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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T120000
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DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20260311T190301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T184346Z
UID:6384-1775649600-1775653200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - Every Gift Counts\, Supporting Autism Society of Iowa
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Lunch & Learn on smart\, simple\, and meaningful ways to give to the Autism Society of Iowa. Brad Biren\, Attorney at Wilson Elser\, Tax Controversies & Wealth Preservation\, will explore practical and creative giving options for everyday donors\, from monthly gifts and tribute giving to tax-smart strategies involving IRAs\, stock\, donor-advised funds\, and legacy gifts. Designed for real people and real budgets\, this program will help attendees understand how recent tax-law changes may affect charitable giving and how to choose a giving method that fits their values\, finances\, and goals. Whether you are a longtime supporter or just beginning to think about giving\, you’ll leave with fresh ideas for making a local impact in Iowa’s autism community. \nClick Here to Register for FREE!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/lunch-and-learn-every-gift-counts-supporting-autism-society-of-iowa/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20260205T210828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T192221Z
UID:6278-1775206800-1775228400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2026 Spring Virtual Conference: "From Representation to Reality: Autism and Popular Culture"
DESCRIPTION:Together with Childserve and Meadowlark Psychiatric Services\, Autism Society of Iowa is proud to host “From Representation to Reality: Autism and Popular Culture”\, a one day virtual conference. \nJoin us Friday\, April 3rd from 9:00am to 3:00pm as we hear from scholars\, caretakers\, and individuals with Autism discussing the connections\, interpretations\, and representations of neurodivergence in pop culture. \n  \n*Scholarships are available to cover registration fees. Please contact us at autismsocietyiowa@gmail.com to inquire. \n  \nClick Here to Register!\n\nConference Agenda\n*Tentative – times subject to change\n\n \n\nPresenters and Moderators:\n  \n \nChris Chan \nChris Chan is a historian\, author\, and educator from Milwaukee\, Wisconsin. He has a doctorate in American History and two master’s degrees in History and Library & Information Science. He teaches graduate courses for Southern New Hampshire University and undergraduate courses for The Chicago School. He is the author of six crime novels\, two volumes of short stories\, a volume of poems\, and five books of cultural criticism. His play Our Mothers Are Not Refrigerators\, about a self-help group for people with autism\, received a staged reading from Pink Umbrella Theater Company\, a Milwaukee group working with disabled actors and artists. He has won the Temple Grandin Prize\, his book The Autistic Sleuth won the Best Independent Book Award for TV History\, and he has also been a finalist for the Agatha\, Anthony\, and Macavity Awards\, and Long Listed for the CWA Dagger Award. \n  \n \nErin Dorsey \nErin Dorsey is from Naperville\, Illinois. She is currently a second-year graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa. Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech\, Language\, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University. She also completed minors in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology. Erin is expected to graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. \n  \n  \nMegan Fear \nMegan Fear is a second-year graduate student in speech-language pathology at the University of Iowa. She is a speech-language trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Iowa LEND) program\, where she has ongoing training to work with children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Iowa. She is expected to graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. \n  \nBrian Johnson \nAfter years of uncertainty\, Brian Johnson was diagnosed with autism (specifically Asperger’s Syndrome) as a sophomore in high school.  Since his diagnosis\, he has been a member of the Siouxland Autism Support Group in Sioux City\, Iowa.  In 2004\, he graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School in Lawton\, Iowa as valedictorian of his class.  In 2008\, he graduated summa cum laude from Morningside College (now Morningside University)\, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.  He currently lives in Bronson\, Iowa and works in Moville\, Iowa for a regional newspaper called The Record.   Since graduation\, Brian has presented his story to numerous groups of parents\, teachers\, paraprofessionals\, college students and others who are working with and learning about people with autism.  For the past several years\, he has also been involved in an organization at Briar Cliff University called “The Human Library.”  He is also a board member and frequent panelist for the Autism Society of Iowa. \n  \n\nTodd Kopelman \nDr. Kopelman is a psychologist in private practice at Meadowlark Psychiatric Services in Iowa City. