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5357
Adulthood and Severe Autism: What We Know and Promising New Models
Friday, July 8, 2011: 3:15 PM-4:30 PM
Miami 3 (Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center)
What supports are currently available for adults with severe autism and what new and promising models are on the horizon? This presentation will examine this question in the areas of residential support, work, relationship development and maintenance, and family support.
Presentation Content: This presentation will review existing services and supports for adults with severe autism in the areas of residential, work, relationship development and maintenance, and family supports. Research findings connected to each of these areas is part of this review. There is a need for information not only about existing services but also new models. As part of this presentation, new and promising models in the four target areas (residential, work, relationship development and maintenance, and family supports) will be shared. A few examples of these new models include,
but are not limited to: Co-op and shared equity housing (residential); microenterprise and leveraging family connections/social capital (work); Formal vs. informal Circles of Support (relationship development and maintenance); special needs life quality planning and special needs life quality coaching (family supports). Several other models will also be presented across these categories.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will increase their knowledge regarding existing supports and services for adults with severe autism in the areas of residential, work, relationship development and maintenance, and family supports, and will increase their knowledge regarding promising new models in these categories.
Contribution to Best Practice: There is a critical need to share research-based information about existing services and supports so that current services can be improved, modified, or abandoned in favor of more effective ones. Part of this process of review entails an understanding of new and promising models—ideas and programs that are too new or small to have a research history but that show promise for providing high life quality outcomes. These innovative ideas provide the seeds for growth of future services and supports.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will increase understanding about research and current best practices in adult residential supports, work, relationship development and maintenance, and family supports.
- Attendees will increase understanding about emerging and promising models in the areas of work, residential, relationships, and family supports.
Content Area: Long-term Services and Support
Presenter:
Krysti DeZonia, Ed.D.
Founder International Association for Life Quality
Teri
Dr. DeZonia has 30 years' experience with adults with autism and their families. She is a researcher and teacher at the University of California, San Diego, and Director of Education and Research at the Training, Education, and Research Institute. Her work focuses on adulthood, family supports, and quality of life.