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Panel Discussions


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Empowering Your Family with Tools
To Get Through COVID-19 Challenges

Presenter Title:
Lisa Laurence, Chief Executive Officer

Bio:
Lisa Laurence is a former Elementary Educator with four children, including one on the Autism Spectrum. She is trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis and served as a provider of Direct Support Services for nine years before managing member services through Absolute HCBS beginning in 2010. She has since acted as their Director of Quality Assurance & Policy Compliance, Chief Operating Officer, and is the current sitting CEO. Her experience in raising a child with autism, teaching through Habilitation and ABA, and extensive knowledge of DDD policies, marries professional knowledge with parental compassion and empathy in her approach in working with the DDD community.

Organization:
Absolute HCBS

Description of Discussion:
Change is difficult for just about everyone but even more so for individuals on the spectrum and their families. As 2020 provides a continuous flow of change, flexibility has become a vital part of maintaining emotional health. In this discussion we will cover how to successfully restructure services to better fit the new needs of your family, review tools for teaching flexibility, and explore creative ways to consistently center ourselves in our new, inconsistent world.

Recording will be available soon.

Failure is Not an Option,
It is a Crucial First Step to Success

Presenter Title:
Eric D. Stark JD, MSW, CRSS

Bio:
Eric Stark is a Senior Marketing Coordinator for Banner – University Health Plans and a graduate of ASU’s MSW program here in Tucson. He is a passionate advocate for the rights of individuals dealing with disabilities and is an accomplished motivational speaker. He openly shares his own lived experience facing and overcoming his own life’s challenges including living with an autism spectrum diagnosis. His goal is to teach others how to better empower themselves to become grittier and find more meaning and purpose in life.

Organization:
Banner University Health Plans

Description of Discussion:
This interactive workshop discusses learning how to not fear failure but embrace it as the first necessary step in empowering ourselves and loved ones to develop passion and perseverance for long term goals.

In case you missed it:

5 Tools to Help Keep You Calm,
Stay on Schedule and Promote Positive Behaviors
in This New Era of Distance Learning


Presenter Title:
Jacob Jarvis, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Presenter Title:
Melissa McIntosh, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

Bio:
Jacob Jarvis is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for Helping Hands Behavior Therapy. He graduated from Kent State University in Ohio in 2017. Now he is working towards his Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University in California. He is passionate about his job and has gained valuable experience through working in home and at schools across Tucson. Jacob enjoys working with his clients because of the impact he feels that he makes in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. When weather permits he enjoys visiting the national parks around Arizona and the surrounding states. Any other time is spent playing computer video games. Jacob's favorite decompressing activity is to go on a run.

Melissa is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and the owner of Helping Hands Behavior Therapy. She brings more than 20 years of experience and passion to her work that inspires her clients and staff. Melissa personally oversees all patient cases and is committed to providing the best therapy experience possible. She enjoys getting involved in community and supporting causes that help people live their best lives.

Organization:
Helping Hands Behavior Therapy

Description of Discussion:
With distance learning becoming a new way of life, kids are spending more time at home and online. This is changing behaviors in dynamic ways. New ones may be appearing, while old behaviors may be resurfacing. We’ll discuss five tips to help encourage productivity and create a calming learning environment. At the end, we’ll also provide a gradual, comfort-focussed approach to mask wearing. Join us for a fun, easy-to-apply presentation and a chance to win a FREE in-home therapy kit!

In case you missed it:

Diagnosis, Comorbidity, and
Evidence Based Behavior Therapy


Presenter Title:
Dr. Catherine Riley and Dr. Andrew Gardner

Bio:
Dr. Catherine Riley is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the University of Arizona, Department of Pediatrics. She holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University, a master's degree in education from Western Maryland College, and a doctoral degree from Mayo Medical School. She completed a fellowship in developmental behavioral pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Andrew Gardner, PhD, BCBA-D has been serving families of children with behavioral challenges over the past 20+ years across clinic, home, school, and public settings in both English and Spanish. Dr. Gardner completed his BA undergraduate degree and MS graduate training in Psychology/School Psychology at Utah State University, completed an internship through the Fred S. Keller School (CABAS), his PhD through the University of Iowa, a pre-doctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Gardner has also participated in various Maternal and Child Health Bureau funded Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other Related Disabilities (LEND) programs. He is currently an Associate Professor at The University of Arizona in the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and clinical faculty in the Arizona LEND program. Dr. Gardner supervises a Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic in the department of Psychiatry, participates with the clinical team through The Children's Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy (CPAE) Center of Excellence at the UA Steele Center in Pediatrics, as well as serves children and families at Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services in Tucson, AZ. He has peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations in the areas of evidence-based practices, as well as in the assessment and treatment of childhood problem behavior. Dr. Gardner’s research interests include: functional analytic assessment of childhood challenging behavior, qualities of attention in Parent Management Training (PMT), parenting and cross-cultural treatment acceptability, and therapeutic strategies for challenging behavior based in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for diverse diagnoses. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking in the Sonoran Desert, tortoise husbandry, Wing Chun Kung-fu, and cooking.

