8/29/06 The Family Perspective: Parents will 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 & Matt Williamson, parents of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum who participated in the CATS program last Fall

9/5/06 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.

9/12/06 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

9/19/06 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

9/26/06 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.

10/3/06 Applied Behavioral Analysis: An overview of Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence models & practical tips for the fundamentals of their use

Mary Ann Powers PhD, Licensed psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, consultant to schools & families of developmentally disabled children

10/10/06 Partners in Play: Overview of emotional development & primary social skill deficits of autism, plus ideas & activities for play & social skill development including developmentally-based play strategiesLaura Temple MA, Special Education Teacher, Kevin Wood PPS, School Psychologist, Sonoma County Office of Education

10/17/06 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

10/24/06 Dealing with Challenging Behavior: Helping people with autism get their needs met through functional behavior assessment, and positive reinforcement of appropriate replacement behaviors

Nikarre Redcoff MEd, BCBA, Board certified behavior analyst and Sonoma County Office of Education program specialist

10/31/06 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

11/7/06 Overview of Autism Theories & Interventions: Fact-sheets on current research & applications will be provided. Special session: 9-11.40 a.m.

Sonoma State University students in the course, Autism: Theory & Interventions.

11/14/06 Biomedical Investigation into Autism: An exploration of the chemistries of autism

Lindsay Swain, Speech and Audio trainer, The Listening Center

11/21/06 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, CEO, Becoming Independent, David Katayama MA, Children’s Services Section Manager, North Bay Regional Center