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics\, The University of Iowa Speech and Hearing Center\, and The University of Iowa College of Education. Dr. Kopelman’s primary clinical interests are the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in children and adults and providing behaviorally based therapy services. He is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and co-teaches a graduate course on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has coordinated three federally funded research projects on telehealth evaluation and treatment of disruptive behaviors displayed by young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. \n  \n \nMargaret Mendenhall \nMargaret Mendenhall\, PhD resides in Long Beach\, California and is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Mythological Studies Program. Additionally\, her current dissertation\, Healing Science Fiction: Engaging Star Trek to Explore Depth Psychology and Autism is in the review process in the Depth and Archetypal Psychology Program at the same institution. Her blog\, My Daily Soul Trek\, analyzes Star Trek episodes and films chronologically from a depth psychological perspective (https://mydailysoultrek.com/). She has also written\, performed and produced two myth based one-woman shows\, and produced and hosted the public access television series Myth Is All Around Us. She was diagnosed as autistic as a mature woman in April 2024. \n  \nRon Miles \nRon Miles is the proud father of an autistic son\, a software architect\, and a musician. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest\, Ron moved (along with his ex-wife\, son\, and then-fiancé) to Central Florida in the summer of 2003 in order to use Walt Disney World as a giant therapy session for his son. He works from a home office as a software architect. He dreams of the day when he will finally be able to have a real conversation with his son\, if only to find out what his son has really been thinking about all these years. \n  \n  \nAbby Niederhauser \nAbby Niederhauser is a self-taught pop culture artist whose vibrant work celebrates her love of ’90s cartoons and nostalgia. What began as painting favorite characters to decorate her apartment quickly grew into a prolific creative practice\, with more than 300 pieces produced and shared under the name Abby’s Rad Art. Her large-scale “Take Up Space” exhibition featured nearly 200 works displayed together\, intentionally highlighting the hyperfocus and intensity that shape her autistic experience. Through her art\, Abby not only expresses her deep special interests but also creates connection—using creativity as both education and conversation starter about neurodiversity.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2026-spring-virtual-conference-from-representation-to-reality-autism-and-popular-culture/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20260302T163758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T190736Z
UID:6321-1774440000-1774443600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - ASI: Who Are We and What Do We Do
DESCRIPTION:  \nJoin us for a FREE virtual Lunch & Learn to discover how the Autism Society of Iowa supports individuals on the autism spectrum and their families across the state. In this engaging session\, we’ll share our mission\, core programs\, and the impact we’re making through education\, advocacy\, community events\, scholarships\, and safety initiatives. \nLearn how we connect families to trusted resources\, create inclusive opportunities for social connection\, and advocate for meaningful systems change. Whether you’re a professional\, educator\, community partner\, or family member\, this session will provide insight into who we are\, how we serve\, and ways you can get involved. \nBring your lunch and your questions. We look forward to connecting with you! \n  \nClick Here to Register for FREE!\n\nPresenters:\n  \n \nErin Enyart\, Executive Director\, Autism Society of Iowa \nErin is a busy wife to husband\, Jerrod\, and mother to two young adults with autism\, daughter\, Harper (21)\, and son\, Gibson (20). Following Harper’s autism diagnosis in 2006 and Gibson’s in 2008\, Erin became actively involved with the Autism Society of Iowa\, where she held several leadership roles\, including Secretary\, Treasurer and Associate Director\, before assuming her current role as Executive Director. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work\, providing leadership and advocacy on behalf of individuals with autism and their families across the state of Iowa. Outside of her professional responsibilities\, Erin enjoys reading\, antiquing\, and spending time with her family and dog\, Olive. \n  \nTiffany Hoffman\, Associate Director\, Autism Society of Iowa \nTiffany is the Associate Director of the Autism Society of Iowa\, where she focuses on advocacy\, education\, and meaningful support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. A former early childhood educator\, she brings both professional experience and a personal perspective to her work. Tiffany is also a parent to neurodivergent children from middle school through college\, which shapes her passion for inclusive\, practical supports across the lifespan. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/march-virtual-lunch-and-learn-asi-who-are-we-and-what-do-we-do/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T151500
