Raising a child in today’s society, with the multitude of demands that exist for both child and parent, can be both a blessing and a challenge. However, when your child is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, the level of difficulty in that role can quickly become overwhelming. Compounded by the possibility that your child may engage in challenging behavior, raising him or her may start to look tougher than you could have imagined.

The most recent Autism survey (2008) shows 1 in 88 children are being diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a growing complex, a complicated condition with no “magic bullet” cure. However, there are proven, scientific approaches that do help and can assist parents with the challenge of raising an Autistic child.

On April 28th, The Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College  is hosting “The Autism Puzzle: A Conference for Parents,” which aims to lessen challenges for parents with autistic children by increasing knowledge of ASD and discussing options for effective treatment, teaching strategies, and techniques for building leisure time activities. The purpose of this conference is to give parents the knowledge and support they need to improve the lives of their children at home, at school, and in the community.

Conference presenters are directors of The Institute for Behavioral Studies and are nationally known experts in the field of ASD. Aside from our experts and a panel discussion, representatives from parent support groups, Autism Speaks and The Flutie Foundation will be present.

We’d like to invite parents and members of our community to join us for The Autism Puzzle:

When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9am – 2pm

Where: Wylie Conference Center, Beverly Auditorium at Endicott College

395 Hale Street, Beverly MA 01915

Cost: $20pp (includes morning refreshments) OR $30 (which adds a box lunch)

Topics and Presenters:

*How to Take the Work out of Play: Helping individuals with Autism Develop and Enjoy Leisure Skills

This presentation will cover the challenges of play and leisure skills in individuals with autism, and will highlight some strategies for finding preferences and interests that can be used to build these skills. Special attention will be given to the issue of increasing independence in leisure time activities.

Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor of Education and Director of the Institute for Behavioral Studies, Endicott College

*Teaching Strategies that Work

There are dozens of autism treatments available to parents from which to choose. As with many areas of human service (medicine, psychology etc.), there is a wide range of effectiveness across treatments – some clearly work, some are ineffective, and the jury is still out on many. This presentation will describe criteria for what constitutes effectiveness of treatment and review several treatments that are considered best practices.

Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor of Education and Director of Distance Learning in the Institute for Behavioral Studies, Endicott College

*Demystifying the Treatment of Challenging Behaviors

Your child has been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. You now have a confusing and complex task as a parent to determine which of the many treatments available to parents the one that you believe is is appropriate for your child. Who do you trust? How do you make such a critical decision? Providers often speak in a language difficult to understand, making it even more difficult to evaluate recommended treatments. The goal of this presentation is to help parents better understand their options and make the best choices for their child.

Michael F. Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor of Education and Director of the Institute for Behavioral Studies, Endicott College

*Afternoon Panel Discussion: Navigating the IEP Process: Ensuring Your Child Receives a Free and Appropriate Education

Chair: State Representative John Scibak

Panel Members: Catherine L. “Cat” Lyons of Lyons, Rogers and Lyons, LLC

Eileen M. Hagerty, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP,

Malcolm Patterson, Ed.D., Institute for Behavioral Studies, Endicott College

For registration information, please visit http://mf.gd/6phl0