This one day conference consists of a keynote presentation, 3 breakout sessions, and a closing keynote presentation.  

For each breakout session attendees have the choice between two presentations.  No need to sign up in advance for the presentation you would like to attend.

8:15 a.m. EDT

Arrive in Zoom waiting room; Keynote will start promptly at 8:30.

8:30-9:45 a.m. EDT - Keynote

Social and Communication Intervention for Individuals for Individuals with Complex Challenges
Presenter: Dr. Kathleen Quill, BCBA-D, LABA

Description:  The ultimate success of a treatment program is one that maximizes the development of social and communication skills and integrates multiple evidence-based practices (EBP). Recognizing the broad spectrum that defines autism, this talk offers a framework for how to plan intervention and measure “success”.

9:45-10:00 a.m. EDT - Transition to next session

10:00-11:15 a.m. EDT

Positive Behavior Supports, Perception and the Pursuit of Happiness
Presenter: Kelly Hartman, M.A.

Description:  Addressing behavioral challenges can be tricky.  Whether you are a parent, teacher or support staff, this session will help you identify strategies to accomplish behavior change.  This session will also focus on different approaches and appropriateness across developmental stages with an understanding of rights, risk analysis and responsibility. 

or

Let Me In... I Can Learn Too! Strategies That Are Not A One Hit Wonder
Presenters: Kris Baker, Special Education Coordinator; Leslie Brown, Autism Specialist and Sarah Reaves, M.S., CCC-SLP, Autism Specialist

Description: In this session you will learn about and have ready to use visual strategies and accommodations that support engagement, academics, and management in general education classrooms, not only for those with exceptional needs, but for all learners! Strategies that are not one hit wonders, but that will last and can be used for anyone.

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT - Lunch

12:00-1:15 p.m. EDT

Anxiety and ASD: Adults on the Spectrum Share
Presenters: Kat Muir, M.A., CCC-SLP, Alexander Perry and Abe Shapiro

Description: Three individuals share their experiences, suggestions and wisdom for others wanting to support people with autism experiencing anxiety, meltdowns, and shutdowns.

or

ASD & Assistive Technology Supports
Presenter: Kelli Suding, PATINS Specialist

Description: It is imperative that we are offering appropriate accommodations to support our students with high incidence disabilities and/or autism in the mainstream classroom. ALL students deserve an equitable education...even during distance learning.

1:15 p.m. EDT - Transition to next session

1:30-2:45 p.m. EDT

It’s Not One or the Other: The Excitement of Incorporating Mental Health and Behavioral Supports for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Presenter: Kelly Dora, M.A., Behavior/Autism Specialist

Description: “But these kids are tough!” A quote so often uttered by teachers, therapists and staff working to support students on the Autism Spectrum who have experienced stress, trauma, and need Mental Health Supports. As research and treatments have progressed, more complexity has arisen in treating the Whole Child, and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are no exception. For far too long, experts in the fields of Behavior Modification and Mental Health/Trauma have found themselves in conflict with evidence-based practices. In this session we will review how the marriage between Positive Behavior Supports and Mental Health/SEL Supports can result in exciting positive outcomes for families and children on the Autism Spectrum. It’s time to put it all together!

or

ASD AND MORE: Autism and Co-Existing Conditions
Presenter: Dr. Julie Steck, HSPP

Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts all aspects of an individual’s life. Research has helped us better understand the core symptoms of ASD and informed our practices for intervening educationally and behaviorally. More recent research is helping us better understand the co-existing conditions that often co-occur with ASD. This portion of the conference will focus on current research in the area of co-existing mental health conditions in individuals with ASD and strategies for intervening to address these conditions.

2:45-3:00 p.m. EDT - Transition to Closing Keynote

3:00-3:45 p.m. EDT - Closing Keynote

Lessons Learned: 40 Plus Years in the Making
Presenter:  Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism, and Indiana School Mental Health Initiative

Session Overview:  The field of autism spectrum disorders has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. However, while there have been many changes, there are still many universal truths that remain. This session will provide a series of tips relevant to family members, individuals on the spectrum and the people who serve them. 

