Location: MultiPurpose Room, Student Union, Sonoma State University; Dr. Lorna Catford, Autism Series Coordinator. Tuesdays, 10-11:30 am. ($5 Donation; Public Parking, $2.50 day fee)

Click on the Video link to hear a lecture.

Autism Lecture Series Archives: Spring 2007

Aug. 29

The Family Perspective. Parents share their experiences & answer questions about any aspect of parenting, or working with, a child with autism; plus the effect of a child with autism on the family. Ronnie Echavarria, Patricia Gibson, Trisha Laugle, Mary Ann Malinak, Christine Williamson, parents of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum who participated in the CATS program last Fall. Video.

Sept. 5

Faces of Autism. Potential indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders & diagnostic questions that need to be answered to determine an autism diagnosis. Patrick Maher MD, Joan Harris PhD, MPH, & Todd Payne PsyD, North Bay Regional Center’s Collaborative Autism Diagnosis Clinic. Video.

Sept. 12

Early Intervention Teaching Strategies. Evidence- & practice-based strategies, including systematic teaching, TEACCH, PECS; the use of toys & other motivators.
Susie Conte MA & Mike Webb, Autism Education Specialists, Megan Lesser, SHAPE teacher, Sonoma County Office of Education. Video.

Sept. 19

The Current & Future Impact of Autism. “Autism Dads” video; the impact of autism on families, education & services; the need for political self-advocacy; programs & research of the M.I.N.D. Institute.
Rick Rollens, Parent, Autism activist, Co-Founder of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. Video.

Sept. 26

Sensory Processing Differences in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Sensory integration theory & strategies; plus the role of the occupational therapist.
Sarah W. Field MA, OTR/L, AOTA Board Certified in Pediatrics, USC/WPS Certified in Sensory Integration & Praxis Testing & Treatment. Director, Redwood Pediatric Therapy Associates, Inc. No Video.

Oct. 3

Applied Behavioral Analysis: An overview of Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence models. & practical tips for the fundamentals of their use.
Mary Ann Powers PhD, Licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, consultant to schools & families of developmentally disabled children. Video.

Oct. 10

Partners in Play: Overview of emotional development & primary social skills deficit of autism; play & social skill development, including developmentally-based play strategies. Laura Temple MA, Special Education Teacher, Kevin Wood PPS, School Psychologist, Sonoma County Office of Education. No Video.

Oct. 17

Communication & Processing Issues in Autism: Primary problem areas & skills needed for communication: Assessment & treatment approaches, including PECS & the use of music. Deborah Ross-Swain EdD, CCC SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist & Owner/Clinical Director, The Swain Center. Video.

Oct. 24

Dealing with Challenging Behavior: Helping people with autism get their needs met through functional behavior assessment, & positive reinforcement of appropriate replacement behaviors. Nikarre Redcoff MEd, BCBA, Board certified behavior analyst and Sonoma County Office of Education program specialist. Video.

Oct. 31

When Kids Grow up: Supporting adults with autism in the community through person-centered planning, essential lifestyle plans, plus career, recreation & self-esteem opportunities. Carol Fremault BS, Education. Executive Director: California Programs for the Autistic, Steve Sweet MA, Behavioral Consultant. Video.

Nov. 7

Overview of Autism Theories & Interventions: Fact-sheets on current research & applications. Special session: 9-11.40 a.m. Sonoma State University students in Psy 490.5, Autism: Theory & Interventions. Video.

Nov. 14

Biomedical Investigation into Autism: An exploration of the chemistries of autism. James Carlson Seeba OMD, LAC, Researcher in nutritional biochemistry. Video.

Nov. 21

Careers in the Autism Field: Career opportunities at North Bay Regional Center, Becoming Independent, community agencies, & other programs: Personal qualities & skills needed to work with individuals with autism. John McCue MPA, Chief Executive Officer, Becoming Independent; David Katayama MA, Children’s Services Section Manager: North Bay Regional Center. No Video.