AOTA SPECIALTY CONFERENCE

Autism West
Learn Explore Network

Long Beach, CA December 23, 2011

AOTA SPECIALTY CONFERENCE AUTISM WEST Back by Popular Demand

EARN UP TO 13.5 CONTACT HOURS (1.35 AOTA CEUs/13.5 NBCOT PDUs)
Occupational therapy practitioners are a key role in working with individuals on the autism spectrum to help them participate in daily routines and integrate into communities. The prevalence and earlier detection of ASD diagnoses continues to rise, along with the greater necessity to understand life transition challenges. It is urgent for our profession to be fully prepared to meet these needs. The AOTA Specialty Conference Autism West is an excellent opportunity to learn from leading experts in the ASD spectrum field and go home with top-level education and networking connections. Right after AOTA held its first autism specialty conference in Baltimore in 2010, hundreds of attendees let us know that we should offer it again, this time on the West Coast! We listened. If you missed this exceptional conference the first time, or want to attend again, register today and join us in Long Beach, California, December 23, 2011!

Session Descriptions
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
8:00 am9:00 pm: PLENARY I

Understanding the Hidden Curriculum: Occupational Therapists Helping to Create Life Success for Students With Autism and Related Exceptionalities
Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, Ziggurat Group, Plano, Texas The hidden curriculum is assumed knowledgethe expectations, rules or guidelines that are not directly taught because they are universally known. The absence of instruction, however, does not belie their importance. The hidden curriculum is significant and can impact social interactions, school performance, and safety. Despite its considerable value, little information on hidden curriculum has been published because it has been largely considered common sense and is often only recognized after a hidden curriculum error has occurred. 9:15 am11:15 am

tion of signs of autism will be discussed. National initiatives and implications for occupational therapy will also be discussed. Emphasis placed on advocating by adopting user-friendly, occupation-based language individualized to needs of the client. AOTA resources and activities will be reviewed and the audience will be provided with opportunities for collaboration and engagement. 1:45 pm3:45 pm

Addressing the Sensory Needs of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Clinics and Schools
Renee Watling, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington; and Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Henry OT Services, Glendale, Arizona Children with autism spectrum disorders often experience challenges in processing and integrating sensory information. These challenges can interfere with daily life activities including self-care, behavior regulation, social interaction, participation in individual and interactive activities, fulfilling roles, and more. Research examining the sensory challenges commonly exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorders will be discussed as a foundation for this session. This will be followed by discussion of occupational theapy strategies for addressing sensory processing and integration challenges in both clinical and school-based practice. The Ayres Sensory Integration approach and sensory-based strategies will be addressed specifically using case examples and video demonstration. 4:00 pm5:00 pm

PLENARY SPEAKERS
Brenda Smith Myles, PhD
Ziggurat Group, Plano, Texas Understanding the Hidden Curriculum: Occupational Therapists Helping to Create Life Success for Students With Autism and Related Exceptionalities

Social Participation and Communication Strategies for Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan
Lisa Crabtree, PhD, OTR/L, Towson University, Towson, Maryland With the rise in the incidence of autism, there is a critical need for occupational therapy practitioners to address social participation, communication, and community integration for these individuals across the lifespan. This presentation describes adaptive strategies and environmental modifications to support health and participation in life for all individuals on the autism spectrum through engagement in occupation. Participants will explore the components of optimal programming for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum, and be ready to implement strategies in a variety of settings. 11:30 am12:15 pm

Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas You Say Deficit I Say Defines Me: Daring to Celebrate the Unique Contributions of People on the Autism Spectrum

Registration

Now is the time to register online and save! @ www.aota.org/autismwest

Early Registration Ends: November 4 AOTA Members: $325; Nonmembers: $490 Regular Registration Ends: November 25 AOTA Members: $370; Nonmembers: $550 After November 25, contact AOTA at SpecialtyConference@aota.org for space availability. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Checks made payable to AOTA. Visit www.aota.org/autismwest for program information, cancellation and refund policy, and hotel information. Are you not yet a member of AOTA? Join today and save on AOTA Specialty Conference Autism West registration fees! Questions? Contact AOTA at SpecialtyConference@aota.org

Evidence-Based Review of Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio This presentation summarizes the up-to-date research evidence for interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners with children with ASD. The current research evidence for sensory integration, sensory-based, social skills, intensive behavioral, relationship-based, and comprehensive interventions is explained, including what we know about effectiveness for different levels of severity and age groups. Themes that emerge across intervention trials are identified and described. These themes define elements that are central to effective intervention, including: intensity and context of services, family supports, and strategies for increasing child engagement and social competence.