Organization:
Children’s Clinics

Description of Discussion:
Dr. Riley: 25 minutes on Diagnosis of Autism and Comorbidity/difference between medical and educational diagnosis. Dr. Gardner: 25 minutes on Evidence based practice/behavior therapy. 5-10 minutes with both of us explaining the new Center of Excellence and answering questions

In case you missed it:

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
from a Neuropsychological Perspective


Presenter Title:
Dr. Sara Frye, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Bio:
Dr. Sara Frye is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. She completed her doctoral training in school psychology at the University of Arizona. Clinically, she specializes in psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations for patients ages 5 to 18 plus. Dr. Frye’s areas of focus include the evaluation and treatment of: autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, and neurocognitive evaluations for medical conditions such as chronic illnesses and genetic disorders. Dr. Frye has published and presented nationally on the neurocognitive, behavioral, and educational functioning of youth with pediatric chronic illnesses, and the influence of sleep and sleep disorders on the behavior and functioning of medically and non-medically involved youth.

Organization:
Southern Arizona Neuropsychology

Topic:
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder from a Neuropsychological Perspective

Description of Discussion:
Dr. Sara Frye will discuss what a neuropsychological evaluation is and how this type of evaluation can help to identify the unique cognitive strengths of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as inform strategies and interventions to address cognitive weaknesses to help the individual function at their full potential.

In case you missed it:

The role of the parents in ABA Therapy


Presenter Title:
Fernando Armendariz Ph.D., Psychologist / Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) Director, FABAS Incorporated

Bio:
Dr. Fernando Armendariz is the director of FABAS, Inc. His agency provides bilingual consulting and training services to families and schools. He designs and supervises behavioral intervention for children with autism. Dr. Armendariz also provides consulting and training for schools on behavior management and effective instruction. He is a psychologist and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). He has more than 35 years of experience assisting children with special needs in home and school settings.

Organization:
FABAS

Description of Discussion:
Dr. Armendariz will present how the research in ABA guides the execution of the Intensive Behavioral Treatment of children with Autism and the very important role of the parents in the implementation.

In case you missed it:

Part 1.

Part 2.

A Fast Natural Solution to
Behavioral Issues


Presenter Title:
Dr. Amy Thomas, OD FCOVD

Bio:
Amy Thomas, OD, FCOVD is a Neuro-optometrist who works at the Arizona Vision Therapy Center in Tucson, AZ. She has a long history of teaching patients how to use their vision and other senses more automatically so they can concentrate on the important things like paying attention in school, reading more fluently, feeling more comfortable in their environment, understanding what is expected of them and “connecting the dots”. These patients can be anyone from a child who did not develop as expected to someone who has experienced an insult to their brain and needs to be reminded how to use their skills again.

Organization:
Arizona Vision Therapy Center

Description of Discussion:

This course will cover typical causes of sensory integration issues, how they affect learning and behavior, accommodations to take in the classroom and home, how to resolve them and what to expect if they remain.

In case you missed it:

Developing treatment interventions for children
affected by ASD. 30-minute presentation with a
10-minute Q & A.


