Midwest Autism Conference

Getting it Together
Craig and Alyson Beytien, Dubuque, Iowa
Maintaining a relationship can be difficult when a child is diagnosed with autism. The stress of diagnosis, creating treatment and educational plans, negotiating with systems, financial strains, parenting and communication differences, and basic sleep deprivation can impact and change the relationship between loving partners. Married for 22 years and parenting three teenage sons with autism, Craig and Alyson will share their insights, experiences, ideas for staying together, staying focused, and staying happy.

This presentation is sponsored by the Coulee Coalition for Children with Differing Abilities

Making Peace with Autism
Susan Senator, author/parent/advocate
“Through my essays, articles, and book, I am trying to make sense of autism and find a way to my oldest son, and help others with this challenge of autism at the same time. This diagnosis does not mean the end of the world, but it is the end of some things. It is also the beginning of a very long road. If you can accept that this person is different, but a person nonetheless, you are halfway there. For the rest of the way, you need a few great friends, a lot of information, and a sense of humor.” - www.susansenator.com

Ms. Senator is a writer, activist, and parent of three sons. Through her articles, speaking engagements and Web site, she challenges educators, therapists, policy makers and parents to recognize the special potentials of children with autism and understand that “not all happy families are alike…”

"I LOVE THIS BOOK!! This is a book that every parent and professional working with autistic children should own, read and reread, keep in the bedside night-stand. These children have such enormous potential in their own way. It is so refreshing to know that someone else sees it too.” —Margaret L. Bauman, Pediatric Neurologist, MassGeneral Hospital; Director, The Autism Research Foundation and LADDERS Clinic; Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School.

Assistive Technology for Students with Autism: Communication, Academicsand More! (repeated in afternoon)
Mary Wirkus, MS, CCC-SLP, Instructor/Speech-Language Pathologist, Disability Support Specialist Program, Western Technical College
This session will provide an overview of the newly revised Assistive Technology Manual for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, distributed by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Communication considerations, environmental accommodations, and low and mid-tech augmentative communication strategies will also be shared. Participants will learn how to access the downloadable manual at no charge.

Autism 101 – Overview and Refresher
Keith Braunreiter, BS, Catholic Charities, La Crosse, Wis.
This session is designed for people new to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Facts and characteristics of the range of disorders will be shared. Participants will be introduced to the best practices employed by educators, therapists, and families who work with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

What to Expect from your Occupational Therapist
Christine R. Krueger, MASL, OTR
What is occupational therapy exactly? How is OT unique and what is realistic to expect? What should one ask and look for from occupational therapy? The value of occupational therapy to those with autism spectrum disorders may initially seem ambiguous and confusing. This session will seek to untangle the questions and clarify the role of OT, with an aim for quality care and communication between professionals and families.

Ziggurats and CAPS (repeated on Tuesday)
Karrie Zielke, BS, Case Manager, Chileda
Ziggurats is a tool used to find the underlying characteristics of an individual on the spectrum. Once the underlying characteristics are determined, educators, parents and care providers can create comprehensive interventions for the individual. The interventions are then put into a Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS). The use of CAPS ensures that the intervention plan becomes a reality.

Concurrent Sessions:

Introduction to Therapeutic Listening
Stephanie Andersen, OTR, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and Chileda
This workshop will introduce participants to Therapeutic Listening and the basic guidelines of this approach. The benefits for Therapeutic Listening in treating sensory processing disorders will be discussed, as well as barriers to the treatment. Participants will have an opportunity to hear examples of Therapeutic Listening sessions.

Local Camps Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Jon Zinniel - Director of Training – Chileda with Valerie Croissant, CTRS, Respite Camp Coordinator, Easter Seals Wisconsin
Carissa Miller, CTRS, Camp Director, Wisconsin Badger Camp
Rande Gustafson - Executive Director Camp Winnebago
Camp experiences help children learn important life skills and develop self-confidence as individuals. This session features a panel from camp programs who will describe campers’ experiences and program goals. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions.

My Child Received an ASD Diagnosis: What Now?
Steve Spilde, M Div, Parent
This session describes a family’s journey from the initial recognition that “something is wrong” to obtaining a diagnosis, applying for intensive therapy services, and locating respite and support. The family’s experience includes numerous therapies, including Floortime, ABA, TEACHH, auditory and speech therapies, OT, PT, social skills therapy, biomedical treatments, birth to three and horse therapy. Challenges, sources of support and the presence of hope are part of this story.

What’s Working - What’s Next? Update from DPI
Brian Johnson, MS, Educational Consultant, Special Education Team, WI Department of Public Instruction
Discuss the current “hot topics” for working with students on the autism spectrum from classroom and state educational policy vantage points. The initiatives and projects of DPI will be presented, as well as evidence-based practices that can help ensure student success. A look at the evaluation criteria of the updated Evaluation Guide will be included.