Occupational Therapy Practice Opportunities: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, Maryland This session will review the power of our words in describing occupational therapy practices in serving individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. A brief overview of a study with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that is focused on early identifica-

Session Descriptions (cont.)

5:00 pm6:00 pm OR 2:00 pm3:00 pm 3:15 pm4:00 pm

Interactive Session With Colleagues

This session is designed for attendees to actively participate and be part of the learning experience for one another. Attendees will help select topics of mutual interest. Participants will form group discussions in which emerging issues, practice information, questions and answers, and real-time experiences can be shared and networking with others will build future opportunities.

Partnering With Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Making the Shift to a Strength-Based Approach
Kristie Patten Koenig, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, New York University, New York, New York Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD are generating a large volume of personal narratives and self-advocacy work that highlights the challenges and opportunities in their lives. These perspectives must inform practice and create partnerships with individuals with ASD and use a strength-based approach in order to impact their chosen participation and quality of life. For example, by viewing interests solely as restricted and deficit-based, the occupational therapy practitioner will miss an avenue for utilizing interests to facilitate improved outcomes for adolescents and adults. This presentation will present a conceptual model of intervention that offers a strengthbased perspective with the voice of the individual with ASD as central. In addition, strategies and methods to engage interests, identify strengths, problem-solve and adapt the environment for improved outcomes for adolescents and young adults with ASD will be highlighted. 11:30 am12:30 pm

A Family Affair: The Voices of Parents and Individuals With Autism

Joan Surfus, MS, OTR/L, Moderator, Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance, California This presentation provides a panel discussion among parents of children with autism and youth and young adults with autism that address their actual life realities. The supports that positively contribute to their quality of life will be emphasized as well as the difficulties they face. Panelists will focus on an analysis of needed services for full inclusion in the community throughout the life course.

Ask the Experts Panel

Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, Moderator; Jane CaseSmith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Lisa Crabtree, PhD, OTR/L; Barbara Benen Demchick, MS, OTR/L; Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA; Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA; Kristie Patten Koenig, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Joan Surfus, MS, OTR/L; and Renee Watling, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA The final Autism West Specialty Conference session is a unique opportunity for you to ask some of the most well-known experts in the ASD field those burning questions that arise for you on the job. This will be an excellent chance as well to interact with speakers and coattendees and reflect on the topics discussed throughout the conference and ask questions, engage in a dialogue, find out how to stay connected, and decide your next steps in professional practice.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011

8:00 am9:00 am: PLENARY II

You Say Deficit I Say Defines Me: Daring to Celebrate the Unique Contributions of People on the Autism Spectrum
Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas Anyone who has known someone on the autism spectrum has experienced pure joy when the logic that underpins a quirky behavior washes over you. You have also recognized the perfect synchrony of a reaction that reflects the experience exactly as it happened, providing you with an opportunity to live completely in the moment. These experiences reflect the growing sentiment that the characteristics we have labeled as problems are considered by people with autism to be part of who they are. In this session we will explore the authentic experience of autism, and how that experience calls us to change our way of defining ourselves as professionals who support them. 9:15 am11:15 am CHOOSE ONE

Bestseller from AOTA Press

Autism: A Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Approach, 3rd Edition
By Heather Miller Kuhaneck, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Renee Watling, PhD, OTR/L Recognizing that young children grow into adolescents, who in turn grow into adults, this updated book includes additional content applicable to adults as well as incorporates the findings from the explosion of recent research in the autism practice area. Using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework as a guide, the chapters provide the information occupational therapy practitioners need to work with individuals with an autism spectrum disorder in client-centered and occupation-based practice. Order #1213B. AOTA Members: $69, Nonmembers: $98

Emerging as Leaders in Autism Research and Practice

Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Occupational therapy (OT) is one of the most frequently requested and utilized services by professionals and parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Yet, the value of occupational therapy services for this population often goes unrecognized and is devalued, under-funded, and under-utilized. This presentation will urge the profession to take on the challenge of becoming leaders in autism practice and research by embracing a data-driven, evidence-based approach. Participants will be encouraged to advance their knowledge base to address emerging needs for occupational therapy in autism research and service delivery, including the need for programs to address transitions from school to work; creating evidence-based, systematic protocols for interventions; and developing clinical trials to evaluate outcomes. Current research and training efforts at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia will be presented as examples of such efforts.

Save the Date

Children With An ASD

Barbara Benen Demchick, MS, OTR/L; and Lisa Crabtree, PhD, OTR/L, both of Towson University, Towson, Maryland This presentation will discuss effective and useful interventions for young children on the autism spectrum. Emphasis will be on interventions that can be incorporated into naturalistic settings, such as preschool and school-based settings. Focus also will be on interventions that include interdisciplinary collaboration and family centered principles. The discussion will highlight occupational therapy outcomes of social participation, engagement in childhood occupations such as play and school-related tasks, and development of pragmatic language.