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250528T203243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T215125Z
UID:5813-1761294600-1761318900@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Education Conference
DESCRIPTION:  \nRegister now for the 2025 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference featuring keynote speaker\, Dr. Kerry Magro\, Ed.D.!\n  \nClick Here to Register!\n_________________________________________________________________________\n  \nCheck out our amazing lineup of speakers and panels below! Check-in begins at 8:00 AM. \n  \n \n_________________________________________________________________________\nSpeaker Information:\nDr. Kerry Magro \nDr. Kerry Magro Ed.D. was nonspeaking till 2.5\, diagnosed with autism at 4 and didn’t speak in complete sentences until 7 years old. Today as an adult he is an award-winning autistic professional speaker\, best-selling author and autism consultant to Netflix’s Emmy-Award Winning Series ‘Love on the Spectrum U.S’and the HBO series Mrs. Fletcher. His work also includes being hired as a writer for the PBS Kids new series ‘Carl the Collector’ featuring the TV Network’s first-ever autistic main character. \nHe started professional speaking 14 years ago via the National Speakers Association after he fell in love with theater as a child to help with his social and communication skills. Today he has spoken at over 1400 events during that time include 2 TEDxTalks and a ‘Talks at Google’ presentation. In addition\, Kerry is CEO & President of KFM Making A Difference\, a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has provided 150 scholarships for autistic students for college and counting since 2011. He’s provided 27 small business grants for small businesses that hire people with disabilities and has played Santa Claus for autistic and special needs children for the past decade to give them an opportunity to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. \nIn his spare time\, he hosts a Facebook Page called Kerry’s Autism Journey that now has 314\,000 Facebook followers where he does on-camera interviews highlighting people impacted by a diagnosis to help break down barriers in our community. His videos he’s produced have been watched over 35 Million times.  \n Kerry’s best-selling books Defining Autism From The Heart\, and Autism and Falling in Love\, I Will Light It Up Blue and his latest\, Autistics on Autism\, Supporting Your Autism Journey and Santa Goes The Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities have reached Amazon Best-Seller Lists for Special Needs Parenting. His latest book ‘’ was released on April 2\, 2024 for World Autism Awareness Day! \nFor his efforts in the community he’s been featured on NBC’s Today Show\, CBS News\, FOX5\, Upworthy along with additional outlets. He frequently speaks in-person and virtually to companies on Neurodiversity in the Workplace including JP Morgan Chase\, TD Bank\, and S&P Global. \n\nSue Askeland \nSusan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City as a speech language pathologist and a member of the autism resource team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017. \nSusan continues to be actively involved in the autism community . She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Susan also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom. \n\nTaylor Aukes \nTaylor Aukes is the Adult Community Services Director at Balance Autism. He has been with Balance Autism for 7 years. Taylor has provided oversight to the Smart Living Program at Balance Autism focusing on the development of processes and policies to ensure compliance with State regulations as well as establishing a best practice for providing the highest quality of care for the individuals they serve. As a member of Proof Positive’s Autism Wellbeing Alliance\, He has worked to integrate the skills of happiness and positive psychology into the Smart Living Program. \n\nSuzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller\, MD\, FACOG\, ABOIM  \nSuzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller is an OB-Gyn and integrative medicine physician and is the mother of two children including a twenty-five-year-old son with autism. She divides her time between Iowa and Arizona seeing patients through MercyOne Waterloo OB-Gyn and HonorHealth Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale\, AZ. She is a past president and former longtime board member of the Autism Society of Iowa. Suzanne is the award-winning author of The Outdoor  Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing\, published in 2019 and  A Friend Like John\, Understanding Autism\, published in 2011. \n\nJessica Crawford\, BCBA\, LBA \nJessica Crawford has been in the autism field for the past 15 years and has spent her career working to apply the science of behavior analysis to support and enhance the lives of individuals with autism. Since obtaining her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University\, Jessica’s focus has been working in home\, community\, and clinical settings providing services and guiding the application of behavioral analysis across the lifespan. Finding new and innovative ways to teach and enhance the lives of individuals with autism while making services more accessible is a primary passion of hers. \n\nLorna Garcia\, Sergeant\, Des Moines Police Department \nSergeant Lorna Garcia has been a law enforcement officer in the Des Moines Police Department since 2000.