UNT autism conference shares techniques to improve success at school, home and beyond

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 19:44

DENTON, Texas (UNT) -- How can iPads and other technology help a nonverbal child with autism communicate? Can equine therapy help individuals on the autism spectrum thrive? What can parents and caregivers do to best potty train an autistic child? Answers to some of the latest questions circulating in the autism world will be addressed in one of the largest state conferences for families, educators and professionals who interact with young children with autism.

Nearly 300 individuals are expected to attend the University of North Texas' annual "Adventures in Autism Intervention and Research Conference" from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 25 (Saturday) at the UNT Gateway Center, located at 801 North Texas Blvd. in Denton.

"The goal is to collaborate with and inform all the people in a child's life so that the child can be more successful," said Kristi Klusman, intake and outreach coordinator for the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, which hosts the conference.

Renowned autism researchers Ron Leaf and Jennifer Ganz will present keynote addresses highlighting cutting-edge developments in autism treatment. Other sessions will highlight interventions to help kids thrive in school, the home and other key areas of life, including ways to:

  • Coordinate long-term care between a team of professionals – educators, doctors, speech therapists and parents – who help autistic individuals.
  • Use alternative communication, such as speech-generating devices, hand gestures, communication boards and picture exchange systems, for nonverbal students.
  • Improve social skills and awareness through role play, videos and interactive software to simulate real-life situations autistic children face.
  • Effectively implement proven autism interventions in public schools.
  • Use structured teaching and routines to help students become more independent.

Registration ends July 17 (Friday) and costs $95, with discounts for groups of five or more. Free childcare is available for participants. Register at the conference website. For information, contact Kristi Klusman at Kristi.Klusman@unt.edu.

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