S E E K – Successfully Educating Exceptional Kids

When

30 Jul 2008 - 1 Aug 2008
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Asia/Singapore

Where

Melbourne
Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC

Event Tag

The incidence of autism spectrum disorders is alarming. Autism spectrum disorders are now a medical epidemic.  Intervention strategies are more important than ever for providing supports to our students so that they may become productive citizens and/or to provide for an enriched quality of life. This three-day workshop provides an in-depth look at practical strategies that can be implemented in a self-contained classroom for students with developmental disabilities. These research-based strategies are also appropriate within a classroom where the student with autism spectrum disorders is included.

Objectives
As a result of this workshop, participants will:

  • Pinpoint behaviors that are manifestations of autism spectrum disorders
  • Identify physical structures, schedules, visual structures, tasks and work systems needed in scenarios based on real situations in the classroom and home
  • Set up communication systems changing form, function, content and context based on individual needs
  • Apply what has been learned to scenarios and real-life situations using examples from sensory integration discussion
  • Devise solutions for behaviors based on communication, sensory, and structured teaching interventions
  • Determine when to use Social Stories™, Power Cards, t-charts, and other visual strategies appropriately
  • Identify problem areas that interfere with achieving goals due to grief of parents resulting in ineffective collaboration

Outline

Day 1

  • Culture of Autism
    • Myths and realities based on research within last 5 years
    • Characteristics of autism
    • When eye contact is not a priority
    • Differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders
  • Communication
    • Assessing communication based on characteristics of language:
      • form, function, content, and context
    • Devising communication systems
    • Implementing communication systems

Day 2

  • Principles of Structured Teaching
    • Setting Up Your Classroom- Physical Structure
  • Schedules- Designing the schedule based on student’s communication skills
  • Tasks
    • Designing tasks on student’s needs and academic ability
    • Implementing tasks
  • Work systems-Setting up systems for independent and 1:1 work
  • Visual structure- Translating the auditory into the visual

Day 3

  • Sensory Processing and Integration  – what it means and how to address issues
    • Using preventive/intervention/and postvention techniques:
    • Power Cards
    •  Social Stories
    • T-charts
    •  Visual charts
    • Video Detective
  • Understanding the Grief of Parents with Children with Autism

Trainer’s Profile
Kathy M., a special educator for the past 35 years, has been a speech therapist, teacher of children with autism and serious emotional disturbances, specialist for children with cerebral palsy, diagnostician, supervisor, and consultant for autism, behavior disorders, and assistive technology at a regional service center. She is presently a consultant for autism/behavior in her own company igivuWings, while working on her doctorate in educational psychology with a specialty in autism and behavior. She presents for school districts and conferences nationally as well as internationally. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year as well as Texas Special Educator of the Year. She and her husband, Guy, are challenged to practice what they preach daily with their 3 teenage sons, including twins with autism spectrum disorders.

Methodology
Using a mix of videos, music, and real life scenarios, the participants will brainstorm how to set up a classroom using the principles of structured TEACHING for several students with varying degrees of autism and varying ages. In addition, real life behavioral challenges will be reviewed using practical solutions.

Target Audience
Preschool and elementary teachers, administrators, educational assistants, mental health consultants, behavioral and education specialists, coordinators, support staff and parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

Duration: 3 days, 21 hours
Closing Date:  1 Jun 08



Other Available Sessions
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