Registration Open for Free Conference Addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders April 11 at FGCU

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Today, one in 68 children is diagnosed with autism.   A free conference addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Cohen Center. The 8^th Annual Promising Pathways, the Road to Best Practice in Autism will focus on topics relevant to families, educators and health professionals.

The keynote speaker is Chantal Sicile-Kira.  Sicile-Kira’s passion for empowering others, her love of writing, and her personal interest in autism has led her to become a leader in the field of adolescence and transition to adulthood, and an international speaker and award-winning author of five books. Having first worked with individuals with autism in California, and then raising her son Jeremy in three different countries gives her a perspective few in the field have. Chantal recently founded AutismCollege.com which provides practical information and training on-line for parents and educators.

Sicile-Kira’s keynote will discuss the challenges, strengths, and dreams of those living with autism.  Challenge areas such as sensory processing, communication, social relationships and safety will be explained. How building on a person’s strength or special interest can create community connections and employment opportunities will be explored.  Finally, the dreams and hopes of those with autism and their families will be discussed, providing a greater understanding of neighbors who may be different, not less.

Conference breakout session topics include: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, Instructional Supports and Accommodations, Using the Floortime Model, Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders, Assessment and Treatment of High Functioning Autism in Children, Navigating the Neurotypical Working World, Seizures and Autism Spectrum Disorder, IEPs that Work, How Do Special Education Services Relate to Your Child?, and Supports for Work. A resource fair with vendors from a variety of autism-related businesses and service providers will also be available.

The conference is coordinated by a regional planning committee including parents of children with autism and interested community members, as well as representatives from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee County School District, Collier County Public Schools and Family Care Council.

“Because of the need for current, research-based information, we are committed to educating all families, educators, healthcare workers, and community members interested in serving individuals with autism,” said Leigh Anna Nowak, conference co-chair.  “In order to make our conference accessible to all, we have never charged for attendance and our prestigious speakers have typically waived their honoraria.  Our generous sponsors help us bring this important information to the community.”

Sponsors include PEPSA, Working with the Experts, Adonis Autism Assistance Foundation, Easter Seals Florida, Family Care Council, Honc Marine & Honc Destruction, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Katz Counseling & Educational Psychology, Brain Balance of Naples, Florida Institute of Technology, My Autism Connection, Osterhout & McKinney PA, Positive Behavior Support Corporation, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF, Florida Gulf Coast University, David Lawrence Center, TATS, Elly Hagen Marketing & Public Relations, School District of Lee County, Costco, WINK News, The News-Press Media Group and Parent & Child magazine.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

The event is free and offers continuing education credits for some health-care professionals. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.  To register go to www.fgcu.edu/events/promisingpathways/.  For more information email PromisingPathways@fgcu.edu or call (239)745-3400.