our kids. Power struggles, hormones amok, desire to run away and not return until they're 21. Help has arrived! Through "Breaking the Cycle" techniques, and Stress and Anxiety reduction strategies, this workshop rekindles our spirit and gives us the strength to fight the battles yet another day! Learn why we have these days and how to prevent them virtually 100% of the time. Come laugh, learn, and love.

Presenter:Herman T. Fishbein, Ed., D., Autism Asperger Strategy Center, President/CEO - Nationally renowned as an expert in the Asperger/Autism arena, Dr. Fishbein's experiences have included: Executive Director of League School of Boston and the Vermont Achievement Center, Transition and Adult Services Coordinator for UM Center for Autism, Director of the Asperger Strategy Center, Board of Directors of ASA National, presenter at ASA, NAA, CEC, AWARE, and consultations to autism and developmental disability programs world-wide.
 
The goal of autism education is to help individuals contribute to community life, and develop and maintain social relationships based on parameters of individual choice. Oftentimes, there are a number of factors that prevent students from learning. Behavioral, environmental and social distractions can turn a potentially “great” day into “the day from Hell.” This presentation is designed to enable teachers, parents, and even individuals with ASD to turn bad days into productive days through “cycle of change” interventions.

The assumption that “some days are diamonds, some days are stones” is a myth. Every day can be meaningful if individuals working with ASD students can learn how to anticipate problems, manage transitional behavior and motivate students to achieve successful outcomes. This “How Kani Makit Righta” is called the “The Cycle of Life”.

Beginning with “How to catch students doing right” techniques this interactive presentation explores how kids with ASD learn, think and process information. It explores how to help students deal with stress and anxiety and the consequences inherent when these forces are not dealt with in a timely manner. School, work, and peer pressures are presented as the new assistive technology for breaking the cycle of violence and self-destructive behaviors.

Creating the Therapeutic Milieu explores how to design a network of support that allows students to handle the emotional roller coaster ride they often experience at school and home. It allows students and those who work with them to understand the interaction between sensory diets and their behavioral implications, and how these translate into behavioral changes. The role of successful activity transitions will be discussed as well. Participants will gain insight into the ASD thought processes that can turn simple misunderstandings and miscommunications into “battle royals”.

“Cycle of Life” skill development can be used extensively outside the classroom and often effectively with individuals who are new to the person with ASD, Supported employment, community experiences, social activities, all become positive experiences rather than potential opportunities for explosive behavior or “meltdowns”. Students develop self esteem, have better ability to self-advocate and have increased opportunities for self-determination.

This interactive Power Point with Imbedded video presents the learner with an enjoyable way to learn to solve some very difficult problems. Momma told me there'd be days like this…but, y'know, I wouldn't change them for the world.

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