Kathleen Ann Quill, Ed.D., BCBA-D, LABA
Dr. Kathleen Quill is a practicing Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), developmental psycholinguist, and autism advocate. She is also licensed as a special education administrator and teacher. Kathy teaches in the Autism-ABA graduate program at Endicott College in MA; and provides consultation and training to caregivers and school districts in the US and Canada through her private practice. She co-authored two international bestselling texts: Teaching children with autism (Delmar Pub., 1995); and DO-WATCH-LISTEN-SAY: Social and communication intervention for children with autism (Brookes Pub. 2000; 2nd ed, 2017); has written on-line webinars & modules; and was the Subject Matter Expert for the AutismPro online curriculum system (2004). Her current project is a book about Intervention for Repetitive & Restricted Behaviors in Autism. Kathy is on the editorial board for Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (JADD) and Focus on Autism; on the Board of Directors for Autism Aspergers Publishing Company; and is a member of the Professional Panel of Advisors for the Autism Society of America.

Kelly Hartman, M.A., President & CEO, Insights Consulting
Kelly has been working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 30 years, most specifically with those who have significant behavioral challenges. As the President & CEO of Insights Consulting, she is a leader in the industry known for innovation and passionate advocacy. With a fast paced training style, Hartman balances humor and raw honesty to help you see things differently. It is her life passion to help people achieve better outcomes in life by building on what a person CAN do. This is done by teaching a non-aversive, person centered approach to personal success.

Kris Baker, Special Education Coordinator
Kris currently works as the Special Education Coordinator for Shelbyville Central Schools helping to oversee special education programming in the district with a specific focus on behavior intervention and management. Previously Kris worked for Earlywood Educational Services as a behavior consultant, as well as the autism, and assistive technology coordinator for 13 years.

Leslie Brown, Autism Specialist
Leslie currently serves as the autism specialist for Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers, IN. Leslie travels to all schools within the district serving students preschool through age 22, as well as helps to train and support all staff and families throughout the school community. Before becoming the autism specialist, Leslie taught special education, with a focus in early childhood, working with students with very complex communication and behavioral needs. Leslie has been in the field of special education for 27 years, all within the public school system.

Sarah Reaves, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sarah is the Autism Specialist for Franklin Township Community Schools in Indianapolis, IN. Sarah's role includes supporting special and general education teachers of students on the Autism Spectrum, advocating for students, and supporting parents. In addition, she coordinates assistive technology services for the district. Sarah is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. She has worked in the public schools her entire career of 22 years!

Kat Muir, M.A., CCC-SLP
I grew up knowing I was a little different, but I didn’t know why. By the time I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at 22, I was already working on my Master’s in Bilingual Speech Pathology at Indiana University. Having an insider’s perspective has helped me in my work with kids on the Autism Spectrum. My specialty is in treatment of language disorders in bilingual children. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and German, and I speak some Mandarin, Farsi, and American Sign Language. My goal is to become proficient in Burmese Chin.

Alexander Perry
Alexander grew up aware of his autism diagnosis. With the help of his family, Alexander has overcome many of the challenges of high functioning autism. In 2020, he graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's in Computer Science. In the same year, he also purchased a home and married his high school sweetheart! Alexander maintains technologies for Capturing Hope Counseling - a Christian organization specializing in counseling for autistic children and married couples.

Abe Shapiro
Abe Shapiro is an aspiring advocate for neurodiverse individuals and seeks to break down the barriers of ableism that have permeated society for too long. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2020 with a B.A in History. Go Hoosiers! He was President and Founder of his campus organization Neurodiversity Coalition, which continues to advocate for students and faculty with neurological differences. He loves sports a lot, especially baseball and is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a twin sister and younger brother and currently lives in Indianapolis.

