The ASA's 39th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders 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
Friday, July 11, 2008: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Tallahassee 1
#3659- Safe Travel: For Parents and/or Adults on Spectrum
This session will share information for two different populations on the subject of travel. Two adults will share strategies for teens and spectrum adults who wish to travel safely. Two parents will share similar information for families with children on the spectrum.

Presenters:Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., Adelphi University in New York, Assistant Professor - Nonverbal until four and recommended for institutionalization, Dr. Shore focuses on empowering people with autism to develop their capacities to their fullest extent possible. Internationally known author and educator, Stephen serves as a board member for the Autism Society and, other autism-related organizations and is on faculty at Adelphi University.

Gerald (Jerry) Newport, B.A., Self, Author, Advocate, Individual with AS and has Spouse with AS, Taxi Driver - Jerry Newport has Asperger Syndrome. He has over 20 years of professional experience as a taxi driver and messenger. Jerry is a graduate of the University of Michigan and well-known speaker and author.

Mary Meinel Newport, Self, Author, Advocate, Individual with AS and has Spouse with AS, Former Driver - Diagnosed with Asperger's, manic depression, head injuries, and PTSD, Mary is the mother of two adult, independent sons who were never diagnosed but exhibit ASD traits and grandmother of two. She is a also a former piano tuner, gemologist, actress and current artist and composer. She drove for almost three decades but no longer does because of health issues.

 
The first part of the session will feature two parents. They will focus on what worked and did not work while traveling with children with ASD.        Topics discussed should include:        Preparing children for travel.        Meltdowns in public.        Dietary considerations.        New environments.        Safety.

The second part of the session will feature two adults on the spectrum who have traveled to every state in the USA and many nations abroad.      Topics discussed will include:       How to prepare for a trip.       Inexpensive travel options.       Finding “safe” lodging with families or other spectrumites.       How to avoid common accidents.       How to avoid travel stress.       Eating and travel.

There will also be handouts with lists of good resources and tips for safe travel for both populations covered by the session.      Questions will be answered at end of session if time permits.

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