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University\, with majors in Psychology and Sociology.  Her current assignment is focused on mental health and crisis response\, partnering with the Broadlawns Mobile Crisis Response Team and the Crisis Advocacy Response Effort.  Her previous duties include patrol officer and as a detective in the crimes against persons section.  She has also served as a member of the Metro STAR Crisis Negotiation Team since 2007 and currently serves as the Team Leader.  Additionally\, she is the lead instructor for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and de-escalation training for DMPD officers.    \n\nKristin Hansen\, M.A\, BCBA\, LBA \nKristin Hanson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)\, Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)\, and the Founder\, CEO\, Owner\, and Clinical Director of Axis Therapy Centers. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)\, her clinical expertise is rooted in the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder. In addition to her clinical and executive work\, Kristin serves on several statewide and national committees. She is a Board Member and Events Committee Co-Chair for the Autism Society of Iowa\, a member of the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program\, and Co-Chair of the State Advocacy Group for Iowa under the Council of Autism Providers. \nKristin is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth\, continually engaging in advanced leadership training\, mentorship\, and self-development. Outside of her professional life\, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children\, reading\, listening to podcasts\, attending concerts\, and golfing. \n\nErika Hertel\, MA\,  \nErika Hertel is the program manager for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) at Child Health Specialty Clinics\, with University of Iowa Health Care. She received her BS in Psychology and MA in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. She is a certified Family Development Specialist through the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice and Family Peer Support Specialist through the Iowa Board of Certification. Erika has experience working with children ages 0-21 and their families in a range of programs focused on prevention\, family education and support\, treatment\, and connection to services. She is an ex-officio member of the Iowa Autism Council\, serves on the Autism Society of Iowa Board of Directors\, and leads the RAP Expert Panel. She is the parent of three young adults\, one of whom has autism. \n\nKim Johnson & Taylor Johnson Daniels \nKim Johnson and Taylor Johnson Daniels are highly experienced certified Water Safety Instructors with a combined background of over 50 years in teaching and lifesaving. Both hold certifications in Advanced Lifesaving\, CPR\, and are trained PADI Rescue Divers. Together they bring an unmatched depth of knowledge\, professionalism\, and passion to the field of aquatic education and safety. \nThroughout their careers\, Kim and Taylor have taught thousands of students\, from beginners taking their first strokes to advanced swimmers training for competition Their teaching philosophy emphasizes not only swimming proficiency\, but also the importance of safety\, confidence\, and respect for the water. They believe that strong swimming skills and lifesaving knowledge can be life-changing—and even life-saving—for people of all ages. \nAbove all\, Kim and Taylor are passionate about creating safe\, positive\, and empowering experiences in the water—building a legacy of confident swimmers and a safer community for generations to come. \n\nDr. Todd Kopelman\, PH.D.\, BCBA \nTodd Kopelman is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. He evaluates children\, adolescents\, and adults for questions about autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions and provides individual therapy for children and adults as well as parent coaching at Meadowlark Psychiatry. \nBefore joining Meadowlark\, Dr. Kopelman was a Professor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics Department of Psychiatry. He co-directed the hospital’s Autism Center as well as the Day Treatment Program at The Center for Disabilities and Development. He has worked collaboratively with schools across Iowa to support students with behavioral challenges\, served as Project Coordinator for three federally funded grants investigating the use of telehealth and young children with Autism\, and has co-written several journal articles and book chapters. \nDr. Kopelman is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa\, including serving as its President\, and he has helped organize conferences on several topics related to Autism. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he continues to teach and mentor graduate students\, medical students and psychiatry residents and conducts interdisciplinary autism evaluations. \n\nKerry Lust \nKerry Lust and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three children\, Carter (19)\, Brandon (17)\, and Jaina (14).  Their journey with autism began when their son Brandon\, was diagnosed at age 4.  Kerry is passionate about advocating for autism awareness\, acceptance\, and support. She currently serves as a board member for the Autism Society of Iowa.  Kerry is a high school social studies teacher and an adjunct psychology instructor at DMACC. \n  \n\nAnne Spaine \nAnn Spaine is a licensed mental health therapist who has worked as a mental health/behavioral health team lead at ChildServe in Johnston since 2021. She loves working with individuals of all ages and has over 12 years of experience as a practicing therapist. Ann has specialized training and practice in trauma-informed modalities\, including Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing\, Child-Parent Psychotherapy\, and attachment-based interventions. Outside of work\, she enjoys time with family\, reading\, swimming\, running & travel. \n\n\nAbby TeKippe\, M.A. CCC-SLP \nAbby TeKippe graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She worked at Grant Wood AEA for 2 years within their Autism Programs. After moving back home to Des Moines\, she began working for ChildServe Johnston. Abby works within the outpatient therapy setting and is one of the therapists on the Autism team who support kids within the Autism Day Program. She has a passion for supporting individuals to communicate not only to meet basic needs\, but to share opinions\, ask questions\, build connections\, and advocate for themselves. Outside of work\, she enjoys spending time with her three children and reading. \n\n\nEmily Wake\, OTR/L \nEmily Wake graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She worked at an outpatient therapy center in Indianapolis for 2 years before moving to Des Moines. She began working at ChildServe – Johnston in 2019\, providing occupational therapy services in a traditional outpatient setting as well as with children in ChildServe’s ABA and Autism Day Programs. Emily is passionate about supporting sensory regulation and integration and helping create safe and supportive environments where kids can thrive. Outside of work\, she enjoys reading\, playing board games\, and spending time with family and friends. \n_________________________________________________________________________\nTHANK YOU to our 2025 Conference Sponsors!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-fall-conference/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250214T234052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T141516Z
UID:5617-1746014400-1746018000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 30 Lunch & Learn - Social Skills Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“Social Skills Opportunities”\nPresented by: Stephanie Robinson (ARNP)\, Jan Turbes\, Christine Weiland (MOT\, OTR/L)\, and Audrey Wood (M.A.\, CCC-SLP)\nClick Here to Register!\n\nObjectives:\n\nAt the conclusion of the presentation\, participants will be able to identify\n\n\n What groups are offered at ChildServe\n\n\n Who will benefit from groups at ChildServe\n\n\nWhat skills groups will be targeted at ChildServe\n\n\n  \nPresenters: \n\nStephanie Robinson\, ARNP received her BA from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Elementary and Special education and her masters degrees from Morningside University. Stephanie has been an educator for 35 years. The first 15 were in the public school system teaching student in K-12+. For the last 20 years\, Stephanie worked at Northwest Area Education Agency (NWAEA) as a special education consultant with a focus in autism and challenging behavior. Stephanie works part-time for the Pier Center in the area of social skills. \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \nJan Turbes was an Autism and Challenging Behavior Specialist within the tri-state area with immense experience in the areas of assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. Jan works part-time with the Pier Center to support a variety of needs for our clients including challenging behavior and social skills. With over a decade of experience in the fields of behavior analysis and autism\, Jan remains one of our biggest advocates for the advancement and continued training of our staff. In addition\, Jan was one of the original board members for the Pier Center for Autism. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nChristine Weiland\, MOT\, OTR/L\, is an Occupational Therapist at ChildServe. Christine has 15 years of experience and is involved with the Autism Day Program\, Feeding program\, and the Life Skills program.  She has experience working with clients in an individual and group setting focusing on ADLs\, IADLs\, sensory regulation\, work\, leisure\, and social skills.  Christine is the Lead Therapist for the Life Skills Program\, where she has been instrumental in the development and education of the Life Skills program over the last ten years at ChildServe. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAudrey Wood\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD). She received her BA and MA at the University of Iowa and is an Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ILEND) program graduate. She has extensive experience working with children and adults with a variety of communication needs including Autism\, speech and language disorders\, and augmentative and alternative communication. She is a PEERS® Certified provider and Girls Night Out (GNO©) certified provider and has led several PEERS social skills groups for adolescents and young adults\, in addition to frequently providing individualized therapy supporting social communication development.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-30-lunch-learn-social-skills/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250214T231354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T195106Z
UID:5604-1745409600-1745413200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 23 Lunch & Learn - What Happens After You Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“What Happens After You Receive a Diagnosis of Autism?”\n                     Presented by: Susan Askeland\, Jenny Brodell (M.A.\, CCC-SLP)\, Erika Hertel\,                  and Todd Kopelman (Ph.D.\, BCBA)\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nPresenters: \n \nSusan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City\, Iowa as a Speech Language Pathologist and a member of the Autism Resource Team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to Eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017. \nSue continues to be actively involved in the autism community. She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Sue also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom. \n  \n \nJenny Brodell\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also holds an appointment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she participates in interdisciplinary Autism diagnostic evaluations. Jenny has extensive experience working with families and individuals in the area of Autism and pediatrics. \n  \n  \n  \n \nErika Hertel\, MA\, is the program manager for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) at Child Health Specialty Clinics\, with University of Iowa Health Care. She received her BS in Psychology and MA in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. She is a certified Family Development Specialist through the National Resource Center for Family Centered\nPractice and Family Peer Support Specialist through the Iowa Board of Certification. Erika has experience working with children ages 0-21 and their families in a range of programs focused on prevention\, family education and support\, treatment\, and connection to services. She is an ex-officio member of the Iowa Autism Council\, serves on the Autism Society of Iowa Board of Directors\, and leads the RAP Expert Panel. She is the parent of three young adults\, one of whom has autism. \n  \n\nTodd Kopelman\, Ph.D.\, BCBA is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. He evaluates children\, adolescents\, and adults for questions about autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions and provides individual therapy for children and adults as well as parent coaching at Meadowlark Psychiatry. \n\nBefore joining Meadowlark\, Dr. Kopelman was a Professor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics Department of Psychiatry. He co-directed the hospital’s Autism Center as well as the Day Treatment Program at The Center for Disabilities and Development. He has worked collaboratively with schools across Iowa to support students with behavioral challenges\, served as Project Coordinator for three federally funded grants investigating the use of telehealth and young children with Autism\, and has co-written several journal articles and book chapters. \nDr. Kopelman is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa\, including serving as its President\, and he has helped organize conferences on several topics related to Autism. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he continues to teach and mentor graduate students\, medical students and psychiatry residents and conducts interdisciplinary autism evaluations.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-23-lunch-learn-what-happens-after-you-receive-an-autism-diagnosis/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250214T223802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T234528Z