Kelli Suding, PATINS Specialist
Kelli has a background in general education and special education classrooms. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University/Purdue University with licensing in both general and special education K-6. Kelli has national, state and regional presentation, keynote and training experience. She does have a strong understanding of and ability to connect theory to practice. Her instructional experience has been with students requiring mild, moderate, and intense intervention. Kelli's specializations include Autism, Accessible Educational Materials & Assistive Technology: Secondary Age, Chrome Accessibility & Integration, Specific Learning Disabilities: Primary Age.
Twitter: @ksuding

Kelly S Dora, M.A., Behavior/Autism Specialist
Kelly S. Dora is a Behavior/Autism Specialist who specialized in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, and Positive Behavior Supports for nearly 3 decades. He is a passionate, dynamic and engaging speaker/presenter on Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Educational Neuroscience and Behavior Modification, Comprehensive FBA/BIP’s, Positive Behavioral Supports, ABA-Collaborative Models in Public Schools, and Social Emotional Learning Topics across the State of Indiana. Mr. Dora has been a featured speaker/presenter and collaborator at conferences for the Indiana Association of School Psychologists (IASP), Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE), Whole Child Summit, Research-to-Practice, IIEPRC, IRCA, and presented in a PBS special on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mr. Dora has collaborated with School Corporations across the State of Indiana on the development of SEL and Positive Behavior Support initiatives. Having started his career working for Residential Treatment Facilities, then moving into Private Practice, Mr. Dora shifted his career path to working alongside schools in the relentless pursuit of the best possible supports for children, families, educators and the community. Most importantly, Mr. Dora has had the privilege of working directly with hundreds of children, families and educators in a collaborative approach to help children become the best they can be.

Dr. Julie Steck, HSPP, Psychologist, Children's Resource Group
Dr. Julie Steck is a psychologist with CRG/Children’s Resource Group, a multi-specialty behavioral health practice. Dr. Steck specializes in the evaluation of children and adolescents with developmental, learning, emotional, and behavioral concerns. In addition to evaluation, Dr. Steck focuses on treatment of children and adolescents through individual therapy with the child/adolescent and through working the family and school personnel to assist them in adapting to the child’s needs. Areas of expertise include Autism Spectrum Disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and learning disorders. Dr. Steck has worked with children for 45 years as a teacher, school psychologist and psychologist.

Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Director of Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Indiana School Mental Health Initiative, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, is the Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism located at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana’s University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Most recently, Dr. Pratt has become the director of the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Pratt serves on numerous Advisory Boards and in the past, she served on the Board of the national Autism Society and is a Past Chair. Dr. Pratt also serves on the Panel of Professional Advisors and the Public Policy Committee for the Autism Society. Dr. Pratt has been honored by the Autism Society with the Individual Achievement Award, with the 2005 Princeton Fellowship Award, and with various awards through NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc.), including recognition from the United States House of Representatives. In 2008, Dr. Pratt was awarded with the Distinguished Service Award by the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education. Dr. Pratt was the Shibles Distinguished Visiting Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Maine. In 2016, Dr. Pratt was awarded with the Charles Heineman Allied Professional Award through the Indiana Psychological Association. She writes and presents internationally on the following topics: autism spectrum disorders, ASD and co-occurring Mental Health, functional behavior assessment/positive behavior supports, applied behavior analysis, instructional approaches, evidence-based practices, systems change, and policy.

Cost

Standard Registration - $75.00 USD
Registration for parents and individuals on the autism spectrum - $50.00 USD

Register link:  https://go.iu.edu/3T35

• Registrations are processed online by Indiana University (IU) Conferences. You may pay with a credit card, check, or purchase order.

All registrations are final. No money will be refunded.

• To access the materials, a link to the conference will be sent to the email you used to register on September 24, 2021.

• When registering, each participant will need to create their own account. Due to the way our registration system works, two or more people (e.g., co-workers, family members) will not be able to use the same email address. Each attendee must register separately.

• Please note – This is a virtual conference using the Zoom webinar platform.  Participants will need a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to access the conference.

Consumer Education Funds

For information on Consumer Education Funds for family members or individuals with disabilities in Indiana, see Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for Persons with Disabilities website (https://www.in.gov/gpcpd/featured-projects/consumer-education-fund/) or call 317-232-7770.

Certificate of Attendance/Type II BCBA Credits (available at no charge, can be used for Professional Growth Points)

• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Continuing Education credits for speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and occupational therapist assistants licensing requirements. and
• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for Category I Continuing Education hours for Social Workers (LSW), Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Addiction Counselors and Clinical Addiction Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Clinical Addiction Counselors licensing requirements.
• For Board Certified Behavior Analysts – Type II BCBA credits are available: You will need to email Dr. Cathy Pratt at prattc@indiana.edu with your number and verification that you completed workshop.