UNT autism conference spotlights new effective treatments

Thursday, June 30, 2016 - 19:28

DENTON, Texas (UNT) - Nationally renowned researchers and writers will join University of North Texas faculty on July 30 (Saturday), to share innovative ways to change the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. More than 200 parents, behavior analysts, special educators and other professionals will attend the 8th Annual "Adventures in Autism Intervention and Research Conference" from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UNT Gateway Center located at 801 North Texas Boulevard in Denton.

Conference attendees will learn about cutting-edge research to improve success for individuals with autism of all ages in schools, homes and throughout their communities. More than 18 presentations will focus on new autism interventions, including innovative ways teachers can improve the social development of students, how parents can reduce the sleep disruptions of their young children and how newly developed electronic technologies can advance the lives of persons on the autism spectrum.

"The goal of the conference is to provide the latest information about evidence-based practices and research," said Dawn Towne, conference coordinator for the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, which hosts the annual event.

Professor Connie Kasari, founder and director of the University of California, Los Angeles' Center for Autism Research and Treatment, will be a keynote speaker. Kasari is considered one of the world's leading experts in autism intervention research. Her keynote address will provide an update on key components of effective community-based interventions. She will also present a breakout session on implementing social-communication treatments in schools.

The luncheon keynote address will feature Paul Collins, an award winning science and history writer who frequently appears on National Public Radio. Collins was the keynote speaker at the first Adventures in Autism conference. His poignant book about the history of autism and a father's experiences raising a young son with autism inspired the title of the UNT conference. Collins will update the story of his son's treatment as an adolescent and address the realities of evidence-based practices within public school settings.

The UNT conference is one of the largest of its kind in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The cost is $75, which includes lunch, and there are discounts for groups of five or more. Continuing Education Units are available for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Speech and Language Pathologists. Find more information and to register for the conference at: http://autism.unt.edu/conference. For additional information contact Dawn Towne at dawn.towne@unt.edu; (940) 369-5015.

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