UNT autism conference brings together nationally known experts to discuss latest research

Thursday, July 3, 2014 - 21:17

What: 6th Annual Adventures in Autism Intervention and Research Conference -- Presented by the University of North Texas Kristin Farmer Autism Center

When: Check-in and on-site registration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Aug. 2 (Saturday);
conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Aug. 2 (Saturday)

Where UNT Gateway Center, 801 North Texas Blvd.

Cost: Regular registration is $85 before July 31
Late registration is $95 after July 31
Registration at the event is $105

Contact: Register online or call 940-369-5373 for more information.

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Nationally known leaders in autism research will discuss the latest developments related to autism treatment at the 6th Annual Adventures in Autism Intervention and Research Conference, presented by the University of North Texas Kristin Farmer Autism Center.

Parents, special educators, behavior analysts, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and other autism service providers are expected to attend the conference, which features more than 20 presentations by autism researchers and practitioners.

"The conference is unique in that it provides an avenue for parents and professionals to get together and develop knowledge and skills related to providing high-quality intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder," said Kevin Stewart, director of outreach and training at the Kristin Farmer Autism Center.

"Parents are able to leave the conference with a renewed sense of hope that there are resources available, and autism professionals and service providers are working diligently to determine the most effective autism interventions available," Stewart said. "They learn techniques and strategies they can implement in the home, as well as information that helps guide their pursuit of the most effective autism treatments."

Dr. Patricia Prelock, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont and president of the American Speech and Hearing Association, will discuss what we know about evidence-based practices in autism intervention. She also serves as professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders and professor of pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Vermont.

Dr. Amanda Boutot, board certified behavior analyst and associate professor of special education at Texas State University, will speak about play-based applied behavior analysis with infants or toddlers with autism. Boutot is also the coordinator of the graduate program in autism and applied behavior analysis at Texas State University. Her research is in early identification and early intervention in autism.

Other presentation topics include:

  • Music therapy: What it is, is not, and how it can help
  • The effectiveness of token economies and level systems for individuals with challenging behaviors
  • Physical therapy for children with autism, evidence and treatment
  • Toilet training for individuals with autism
  • The use of computer-assisted instruction to teach theory of mind skills to children with autism
  • A conceptual model of service provision for individuals with autism in higher education
  • Results of the use of "SVO Power" to increase communication skills during one year: A video case study
  • Video prompting instruction: Where do I start?
  • An overview of insurance billing and autism services

Continuing education units are available through the Texas Speech and Hearing Association, the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and UNT.

About the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center

The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, housed in UNT's College of Education, provides families a resource for comprehensive autism spectrum disorders treatment, research and support and allows UNT to bring together its long history of interdisciplinary autism services and research under one roof. The center allows families in the North Texas region and beyond to have access to high-quality services designed and implemented by top researchers, professors and professionals in the fields of special education, applied behavior analysis, early childhood intervention, speech and language pathology and other fields in autism and disabilities intervention.

About UNT's College of Education

UNT's College of Education prepares students to contribute to the advancement of education, health and human development. Founded in 1890 as a teacher's training college, UNT now enrolls more than 4,000 students in the College of Education, which consists of four departments -- counseling and higher education; educational psychology; kinesiology, health promotion and recreation; and teacher education and administration. UNT's College of Education certifies about 1,000 teachers a year -- making it the largest producer of new teachers in the north Texas region. Students are also prepared for careers as researchers, counselors, leaders, physical activity and health promotion specialists, child development and family studies specialists and more.

UNT News Service
News_Service@unt.edu
(940) 565-2108