Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of individuals with autism are invited to attend a special one-day conference on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Event Details
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
St. Charles Convention Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
St. Charles, Missouri, 63303
Phone: 636-669-3000
We are excited to welcome attendees in person. Virtual attendance is not available for this event.
Cost & Registration
Cost to attend this all day conference is $20. Lunch is provided. If cost prohibits your ability to attend, please contact us at the email below.
Ready to register? CLICK HERE! *Please use a PC when registering for the optimal registration experience
For questions, email benignoj@health.missouri.edu or call 573-882-2077. The deadline to register is Friday, September 8th by 5:00pm CST.
Schedule and Sessions
| Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Check-In | |
| 10:15 – 11:05 a.m. | Keynote: Jack of All Trades, Master of ALL: Autism Parents and Caregivers Alicia Brewer Curran, BS, Grad. Cert. |
|
| 11:05 – 11:15 a.m. | Break | |
| Strand 1 (Room A/B) | Strand 2 (Room C/D) | |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Determining Socially Significant Behaviors ShiQuita Lane, Ed. S, BCBA, LBA This session will help caregivers identify what behaviors are challenging and annoying, but ultimately appropriate. In this presentation, caregivers will discuss how to handle behaviors that are appropriate but are just plain difficult to deal with. Let’s discuss how you can support the appropriate behaviors within the child while also gaining adequate tools so they can be the best version of themselves. | Building Independence and Navigating the Transition to Adulthood Jennifer DeLaporte, MAT, BCBA, LBA As a parent, supporting your child with autism through the transition to adulthood can be both rewarding and challenging. In this session, caregivers will learn practical tips aimed to equip them with knowledge and strategies that can be used to foster independence and prepare children for a successful and fulfilling life as they transition to adulthood. |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch (provided) | |
| Strand 1 (Room A/B) | Strand 2 (Room C/D) | |
| 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Teaching Play Jena Randolph, PhD This session will highlight the importance of play development. Strategies to engage students in play and to expand students’ play schemes will be presented. Additionally, strategies to facilitate emergent engagement with peers will be discussed. | How to Teach Social Skills and Advocacy Michelle Dampf, MA, CCC-SLP This session will address teaching and maintaining social skills and self advocacy needed in high school and beyond. Specific resources will be provided to assist caregivers with facilitation of social skills for their children with autism spectrum disorder. Additional topics that will be discussed include advocacy, transition and neurodiversity. |
| 2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break | |
| Strand 1 (Room A/B) | Strand 2 (Room C/D) | |
| 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. | Supporting Eating, Toileting, and Sleeping Panel Emma Keicher, MEd, BCBA, LBA Braden Hayse, MA, MS Kerri Nowell, PhD, Licensed Psychologist Moderated by Jaclyn Benigno, MEd This panel of experts will answer commonly asked questions as well as your questions regarding eating, toileting and sleep! | Autism and its Companions: How ADHA, Anxiety, Depression, and Other Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Issues Interact with Autism Ben Black, MD This session will discuss the importance of recognizing conditions that may occur alongside autism, and how that can impact diagnosis and treatment. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Ask the Experts Join us for this FREE pre-conference event! The Ask the Experts panel provides an opportunity for family members and professionals to ask questions to a panel of autism experts. Our experts represent a variety of fields including medicine, behavior analysis, education, occupational and speech therapy, and psychology. Drinks and appetizers provided! Register Here! |
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Speaker PowerPoint & Handouts
Handouts will be posted as they become available from presenters.