Conference Agenda:

Autism 101 – Intro to Autism for Those New to the Field
Keith Braunreiter, B.S., Catholic Charities and Special Needs Consultant, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
This session is designed for people new to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Facts and characteristics will be shared and best practices will be explored when dealing with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Educational Characteristics and Learning Styles of Students with Autism
Alyson Beytien, B.A., Autism Consultant, Dubuque, Iowa
Students with ASD exhibit specific educational characteristics that correlate to their diagnosis. This presentation looks at Autism within the context of education; what it looks like in a classroom, examples of interventions, and ideas for supporting their specific learning styles. Practical ideas, and real-life incidences are used to spark discussion on how to help these students succeed and thrive within an educational setting.

Inclusion Strategies for Students on the Spectrum, including Asperger's Syndrome
Natasha M. Pedretti, M.Ed. and Sue Ausavich, B.S., Holmen School District, Holmen, Wis.
Geared toward the elementary level, a variety of visual strategies, social skill activities, book resources, and peer interaction ideas will be shared that the presenters use everyday in their autism teaching. Time for questions and answers will be allotted.

We Have Ways of Making You Talk – Modifying the Environment to Increase Communication
Mary Wirkus-Pallaske, M.S., CCC-SLP, Western Technical College, La Crosse, Wis.
This session will discuss the necessary tools for eliciting functional communication with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. By modifying the environment, teaching communication partners to recognize and respond to every communication attempt, and creating activities that are truly motivating to the individual, we can increase the likelihood of quality communication. Participants will also learn about the pros and cons in using a variety of augmentative communication methods, including sign language, with individuals with ASD.

Concurrent Sessions:

Legislative Updates
Kirby Lentz, Ed.D., C.E.O. and President of Childeda, La Crosse, Wis.
This session will review state and federal legislation relating to autism spectrum disorders, current status of bills affecting education, health insurance, and initiatives to support families, children, and adults with ASD. A "what can I do" will be also be presented.

Social Language Therapy Techniques for Adolescents with ASD or Asperger's
Laura Keehner, MA, CCC-SLP, Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa
In this session, you will get a brief overview of social language characteristics of children with ASD or Asperger's. We will then go into detail regarding specific techniques used to target these deficit areas, including using peers during therapy. A group therapy model will be outlined with evidence to suggest the benefits of this model in improving social language skills for this population.

Visual Supports in the Classroom - The TEACCH Approach
Bob Sanders, M.A.Ed, Special Education Teacher, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
This presentation will highlight the TEACCH approach developed by the University of North Carolina. Ideas will be shared to help you establish physical structure, visual schedules and visual work systems that help students with autism succeed in the classroom and in life. Developing student independence will be stressed.

When Kids with Autism Grow Up
Marty M. Murphy, Independent Educational Consultant, Autism Society, Normal, Ill.
Social understanding and acceptance is one of the largest challenges faced by individuals with autism. Marty will talk about these challenge's including how difficult it is to make and keep friends; how misunderstanding other people’s intents can lead to being taking advantage of; and, how social relationships within the workplace can determine success or failure in a job.

Concurrent Sessions:

Can Food REALLY do THAT? A Parent's Perspective on Implementing the GFCF Diet and Understanding Other Biomedical Issues
Renee Stroh-McClurg, B.S., M.S., Tomah School District, Tomah, Wis.; Parent of an Autistic Child
More and more evidence is showing that autism is a bioneurological/medical disease that affects autistic individuals' GI system, immune system, and/or other physiological processes in addition to the brain. Therefore, it is treatable through a variety of biomedical interventions. Along with her son's journey from diagnosis to today, Renee's presentation will focus on the hows and whys - "the science" - behind the gluten free casein free diet (GFCF diet), tips on how to implement it, and an explanation of other complex and confusing medical issues that seem to be related to autism.

