Autism and Asperger Syndrome: From Assessment to Treatment

Location

Michael D. Powers, Psy.D.
Four Points by Sheraton Eastham
Route 6
Eastham, Massachusetts 02642
Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8, 2008

Symposium Description

With the incidence of autism, Asperger syndrome and related pervasive developmental disorders now at 1 in 150, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) have become a widespread concern for mental health practitioners, educators, and parents.

This symposium synthesizes current research and practice on the etiology, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and evaluation of ASDs. Participants will learn to distinguish diagnostic issues for various ASDs, and the relationship between core neuropsychological assets and deficits to learning, social, communication, and behavioral issues that may be present from early childhood through young adulthood. The goal of this symposium is to teach mental health practitioners how to provide state-of-the-art care based on current research and understanding to support the range of needs presented by those with ASDs and their families.

Symposium Schedule

Monday

• Understanding autism and Asperger syndrome
• Core deficits
• Theories of causation
• Genetics
• Neuropsychological assets and deficits
• Assessment
• Differential diagnosis of ASDs

Tuesday

• Understanding and treating social and communication problems
• Social skills training
• Group and individual treatment
• Skills for home and community
• Social communication skills
• Conversation skills

Wednesday

• Understanding the causes of challenging behavior
• Goals of assessment and treatment
• Situations that "set the stage" for behavior
• Assessment of behavioral function
• Identifying replacement behaviors

Thursday

• Strategies for changing challenging behavior at home, in the classroom, and in the community
• Integrating treatment planning with social and communication objectives
• Functional communication training
• Developing positive behavioral supports
• Evaluation of treatment effectiveness
• Ethical issues in treatment; safeguarding client rights

Friday

• Creating effective educational programs
• Specific strategies to promote learning and behavior in the classroom
• Working collaboratively with families
• Evaluating program effectiveness

For more information, click here.