Presenter Title:
Steve Woolf, PhD., BCBA-D, LABA, President of Butterfly Effects

Bio:
Dr. Woolf has been working with individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Psychologist and Behavior Analysts for over 20 years. He is currently the President of Butterfly Effects, a nationwide provider of treatment services for children/families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dr. Woolf is a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral (BCBA-D). He regularly communicates with multiple state policy makers at Department of Public Health, Department of Developmental Services, Special Education Directors, and State Legislators on the funding and service quality of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment. Dr. Woolf has authored publications and regularly presents ABA research at state and national conferences. He has been an invited speaker at the Association for Behavior Analysis–International and numerous state ABA conferences. He has extensive experience providing treatment to children and adults with disabilities. He is the former president and founder of MassABA, served as an CTABA executive committee member for 8 years, and served as the ABAI Chapter leadership coordinator for 3 years. Dr. Woolf’s specialty area is managing large scale home-based service delivery systems to families affected by ASD. Dr. Woolf has supervised organizations that have collectively provided ABA treatment to over 10,000 families. He served on state committees to define behavior analyst licensure standards and ABA treatment guidelines. He was appointed to the Massachusetts State Licensure Board by Governor Charlie Baker. Dr. Woolf also has significant experience working with numerous health insurance providers relative to funding ABA treatment and presents regularly on the new AMA CPT codes. He was the 2018 recipient of the MassABA outstanding contributions award.

Organization:
Butterfly Effects

Description of Discussion:

The number of children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased exponentially over the last ten years. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically validated treatment methodology used to ameliorate the core deficits associated with ASD. Behaviorally based treatment, such as ABA, to serve children affected by ASD has been endorsed US Surgeon General, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Mental Health and many other disguised public health associations. The purpose of this brief presentation is to inform participants on the four most important features of an ABA treatment plan. The presentation shall provide families information to determine if their child’s treatment plan meets a basic standard of care. Participants will learn how to effectively evaluate target behaviors for increase or decrease, how these behaviors function to benefit the individual, how to design treatment interventions that effectively address problem areas and how to effectively include family members in treatment.

In case you missed it:

Parent Facilitated Playdates: Helping Children
Make Meaningful Connections


Presenter Title:
Erin Rourke, MBA BCBA LBA

Bio:
I have been a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) since May of 2011. I have practiced ABA in a variety of settings but my passion is early intervention for children diagnosed with ASD. My journey in ABA started while living abroad in the Czech Republic and has continued in the much more familiar state of Arizona where I was born and raised. The highlight of any work day is helping the children and therapists in my care be a little closer to their best selves. A new edition of Behavior Analysis in Practice always makes me dance. And I am so looking forward to sharing strategies for helping your children make meaningful connections with peers!

Organization:
Hopebridge Autism Centers

Description of Discussion:

This presentation will be aimed at parents of children primarily under the age of 10. It will cover identifying potential playmates, planning effective activities that will engage both children, how to prepare each child for the playdate, how to encourage interaction between the children during the playdate, and data collection. It will be based on several evidence based interventions.

Recording will be available soon.

Remote learning for students with Autism?!
Tips to thrive while at home


Presenter Title:
Breanne Jojola-Smith, Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Hattie Linam ,Tucson Campus Assistant Director.

Bio:
Breanne Jojola-Smith is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Autism Academy for Education and Development. Prior to that she was a teacher in the special education classroom setting in Phoenix, Arizona. Collectively, she has spent 9 years working with students with Autism in the classroom setting and 7 years working with individuals with disabilities in the home setting. Linam is the Assistant Director of the Autism Academy for Education and Development Tucson campus. In addition to her work as a special educator and administrator, she has taught courses at Arizona State University and worked with students with disabilities in the post-secondary setting. She is passionate about providing education that prepares students for life.

Organization:
Autism Academy for Education & Development LLC

Description of Discussion:

Remote learning has become a new staple of the school experience for all students. For individuals with autism and their families, this change has presented many new challenges. In this session, we will discuss those challenges and strategies for addressing them. Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies to help make at-home learning as successful as possible.

In case you missed you:

Intermountain Centers: Your Integrated Team
is Still Here at Home, School, Clinic, and Beyond…


Bio:
Rosario Huerta, Licensed Professional Counselor and mother of a transition-aged youth with ASD
Julie Shivanonda, Principal of Intermountain Academy and mother of a transition-aged youth with ASD
Kyle Lininger, Director of Integrated Care at Intermountain Centers, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Ken Baumgartner, Director of Autism Services at Intermountain Centers, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Elizabeth Turner, Assistant Principal, Board Certified Behavior Analyist

Organization:
Intermountain Centers

Description of Discussion:

Even though the world seems closed, we are here, working to help you and your loved one on the spectrum. Education Specialists, Behavior Specialists, Care Coordinators, Psychotherapists, and Parents will be available to present on how they are adapting their work to meet your needs. You are invited to an interactive session to get answers to anything you are struggling with. This is a great opportunity to match up and connect with some of Arizona’s leading professionals and to hear from parents on the panel about their experiences in the age of COVID-19.

In case you missed it:

 

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