UID:5589-1744804800-1744808400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 16 Lunch & Learn - Smiles for All: Effective Oral Care for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n   “Smiles for All: Effective Oral Care for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs”\nPresented by: Leonardo Marchini\, DDS\, MSD\, Ph.D\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nObjectives:  \nAfter the presentation\, learners should be able to: \n• Describe behavioral challenges and effective communication techniques for oral\ncare in individuals with special health care needs (SHCN). \n• List practical strategies like task breakdown\, rescuing\, distraction\, bridging\, hand-\nover-hand\, and chaining for better oral health care. \n• Explain how to create a positive and supportive environment for oral health care\nby being compassionate. \n  \nPresenter: \n \nDr. Marchini (DDS\, MSD\, PhD) is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of\nPreventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. His research focuses on factors affecting geriatric oral diseases\, conditions and dental treatments\, patients’ satisfaction with dental care\, and the best ways to teach dentistry. He has received 20 external grants\, published seven textbooks\, 20 book chapters\, and 200+ peer-reviewed articles\, resulting in 1\,790 citations and a h-index of 25 (Scopus). He is an Editorial Board member for the Special Care in Dentistry Journal\, Journal of Prosthodontics\, and Brazilian Dental Science Journal\, and the Immediate Past-President of the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA). \n  \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-16-lunch-learn-smiles-for-all-effective-oral-care-for-individuals-with-special-health-care-needs/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250214T221531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T233902Z
UID:5579-1744200000-1744203600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 9 Lunch & Learn - EXPLORE: Experiential Exploration of Postsecondary Learning Options\, Resources\, and Employment
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“EXPLORE: Experiential Exploration of Postsecondary Learning Options\,\nResources\, and Employment”\nPresented by: Katie Abrams\, PhD. Transition Coordinator at UI REACH\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nObjectives: \nEXPLORE post-high school options like employment\, trades training\, community college\, and university enrollment. While enrolled\, students develop an action plan based on their post-graduation interests. EXPLORE is a collaboration between Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) and the University of Iowa REACH Program. \n  \nPresenter: \n \nKatie Abrams is the Transition Coordinator at UI REACH located in Iowa City\, on the University of Iowa campus. She obtained her PhD in special education from Washington State University where she was the director of an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program for individuals with Intellectual Disability. Katie’s passions include emerging technology in special education and transition services for students with disabilities. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-9-lunch-learn-explore-experiential-exploration-of-postsecondary-learning-options-resources-and-employment/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250402T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250402T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250214T203757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T204845Z
UID:5564-1743595200-1743598800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 2 Lunch & Learn - Toilet Training: Tips\, Tricks\, & Evidence Based Implementation
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“Toilet Training: Tips\, Tricks\, and Evidence-Based Implementation”\nPresented by: Samantha Cermak\, Suzanne Richards\, and Maggie Barsetti\nClick Here to Register!\nObjectives: \n\nList the pre-requisite skills to evaluate prior to implementing toilet training.\nRecall toilet training implementation strategies to increase success.\nIdentify evidence-based practices within toilet training research.\nUnderstand some specific intervention techniques offered at ChildServe through the Bowel and Bladder Program.\n\n  \nPresenters: \nMaggie Barsetti \nMaggie Barsetti graduated from Creighton University’s occupational therapy program in 2018\, and she has worked at ChildServe as an occupational therapist since then. She works primarily with children in ChildServe’s Autism Day Program and ABA program. Maggie also works to help coordinate all group for children\, teens\, and adults who receive therapies at ChildServe. Maggie is certified in the Project ImPACT coaching curriculum and enjoys using this training to work with young children and their families to work on goals related to play and communication. \n  \nSamantha Cermak \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nSuzanne K. Richards\, PhD is a child and adolescent psychologist at Childserve in Johnston\, Iowa\, specializing in the assessment of autism and intervention with individuals with complex medical\, psychological\, social\, and behavioral conditions related to autism. She graduated from The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2007 and has extensive clinical experience providing mental health therapy services and assessments in a wide range of settings. In her clinical practice\, she is passionate about children with learning nd social skill challenges. Suzanne has been involved in clinical education and research on multiple topics including trauma\, behavioral challenges\, medical correlates to behavior\, and social skills. Suzanne has served many children\, adolescents\, and their families with behavioral and family systems concerns\, in addition to major mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders. She also consults with and advises schools\, treatment\, and training programs concerning appropriate interventions. Dr. Richards is skilled in developing and evaluating treatment and is dedicated to training students to serve future generations of children.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-2-lunch-learn-toilet-training-tips-tricks-evidence-based-implementation/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T153000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20250129T194523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T194523Z
