Training

I’ve been asking around about Second Life as a possibility of being a training tool for my son, and have discovered that there is a Second Life for Teens, which may be a possibility.

This morning, I found an article on msnbc.com that shows that other therapist and teachers are already exploring the use of virtual worlds for working with kids with Autism and Asperger’s.

Virtual reality helps autistic kids develop skills: Lessons learned in controlled environment are transferable to real world

I suspect the applications might be much wider than just those mentioned or for these specific diagnosis.  Any experiences that you have to share?

Barb Ross at the Parent Information Network passed this info along:

Playful Possibilities for Fostering Positive Behavior in Young Children

Saturday, April 12, 2008, 8 am- 3pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona

Join us for this interactive and dynamic workshop and learn some unique and innovative strategies for reducing challenging behaviors and promoting pro-social behaviors.

Our presenters will be psychologist Katherine Norgard, M.S.W., Ph.D. and early childhood educator and behavior specialist, Lisa Clifford, M.S.W.

Kathy specializes in psychodrama and consults with teachers and counselors in the public schools to foster action methods in the classroom to spark children’s creativity and spontaneity. She helps teachers rediscover their joy for teaching.

Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary educations and an endorsement as an early childhood educator. Her Master’s degree in counseling has guided her 16 years with Tucson Unified Schools in working as an educator, counselor and currently as a behavior specialist.

Their workshop will be highly interactive…come prepared to participate and engage in role playing!

Questions about the workshop can be directed to:

Gayle Moore, AZ DEC President
gafm52@yahoo.com
or: Sharon Brady, Ph.D.
Sharon.Brady@asu.edu

Pirotal Response Treatment Training
for Supporting Young Children with ASDs in Home, School and Community Settings

This workshop is designed for parents and professionals working with young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Daniel Openden, Ph.D., BCBA, SARRC’s clinical services director, will describe the development and implementation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an evidence-based intervention for teaching children with autism. PRT is a family-centered approach that may be implemented throughout the day and across natural environments such as in the home, at school or in the community. Dr. Openden will discuss procedures for improving the pivotal response of motivation to produce generalized improvements in language and social skills and reductions in disruptive behaviors. Video examples will be used to illustrate how professionals can implement the procedures throughout the day and across settings. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for professional development.

More detailed program information

SARRC is expanding its behavior analysis training to include three workshops created specifically for those working with individuals with ASDs, including habilitators, parents and professionals. Participants will learn evidence based strategies for supporting individuals of all ages with varying levels of ability. The training series will include an overview of typical child development, autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and several behavior management strategies. Participants will also learn valuable information about communication skills, positive behavior support, how to structure the environment and reinforcement procedures.

For more information

Folks: This training program is incredible and I highly recommend it.

Lisa Dee Meyerson Marshall

Dear Partners,

I’ve attached the new Partners application for program year 2008-2009. Please disseminate to any families or self-advocates that you know that could benefit from the Partners training.

Thanks for helping get the application out in your communities.

Karen Kelsch

Program Coordinator

Partners in Policymaking

Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona

2600 N. Wyatt Dr.

Tucson, AZ 85712

520.324.3158

Two training announcements from Lisa Dee Meyerson Marshall:

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Supporting Young Children with ASDs in Home, School and Community Settings

This workshop is designed for professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in a preschool or toddler program. Dr. Openden, SARRC’s Clinical Services Director, will describe the development and implementation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an evidence-based intervention for teaching children with autism. PRT is a family-centered approach that may be implemented throughout the day and across natural environments such as in the home, at school or in the community. Dr. Openden will discuss procedures for improving the pivotal response of motivation to produce generalized improvements in language and social skills and reductions in disruptive behaviors. Video examples will be used to illustrate how professionals can implement the procedures throughout the day and across settings.

Date: Jan. 25

Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Place: SARRC

Cost: Free

Understanding and Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the School Setting 

This workshop is designed for professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in a preschool or toddler program. The training will also include an overview of ASD characteristics, motivational strategies to support appropriate behavior, and a framework for incorporating instructional strategies into the classroom.

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for six hours of professional development. To register, please contact Karen Schultz at (602) 218-8220.

Dates: Feb. 23*, Mar. 15, Apr. 26, May 10, Jun. 7 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Place: SARRC

Cost: No Fee

*February training will be held at Northern Arizona University, Student Union, Havasupai Room, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In case you couldn’t make our IEP workshop this week, here’s another one I just learned about. (Thank you, Gina Johns.)

Special Ed Meeting for Parents:

UPC’s (United Parent Council) Special Education Committee, in conjunction with the PVUSD Special Ed Department, is sponsoring a presentation from Raising Special Kids on Wed., Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will address the IEP and 504 process for any parent who has a child on an IEP or 504. The meeting will be held at Vista Verde Middle School (2826 E. Grovers) in the multi-purpose room.

If you have questions, contact upcmail@hotmail.com, attention Special Ed. committee.

Direct from Barbra Ross
Parent Information Network Specialist, East Maricopa County,
Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services
Phone: 480-607-3030
Email: Barbra.Ross@azed.gov
Website: www.azed.gov/ess/pinspals

Play-and-Learn for Parents and Children by Dr. Sally

Where: Palomino Library, Scottsdale

When: Thurs 1-2pm: Jan 17, 24, 31 and Feb 7

Who: Children 3-up and their caregivers

Cost: Free

Learn how “play as a child’s work” is guided by inborn curiosity in this four-session class. During each session Dr. Sally shows how to support and enrich the play experience with parent-child open-ended play, songs with motions, a craft and a circle game. Sponsored by Discount School Supply. Note: bring a favorite photo of your child for the first session craft project.

Registration required for parent and child: limit twelve parents and their children. Call (480) 312-READ to Register.