Vivian Weinstein Leadership Day

Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Families

Monday, May 3, 2021 | Virtual Conference
9:00am - 4:00pm
IDA is partnering with the University of Arizona, Western Region Public Health Training Center (WRPHTC) for the Vivian Weinstein Leadership Conference

We know that addressing early screening, evaluation, and treatment of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can significantly change their trajectory. Recent statewide and national surveys have found that many children are not screened, evaluated, and treated before three years old.

Join us at the Vivian Weinstein Leadership Day: Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Families to learn about current evidence-based practices, research and public policy to support the learning of young children with ASD.

Our Keynote Speakers
Karen Pierce, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Co-Director, UCSD Autism Center of Excellence.
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 The Get SET Early Model as a pathway to early detection, treatment engagement, and biomarker discovery in ASD.

Eric Courchesne, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Co-Director,UCSD Autism Center of Excellence.
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ASD is a Highly Heritable Prenatal Disorder. 

Opening Plenary Session
Dr. Kate Crowley, OTD, OTR/L
Director of the Minor in Occupational Therapy and Science & Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy
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The Power of Hope

WELCOME
9:00am - 9:15am

Opening Plenary Session
9:15am – 10:30am

BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(sessions will repeat in the afternoon)
10:45am – 12:00pm

Lunch
12:00pm – 12:30pm

Keynote Address
12:30pm – 2:00pm

BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Repeat from morning)
2:15pm – 3:30pm

Connect & Communicate!
Joni Schumacher, M.S., CCC-SLP, Irene Goldmann, M.A., CCC-SLP
Participants will increase their understanding of meaningful communication interactions, the underlying principles for meaningful interactions and develop strategies that support meaningful interactions. more information and bios

Promoting Successful Early Childhood Inclusion for Children with ASD
Zhen Chai, Ph.D. and Annie Cox, M.A
Access and participation in inclusive early childhood learning experiences for children with disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has strong roots in social justice movements and is supported by federal legislation. In this session, presenters will address the current status and key features of high quality Early Childhood Inclusion; present evidence-based practices that promote the learning of young children with varying abilities, and discuss planning that promotes Early Childhood Inclusion through partnerships with families.
more information and bios

Using a Social-Emotional Lens to Support Children on the Autism Spectrum
Dana Kalek, Ed.D,
Kimberly Fortuna, M.A.
This workshop will focus on the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on social-emotional development. We will use a social-emotional lens and concepts of early neurodevelopment to explain regulation, communication, and how to develop attuned relationships. We will also discuss how early intervention can help identify a family’s strengths to enhance child-caregiver interactions, support family dynamics and build skills for resiliency. more information and bios

Play, Purpose & Participation: Engaging Young Children on the Autism Spectrum
Kristine Pilkington, OTR/L
In this session, we will explore the development, structure, and experience of play in children who are on the autism spectrum. Essential qualities such as playfulness, spontaneity, and flexibility will be explored in the context of developing purposefulness and participation in typical settings and with familiar family members. What about object concept and symbolic play? How do sensory preferences affect play and development? How does play open doors for social communication and reciprocity? What are strategies that can best be helpful for children with autism and their families to bridge the communication gaps we find? These and other questions will be addressed during the session, including opportunities for participants to share their experiences. more information and bio

Diagnosis Autism: Impact on the Family
Sarita Freedman, Ph.D.
This presentation will focus on the impact on the family of having one’s child receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Differences between the child presenting with Classic Autism vs. High Functioning Autism are highlighted in terms of the different levels of impact. We look at various individuals in the family and extended family and how they are impacted as well. Finally, we look at parenting challenges and ways that parents can maintain their self-care so that they can be present for their child, themselves, each other, and any siblings. more information and bio

Differences in Early Childhood Resources and Diagnostic Pathways Across States
Andrea Grzybowski, UCSD
Jennifer Andrews, U of A
Sydney Pettygrove, U of A
Participants will hear about the different approaches for current policy on identification, evaluation, and services for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder across two states: Arizona and California. The speakers will discuss lessons learned for funding and policy change.

Closing remarks and opportunity drawing
3:45pm – 4:00pm

Who Should Attend?
Physicians, speech-language pathologists, administrators, higher-education faculty, early-intervention staff, early childhood teachers, occupational and physical therapists, service coordinators, and related service personnel, mental health and behavioral health professionals, family members, and anyone interested in autism spectrum disorder.

Registration Fees
Registration deadline is April 28, 2021

• $140 Member Fee
• $175 Nonmember Fee

ADA Request by April 21, 2021
IDA CE hours PT, Nurses, Speech
6 CE hours $45
CDI CE hours for LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP (you will be invoiced)

Registration process includes:

• Step 1 Payment through IDA.
• Step 2 Register at WRPHTC site via link on IDA payment confirmation email.
• Step 3 Access Zoom link on the day of the conference on the WRPHTC site.

Pay Now With IDA

The Vivian Weinstein Leadership Day Appreciates the Generous Support of our Sponsors!