8773 Low Functioning, A Bad Word? Let's Discuss the Population Typically Not Talked About

Friday, July 15, 2016: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM

Studio 8 (New Orleans Marriott)

Parent-based panel discussion centered around educating others on the vast differences across the Spectrum. Enlightening others on parental advocacy and it's power. Highlighting residential and day program options, as ASD is not a one size fits all disability ergo these vital issues can not be a one size fits all.

Agenda:

* Each member of the panel takes 5 minutes and tells their story (Power Point with pictures in the background)

* Educating the differences across the spectrum; threads of similarities and a world of differences. (Discuss the diagnosis falls within a Spectrum however the abilities and challenges are vastly different).

* The de evolution of services: what's good for one might not be best for every individual. I'm an individual; college and driving might not be in my future but...

* Advocacy when talking for one self is not possible-parents as partners, voices,educators and team members.

* When group home is the best living option, and it's ok and good; coping with what works and embracing the small successes and embracing quality time.

* What about the day; employment defintions have different meanings. Why is every step a fight? Young to the diagnosis parents and families come in fighting and demanding; changes in systems, supporting each other and assuring choice, hope, acceptance and safety when we are not there.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the end of the spectrum of Autism with the most significant challenges are part of the same ASD diagnosis
Recognize that"Low Functioning" is not a politically correct term; but accurate.

Track: Lifespan 4 - Adulthood

Content Area: Long Term Services and Support

Presenters:

Lisa E. Rego
Autism Society RI

Lisa is the mom to Chelsea, Adam and Joey. Chelsea is severely autistic and lives in a group home run by her day program provider. Lisa works in the Family Service Department at the Groden Center, helping other families navigate through the maze that is autism.

Claudia Swiader
Autism Society RI

Claudia is the mom of 2 adult sons with severe Autism; Adam and Matthew live together in a GROUP HOME manged by the Cove Center which also provides their day program services. Claudia, her husband Michael and their daughter Krista are strong, vocal advocates for their boys.

William Cannata Jr.
ALEC

Captain William Cannata, Jr., Retired, has been a member of the fire service for more than 30 years, and is the Program Director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition formed in 2003. He is also the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder.

Tessa Cannata
The Arc of South Norfolk

Tessa is a Family Support Coordinator at The Arc of South Norfolk serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. A founding member of the agency's Family Autism Center, she is an active board member of their Steering Committee. Tessa has a 25 year old son with Autism.

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