Early Intervention Strategies
Shari Carlson, B.S., Director of Behavior Services, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis. Shari is involved in graduate studies pursuing a Master's in Education
In this session, participants will learn about the essential components of successful early intervention programs and how to apply these components to best assure a successful transition into school. Strategies to foster skill building in young children on the autism spectrum through the use of visual supports, physical structure, and structured play will be shared and discussed.

Possibilities are Endless When it's FREE!
JoAnna Bach, B.S., LD, DCD, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
As educators, parents and caregivers, we have a very small budget (at times no budget at all) for resources we desperately need. During this presentation I will show you places on the web you can go to for FREE materials! These sites range from assistive technology to teaching materials. Possibilities are endless when it’s FREE!

Concurrent Sessions:

Bal-a-vis-x
Yia Vang and Joe Welin, Primary and Secondary Shift Leaders, Chileda,
La Crosse, Wis.
This session will inform and demonstrate the importance of Bal-A-Vis-X (Balance/Auditory/Vision/Exercises) in the every day life of a child. Participants will learn and understand why Bal-A-Vis-X is a key component to the progression of a child's learning, regardless of ability.

Building Blocks: The ABC’s of Autism
Kevin Flottmeyer – Parent and Educator, Substitute Teacher, School District of La Crosse, La Crosse, Wis.
Building Blocks: The ABC’s of Autism presentation is an inside perspective of life with an autistic child. “How did you learn your child was autistic?” “What is everyday life like?” “Is your 6-year-old still wearing pull-ups?” These are the types of questions addressed in an engaging one-hour interactive presentation. Family, faith and fun are addressed, illustrating the heart of an autistic person away from school and therapy. This would be an education for teachers and care providers…and even those with an autistic family member. Anyone wanting to learn more about autism will have their questions answered candidly from a father’s point-of-view.

Incredible 5-Point Scale
Chris Nelson, M.S,, Licensed School Counselor, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
The Five-Point Scale was developed by two special education teachers, Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis. It is a social understanding system that breaks down behaviors using the strengths of visual-concrete learners. The scales may be used for a variety of situations and works well with many social learning resources.

Visual Supports in the Classroom - The TEACCH Approach
Bob Sanders, M.A.Ed, Special Education Teacher, Chileda Institute,
La Crosse, Wis.
This presentation will highlight the TEACCH approach developed by the University of North Carolina. Ideas will be shared to help you establish physical structure, visual schedules and visual work systems that help students with autism succeed in the classroom and in life. Developing student independence will be stressed.

Concurrent Sessions:

Autism 911: Working with First Responders & Law Enforcement to Avoid Negative Encounters
Steven J. Cash, Firefighter/ EMT, La Crosse, Wis., co-founder of the Coulee Region Autism Society
Individuals with Autism are seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement, firefighters or EMS. What can caregivers do to reduce the chance of these becoming unfortunate encounters? This presentation will give caregivers strategies on how to work with their local first responders and law enforcement agencies to avoid potentially negative encounters.

Possibilities are Endless When it's FREE!
JoAnna Bach, B.S., LD, DCD, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
As educators, parents and caregivers, we have a very small budget (at times no budget at all) for resources we desperately need. During this presentation I will show you places on the web you can go to for FREE materials! These sites range from assistive technology to teaching materials. Possibilities are endless when it’s FREE!

Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism
Diane Hietpas, MSE, Director of Special Education, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
This session will outline the unique learning needs of students on the autism spectrum and will describe strategies for teaching literacy skills to these students. Teachers will learn how to plan effective lessons that build on students strengths, interests and individual needs with emphasis on literacy development for those with significant needs.

Closing Lunch and Presentation:

Music in Motion: Using Multiple Modalities to Reach and Teach
Breta Lee, B.S., classroom teacher/teacher Coordinator, Chileda,
La Crosse, Wis. and Bob Sanders, M.A.Ed, Special Education Teacher, Chileda Institute, La Crosse, Wis.