2/6/07 Early Intervention Teaching Strategies: Evidence- & practice-based strategies including systematic teaching, TEACCH, PECS, plus the use of toys & other motivators

Susie Conte MA & Angela O’Rourke, Autism Education Specialists, Megan Lesser, SHAPE teacher, Sonoma County Office of Education

2/20/07 Applied Behavioral Analysis: An overview of Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence models & practical tips for the fundamentals of their use

Nikarre Redcoff MEd, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Sonoma County Office of Education Program Specialist

3/6/07 Partners in Play: Overview of emotional development & primary social skill deficits of autism, plus ideas for play & social skill development including developmentally-based play strategies such as Floortime & Social Stories

Laura Temple MA, Special Education Teacher, Pat Boblitt, LH/SH Inclusion Teacher, Suzanne Merideth, M.A., NCSP, SCOE Preschool Psychologist

3/20/07 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

NOTE: Rick Rollens was ill, so the session consisted of a summary of the M.I.N.D. Institute’s programs, the “Autism Dads” video and two real-life Autism Dads’ reflections on their experience.

4/3/07 Communication Systems: Techniques to facilitate language & expressive communication including Prizant’s SCERTS model, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) & other augmentative communication systems

Judy Brooke, Speech/Language Therapist, Pam Heck, SS LH Special Education Teacher

4/17/07 Changing Challenging Behavior in People with Autism: Helping people with autism get their needs met safely through functional behavior assessment, and positive reinforcement of appropriate replacement behaviors

Kevin Wood PPS, School Psychologist, Sonoma County Office of Education

5/1/07 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.

5/15/07 Supporting Adults with Autism in the Community: Lifestyle issues, including person-centered planning plus career, recreation & self-esteem opportunities.

Carol Fremault, BS, Executive Director, California Programs for the Autistic, Steve Sweet, MA, Behavioral Consultant, John McCue, MPA, Chief Executive Officer: Becoming Independent

5/29/07 Life-Stage Transitions: What's the process, what are the formal supports, how can we make it easier for children & adults with autism before, during & after their major school/living transitions?

Edmundo Martinez, OTR/L, Early Intervention, Easter Seals, Wendy Freborg, MSW, PPC, Early Intervention Specialist, North Bay Regional Center, Kathryn Hill, SCOE Principal, Heather Vail, Adult Case Manager, North Bay Regional Center