Parent Empowerment Conference
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday March 24, 2012
9:30am to 3:30pm
John Carroll Elementary School
1400 Nalley Terrace
Hyattsville, MD 20785
If you are a parent of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder,
you are invited to our FREE Parent Empowerment Conference
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.
"Looking Ahead, Preparing Today:
Lifespan Considerations for Competence and Quality of Life"
The past decade has seen reports citing the dramatic increase in the prevalence of autism and related disorders (ASD) to the current 1 case per 110 individuals most recently identified by the Centers for Disease Control (2009). While the reasons behind this increase remain unclear what is clear is that there are greater numbers of individuals being diagnosed with ASD than ever before and subsequently, steadily growing numbers of adolescent and young adults on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, across the country the adult service system is both inadequate and overwhelmed and the need for such services far exceeds the available resources. This presentation will provide a rationale for considering "transition to adulthood" as being a lifespan consideration and not one simply focused on individuals between the ages of 16-21.
Luncheon Speaker: Maureen Burke, Chef/Owner, One Dish Cuisine
“GF/CF and SF Diets: How to Start, Where to Shop, What to Buy” (GF= Gluten Free; CF = Casein Free; SF = Soy Free, EF = Egg Free)
Are you thinking about starting a special diet? Learn how to overcome the challenges of starting this type of diet: Where to shop, how to make suitable substitutions for ingredients and what are the right products to stock in your pantry. You will learn that Gluten or Gluten Casein and Soy Free Diets don't have to be bland and tasteless and will be able to sample some wonderful food options during lunch.
Session I Topics (Choice of One):
Self Advocacy - Michelle Whitfield and Yolonda Cosby, PGCPS
Guardianship and Its Alternatives - Ellen Callegary, Callegary & Steedman, P.A.
Potty Training - Becka Clark, Trellis Services
Session II Topics (Choice of One):
What is Special Education for Your Child? - Kim Marchman, MSDE
Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing - Barbara S. Bassin, OTR/L, BCP
Autism Apps - Dr. Katharina Boser
Childcare provided but limited - $10 per child.
Please call 301-618-8395 for details.
Co-sponsored by: The One World Center for Autism, Prince Georges County Public Schools and Pathfinders for Autism