LOUISVILLE. Ky. – The Kentucky Autism Training Center at the University of Louisville is offering a program June 18-20 on the Shelby Campus to help families and professionals find new ways to support those with autism.
The 2012 Autism Institute will feature experts who will address topics such 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 individuals 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 individuals 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 at louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/events/2012-autism-institute.ics or by contacting Rebecca Grau at 502-852-7799.