The ASA's 38th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders (July 11-14, 2007) of ASA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.autism-society.org/
For a complete author index with session numbers, please click here
Wednesday, July 11, 2007: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Herberger Ballroom 1
#3025- Creating Environments that Promote Positive Behaviors for Students Across the Autism Spectrum
Preconference Workshop Students across the autism spectrum also struggle to maintain behaviors that are considered acceptable in the classroom or community. All too frequently behavior plans and interventions for these students focus heavily on consequence-driven, reactive plans. Not only do these plans seem to emphasize the challenging behavior, they may also require that the student engage in the challenging behavior before interventions occur. Instead, proactive strategies can be used that focus on environmental supports and interventions to reduce stress, support communication, and teach new skills. The first portion of this presentation will explore common environmental stressors that can trigger negative behaviors. For example, these stressors that can trigger negative behaviors. For example, these stressors may includ lack of classroom organization and/or lack of social awareness and social understanding. The second portion of this presentation will then explore strategies and interventions to include classroom organization and structure, sesory sensitivities, communication and social/emotional issues, curricular tasks and the actions of others. These strategies in the identified areas of concern can then be used in a proactive and positive manner. These interventions can become the framework for an individual positive behavior support plan or used as the basis of the classroom structure for all students.

Presenters:Cathy Pratt, PhD, Indiana University, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism / IIDC - Pratt is Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University. Pratt is on faculty through the University Graduate School at Indiana University and presents internationally at conferences and workshops. Pratt is the Chair of the ASA Board of Directors. Pratt has written articles related to ASD, functional behavior assessment/positive behavior supports, instructional policy and policy. Prior to pursuing her doctorate at Indiana University, Pratt worked as a classroom teacher for students with ASD.

Chris Filler, RN, Autism/Behavioral Consultant - Chris Filler is an Autism/Behavioral Consultant working with various agencies, schools and families, including the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). In addition to her role as autism consultant, Chris has been an Early Intervention Service Coordinator, Family INformation Specialist, Parent/Educational Consultant, and President of the Autism Society of Ohio. Workgroup and co-chaired the Ohio Autism Committee that developed and published Service Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder. In addition to her professional activities, Chris is also the parent of two adult children, one of whom has autism.

Denise Sawan Caruso, MA, Speech/Language Pathologist - Denise Sawan Caruso is a speech/language pathologist with over 28 years experience workign with individuals with autism. With a paretn of a child with autism, she developed a statewide training. She has served on numerous boards including the Autism Society of Ohio, State of Ohio Governor's Task Force on Autism, Advisory Board for the Ohio Center for Autism and Law Incidence and co-chaired Service Guildelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder birth through 22 years.

 
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