THE AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATIONS

2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 2629 & EXPO INDIANAPOLIS, IN

in the ever-changing healthcare environment

Science. Innovation. Evidence.

Hotel & Travel Information

HOTEL INFORMATION
Housing deadline: Friday, November 4 Westin Long Beach, 333 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 AOTA has reserved a block of sleeping rooms at The Westin Long Beach with exceptional rates. Your Westin reservation supports AOTAs efforts to bring participants an affordable meeting and helps protect your membership dollars by avoiding attrition penalties. Reserve your sleeping room now at The Westin Long Beach! The Westin Long Beach is centrally located in the heart of the downtown area. Walk outside the door and you are just steps away from the marina, local beaches, shopping, restaurants, museums and many other attractions. Room rates: $129 single/double; $159 triple; $189 quad Rates do not include 15.065% room tax (subject to change without notice). AOTA guests will receive complimentary high-speed internet in sleeping rooms. A small percentage of the room rate is used to off-set meeting expenses. Self-parking is available at a discounted rate of $8/day or $12 for overnight parking. Valet parking is $19/day.

Experience Long Beach

1. 33 Degrees Harborside Pub 2. 555 East Restaurant 3. Alegria Cocina Latina 4. Berlin by Portfolio Coffeehouse 5. Brew-Haus Coffee & Tea 6. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 7. Buono's Authentic Pizzeria 8. Caf Scuba 9. California Pizza Kitchen 10. Chelsea Chowder House & Bar 11. Clancy's Irish Pub & Restaurant 12. Congregation Ale House 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

District Wine Famous Dave's BBQ Fresh Foods Caf Fuego Gaucho Grill Georges Greek Caf Gladstone's Hooters Ice Cream & Yogurt on the Boardwalk Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks Jersey Mikes Kabob Curry Kavikas Grill & Bar King's Fish House

27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

La Traviata Restaurant Long Beach Caf L'Opera Ristorante Mai Tai Bar Octopus Japanese Restaurant Outback Steakhouse P.F. Changes China Bistro Parker's Lighthouse Promenade Caf Rock Bottom Restaurant Santo Charro Sevilla Restaurant, Tapas Bar & Club Sip Lounge Sir Winston's

41. Stefano's Pizza and Pasta 42. Tequila Jack's 43. The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub 44. The Funnel House 45. The Madison 46. The Promenade Caf 47. The Reef Restaurant 48. The Sky Room Restaurant 49. Tides on Pine Restaurant 50. Utopia Restaurant 51. Viva Caf 52. Wokcano Asian Restaurant & Lounge 53. Yard House

Sleeping room reservations will be accepted by individual call-in or via the Internet. For attendees wishing to secure guestrooms via direct call-in, call (562) 436-3000 or toll-free (800) 937-8461 and be sure to identify yourself with AOTA. To reserve guestrooms via the Internet at www.aota.org/autismwest, click on the Westin Long Beach link. Name changes to room reservations may be made prior to arrival at no charge. All reservations require an attendees complete address information along with a credit card guarantee. Deposits are only refundable for cancellations occurring up to 72 hours prior to date of arrival. Room reservations received by the hotel after reservation cut-off will be confirmed on a space available basis.

AIRPORT AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Westin Long Beach Hotel is approximately 7 miles from Long Beach Airport (LGB), 17 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and 30 miles from John Wayne Airport of Orange County (SNA). Methods of transportation to hotel: Metro Link Light Rail (less than 1 block from hotel): $1.50 one-way; $6.00 day pass. SuperShuttle: 10% discount to AOTA members. Reservation must be made and paid for online. Restrictions apply. The discount is valid on both SuperShuttle and ExecuCar services nationwide. - Company: AOTA - Discount Code: YN539 - Link for Travel Portal: www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?GC=YN539 Taxi One-Way Fares: LGB$20; LAX$55; SNA$65
All fares are approximate and subject to change without notice.

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www.aota.org/autismwest

Sponsors & Exhibitors

AOTA wants to specially thank our sponsors and exhibitors for the 2011 AOTA Specialty Conference Autism West. We could not have done this without their support.

Corporate Sponsor

Break Sponsor

Educational Sessions Sponsor

Exhibitors The Center for AAC and Autism FUTURE HORIZONS Inc. ProxTalker.com, LLC Stages Learning Materials The TV Teacher, LLC Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center SmartKnitKIDS