Michigan Autism Conference to bring who's who in autism to area

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—An all-star lineup of autism researchers is on tap for the Second Annual Michigan Autism Conference.

The conference, put on by the Western Michigan University Department of Psychology, is Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in downtown Kalamazoo. It builds on the success of the first autism conference last year and the recent awarding of a $4 million grant from the state of Michigan to WMU to boost autism research and professional training initiatives. The conference is dedicated to providing families, practitioners and researchers with the latest information on a variety of topics related to the assessment and treatment of autism.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will deliver opening remarks at 8 a.m. Thursday. The event officially kicks off with a social hour at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, followed by a presentation by Dr. Gina Green, executive director of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, on "Evaluating Claims about Treatments for Autism."

"We were so pleased that the turnout last year was so strong," says Dr. Stephanie Peterson, chair of the Department of Psychology. "In fact, we sold out for the space we had and had to move to a larger space this year to accommodate more people. We are looking forward to another great year at the conference with a stellar cast of invited speakers. We are happy to have them come and share their wisdom with us so that we can improve service delivery for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities."

Keynote presentations

A panel of six leading researchers and practitioners will deliver keynote presentations in which they will explore the latest findings and best practices in treating autism, a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. The neural development disorder is characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive behavior.

• Dr. Vince Carbone, chief executive director of New York's Carbone Clinic, "The Role of Joint Control in Teaching Listener Responding to Children with Autism and Other Disabilities."

• Dr. Gina Green, executive director of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, "Making Informed Decisions about Early Interventions for Autism."

• Dr. Linda LeBlanc, executive director of research and clinical services at Trumpet Behavioral Health, "Teaching Complex Skills to Facilitate Success After Early Intervention."

• Dr. Thomas Zane, professor of education and director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program at the Institute for Behavioral Studies in the Van Loan Graduate School, Endicott College, "Dancing In The Rain: Trials and Tribulations of Autism Treatment."

• Dr. Kent Johnson, founder and executive director of Morningside Academy in Seattle, Washington, "The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction."

• Dr. Alan Poling, WMU professor of psychology, "Using Psychotropic Medications to Improve the Behavior of People with Autism: A Skeptical Appraisal."

Workshops, breakout sessions

Two workshops on pertinent issues in autism also will be offered. "Dealing with Problem Behaviors: Assessment and Intervention in the Home and Community Settings, " from 1 to 4:50 p.m. Thursday will be led by Peterson, while Carbone will lead "The Role of the Motivation in Teaching Children with Autism" from 1 to 4:50 p.m. Friday.

A long list of breakout sessions also will be offered both days and run the gamut from "Understanding and Supporting Social Skills in Children with Autism" and "Teaching Simple Auditory Discriminations to Learners with Developmental Disorders" to " Education Rights for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder" and "Adapted Physical Education for Children with Autism."

More information

Conference registration is now closed. Visit michiganautismconference.org for more information.