Concurrent Sessions:

Assistive Technology for Students with Autism: Communication, Academics and More! (repeated session)
Mary Wirkus, MS, CCC-SLP, Instructor/Speech-Language Pathologist, Disability Support Specialist Program, Western Technical College
An overview of the newly revised Assistive Technology Manual for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, distributed by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Communication considerations, environmental accommodations, and low and midtech augmentative communication strategies will also be shared. Learn how to access the downloadable manual at no charge.

Preparing Students on the Spectrum for College
Karen A Fisher, MSW, MS, Center for Students with Disabilities, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Higher education is possible for students who have Aspergers or high functioning autism. This workshop provides educators, counselors, and parents with the tools and strategies that can help young people prepare for higher education. Learning time management skills, organizing course requirements and negotiating social interactions are keys to success for students on the spectrum. Fisher describes her work with college students and how she helps faculty, staff and campus security recognize and communicate with those on the spectrum.

"Sammy and I like to Wrestle!" Sibling Relationships: The Key to Inclusion
Kevin Flottmeyer, father of son with autism, teacher, Chileda
Take an insider’s look at the sibling dynamic when impacted by autism. A father of a son with autism will share his observations along with testimonials from neuro-typical children who have a brother/sister with autism. This is an opportunity for educators and care providers to learn about the family relationship away from the classroom and therapy setting.

What’s new in Madison and Washington: Legislative update for families and persons with ASD
Kirby Lentz, Ed.D., President/CEO of Chileda
Senator Dan Kapanke, State Senator from the 32nd District (Invited)
Review of 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.

Concurrent Sessions:

Cranial Osteopathy for Kids
Nedira Haik, MD, Francican-Skemp Mayo Health System, Center for Health and Healing
The history and background of cranial osteopathy will be described in this workshop. The symptoms that respond cranial treatments will be discussed, as well as who makes the best candidates for this treatment. A typical evaluation and treatment will be outlined with a precautions and special consideration reviewed.

Let’s Be Friends! Facilitating a Play Group for Young Children with Asperger Syndrome
Diane Hietpas, MSE, Director of Special Education, Chileda, La Crosse, Wis.
This session will describe the components of a social skills support group for young children with Asperger Syndrome. Lesson content and resources will be shared as well as steps that are taken to facilitate play among children with Asperger Syndrome.

Strategies for Educators of Students with Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism
Jody L. M. Walter, MS CCC-SLP/Speech-Language Pathologist, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare–La Crosse
Participants will be able to name characteristics of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and their impact on behavior; describe classroom accommodations that don’t interfere with standard classroom routines; describe causes of anxiety for the student; list teacher management strategies for dealing with decreased academic and social performance,decreased attention to task, and potential increases in behavior problems.

Visual Supports in the Classroom - The TEACCH Approach
Bob Sanders, MA 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: the Musical
Shown with permission from New Video, 902 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
Winner of two primetime Emmys, this film follows five Los Angeles children as they defy diagnosed expectations by writing, rehearsing and performing their own full-length musical. The film’s director Tricia Regan captures the struggles and triumphs of their family lives, and celebrates the creative spirit enlivened through the “Miracle Project.”

“One of the most candid, down-to-earth, organically inspirational documentaries you’ll ever see….an unsentimental, simply photographed chronicle of the autism epidemic that doesn’t try to show too much or conceal the rough places. Amazing… extraordinary…it will have audiences cheering long before the final act.” — Boston Globe, 11/07

Creating Social Success for Asperger Youth
Monica Ryan-Rausch, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Program Coordinator, Asperger Program, Four Oaks, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This workshop will highlight the development of an afterschool program that serves middle and high school students with Asperger’s. The social skill lessons and program components will be described, as well as the teaching and recreational activities strategies used to enhance learning.

Ziggurats and CAPS (repeated session)
Karrie Zielke, BS, Case Manager, Chileda
Ziggurats is a tool used to find the underlying characteristics of an individual on the spectrum. Once the underlying characteristics are determined, educators, parents and care providers can create comprehensive interventions for the individual. The interventions are then put into a Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS). The use of CAPS ensures that the intervention plan becomes a reality.

Lunch and Closing Plenary

Compassionate Caregiving
Fred J. Kusch, JFK Associates, La Crosse, Wis.
Caring is an every day/all day reality for parents, intimate partners, and professionals who live with and work with children with special needs. There is no doubt that compassionate care is given unconditionally and freely. To sustain that level of that compassionate care and be effective, care givers must first take care of themselves. Fred will challenge us to “look in more often, so you can look out more effectively and lovingly” and “love yourself better so you can do the very same for others.”

Adjournment and Departure for Chileda Tours
Participants are invited to tour the new grounds and facilities of Chileda, located 15 minutes from the conference site. Built in August 2006, Chileda provides an educational and residential setting well integrated into the neighborhood and larger community. Short tours begin at 2 p.m. & 2:45 p.m.
(Map and carpooling assistance are provided)