Ithaca Autism Symposium Flyer & Schedule

We have finalized the agenda for the Autism Symposium scheduled for August 18th & 19th. Two days rich with resources and information related to support for individuals with autism in Central New York.

Download the flyer: ithaca-autism-symposium

Download the agenda: conference-agenda

Evidence-Based Autism Programs

The Autism Symposium in Ithaca, NY will feature sessions describing evidence-based programs currently being implemented in Central New York. Sessions include:

State of the Art Services for Autistic Spectrum Disorders–National and Local Perspectives: Dr. Raymond Romanczyk is Director of The Institute for Child Development in Binghamton, NY. He is also the Director of the new Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders . He will explain the methods and practices shown to help individuals with autism. Dr. Romanczyk will also describe the services provided at ICD and summarize the new role the Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders will play in providing training for schools, agencies and families.

Partnership Programs: Dr. Karen Fried is Director of Autism Services at the Franziska Racker Centers . She will share information about the Partnership Program, which is located in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. The program is based on the methodology of applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Using ABA, the program helps preschoolers on the autism spectrum learn new skills and behaviors, develop interests, form relationships, and actively participate in community life while simultaneously helping the families of these children reach their goals for success and happiness. The program provides an intensive behaviorally based classroom model that includes school experiences with typical and non-typical peers and a logically sound transition plan for kindergarten.

The Primary Autism Program: Ithaca City School District developed a model, school-based program for children with autism. The program includes discrete trial training, visually structured environments, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and functional assessment to “trouble-shoot” and modify programs. Ms. Nicole Dauria and Ms. MaryAnn Simpson, the classroom teacher and speech therapist, will discuss the logistical challenges of student scheduling, staff deployment, and physical structuring needed to ensure a successful program.

Support for Families of Children with Autism

Next week’s Autism Symposium will feature sessions by local experts on topics related to supporting children with autism. Families new to the services and support available in Central New York. Sessions include:

Self Determination is based on the belief that people work best and are happiest when they feel in control of their own lives. Ms. Sally Colletti, owner of Advocate for Autism , will share the principals and methods of self determination in New York State. The session will cover the Medicaid HCBS Waiver and Person-Centered Planning along with options and examples.

Navigating the System: Ms. Kathryn Gleason is a parent of a person with autism and creator of Autism Ithaca . & Ms. Susan Ruff is Director of Advocacy at the Southern Tier Independence Center . Ms. Gleason will share a parent’s perspective on the issues faced by parents as their children grow and services change. Ms. Ruff will explain her experience and share her knowledge of agencies and services available to parents in Central New York.

Special Needs Trust Funds : Ms. Virginia A. Hoveman Esq. is an attorney with Green Seifter, PLLC in Syracuse, NY. She will explain how a special needs trust fund can help families ensure the financial security of individuals with disabilities without loosing government benefits.

Family Support : The responsibility of supporting individuals with autism can be stressful for families. Central New York has organizations to help. During breakout sessions and panel discussions, Advocates for Autism, Ithaca Autism Coalition, Autism Ithaca, and other support groups will explain their activities aimed at supporting families

Behavior Analysis in New York State : Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)is an evidence-based approach effective in helping many individuals with autism. In New York State, there is a growing need for qualified ABA providers. The New York Association for Behavior Analysis has been working with the state to ensure regulatory provisions for these services. Dr. Dennis Mozingo is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Coordinator of the Certification Program at the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities in Rochester, NY. Dr. Mozingo is also the President Elect of The New York Association for Behavior Analysis. He will share a description of NYSABA’s activities and legislative initiatives regarding Behavior Analysis in New York State.

Legislative Initiatives: Current State and Federal legislation related to disabilities will affect families and individuals with autism in upcoming years. Ms. Susan Ruff will share current legislation and pending issues and explain how parents, caregivers and agencies can act to ensure these laws are written to the benefit of individuals with disablities.

Online Resources: Families of individuals with autism, schools and agencies are often unable to leave their location to seek expert assistance. Site visits by professional consultants is often cost prohibitive. A new trend in professional consultation: the “tele-consultation,” may help provide professional support for these individuals. Online consultation was developed several years ago in the field of medicine, but has only recently been advanced in psychological and behavioral support. Dr. Michael Friga, Director of Three Tier Consulting and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst will explain the process and benefits of online consultation.

Ithaca Autism Symposium

Nationally, one out of every one hundred fifty children are diagnosed with autism. Local schools and agencies are beginning to coordinate efforts to address this growing challenge, according to Dr. Michael Friga, Director of Three Tier Consulting. Dr Friga is Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is currently assisting local schools and families affected by autism. He today announced a symposium at TST BOCES, focused on supporting these families. The conference, to be held on August 18^th and 19^th will bring together researchers, service providers, agencies and support groups to share evidence-based practices and resources available in the region. Dr. Friga explained, “parents are frequently unaware of the resources within their area that can support them and their children.” He believes “there is a need for caregivers to develop a sense of community in Central New York.”The first day of the conference focuses on local programs shown to be effective. The newly created Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders will be described by its Director, Dr. Raymond Romanczyk. Dr. Romanczyk is also a professor at Binghamton University and Director of the Institute for Child Development. Dr. Karen Fried, of the Franziska Racker Centers, Ms. Nicole Dauria and Ms. MaryAnn Simpson, of the Ithaca School District will describe three effective school-based programs in Central New York.

 

 

Systems of support will be the focus of the second day, with sessions on how to “navigate the system” and assisting individuals with autism toward independence and “self-determination.” Other sessions will address additional support-related issues, including ensuring financial security for people with special needs, legislative initiatives related to autism, and parent networks in the region.Increasing numbers of children in Central New York are being identified with autism. These individuals and their families require specialized support to ensure success in school and community. The Autism Symposium at TST BOCES provides forum for caregivers to connect with support services and plan for the future.

 

 

To find out more about this conference, or to register, visit: Three Tier Consulting