The 2012 Autism Institute will feature experts who will address such topics as bullying, health care, special education law, family interactions and best practices for classroom teachers.
Brian Freedman, a clinical psychologist who has conducted extensive research on how autism affects family dynamics, will present his findings and offer strategies for how couples can maintain a healthy, happy relationship despite the challenges associated with raising a child with autism.
Freedman, who heads the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware, is nationally known for debunking the myth that parents of children with autism have a higher-than-average divorce rate. He has appeared on CNN, National Public Radio and other national media outlets to discuss his findings.
Other national speakers will be Jed Baker and Shawn Henry. Baker directs a New Jersey-based private organization known as the Social Skills Training Project that helps people with autism improve their social and communication skills. Henry is director of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, based in Columbus, Ohio. He offers strategies for parents and education professionals who want to design effective instructional programs for people with autism.
The cost for the institute attendees who register before March 31 is $50 for individuals and $175 for professionals. From April 1 through June 8 the cost is $75 for individuals and $200 for professionals.
More information and registration is available online or by calling Rebecca Grau at 502-852-7799.