UID:5488-1741338000-1741361400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Spring Virtual Conference: "Turning Setbacks Into Stepping Stones for Those with Autism"
DESCRIPTION:Autism Society of Iowa (ASI)\, ChildServe\, and Meadowlark Psychiatric Services are hosting a 1- day virtual conference from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday\, March 7\, 2025\, entitled\, Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Those with Autism. CEU’s available. \nRegister today by clicking here!\n \n  \nAgenda\n9:00 a.m. – Announcements \n9:05 a.m. – Thriving in Independence: Strategies and Resources for Young Adults with Autism and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions – Presented by Sally M. Rieck\, LISW\, Judy Warth\, BBA\, CESP\, and Tiffany Reaves \nObjectives: \n\n\n\nDescribe the unique challenges experienced by young adults with autism and co-occurring mental health conditions.\nIdentify barriers to achieving independence and self-sufficiency with daily living skills.\nHighlight community\, regional\, and state resources that promote independent living and self-reliance.\nDiscuss strategies and interventions to educate and foster self-advocacy in all environments.\n\n\n\n10:30 a.m. – Break \n10:45 a.m. – Guardianship\, Conservatorship\, and Special Needs Trusts – Presented by Attorney Judy Johnson \n12:00 p.m. – Lunch \n12:45 p.m. – Panel of Adults with Autism – Lived Strategies and Resources for Employment\, Social Outings\, Hobbies and Activities in the Community – Facilitated by Susan Askeland \n1:45 p.m. – Break \n2:00 p.m. – Supporting Independence and Quality of Life for Autistic Youth as They Transition Out of High School – Presented by Benjamin Yerys\, PhD \nObjectives: \n\n\n\nKnow how autistic adults describe their view of how daily living skills supports their independence and quality of life;\nIdentify mental health conditions or symptoms that associate with daily living skills from childhood through adulthood;\nEmerging treatments to promote daily living skills and independence for transition-aged autistic youth.\n\n\n\n  \nSpeaker Information:\nBenjamin Yerys\, PhD \nDr. Yerys is a licensed psychologist. He directs the Advancing Transition and Learning for Adult Success (ATLAS) Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia\, and he is director of the PASSAGE program\, which focuses on transition to adulthood for autistic youth. Dr. Yerys’ research highlights the complex interplay between cognitive functions\, mental health\, and patient-centered outcomes for autistic youth and youth with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Yerys’ current projects with transition-aged youth include partnerships with self-advocates and caregivers. His overall goal is to improve clinical assessments and targeted interventions to address areas of life that are most important to autistic people and people with other neurodevelopmental conditions. \n  \nJudy Johnson\, JD \nJudy graduated with honors from Drake University Law School in 2006. Judy has a general law practice that includes assisting clients with a variety of legal issues. In the area of family law she works with clients on issues such as: property division\, alimony\, child custody\, visitation\, and child support. Judy also helps families with wills\, trusts\, guardianships\, conservatorships\, and general estate planning. \nJudy’s practice extends into mediation of family law and probate matters. She is a certified family law and probate mediator through the Polk County District Court Mediation Program. \n​Judy has worked on family law cases at the appellate level. Her appellate work includes composing briefs and presenting oral arguments to the Iowa Court of Appeals. \n​Judy prides herself on her compassionate approach to the law and a willingness to provide the attention to detail that is needed in all legal matters. She will provide zealous representation while making sure the client fully understands the process. She invites you to contact her should you have any questions or concerns that relate to her area of practice. \n​Judy is an active member of the Polk County Bar Association. Judy serves on the Polk County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and strives to stay informed of all developments in family law. She is an active member of the Polk County Bar Probate Section and a member of the Des Moines Area Estate Planners group. \n  \nSally M. Rieck\, LISW\, Social Work Specialist I \nAbout me: I had no idea how passionate I was about advocating for people with different abilities until I started working at the Center for Disabilities and Development in 2018. This is by far the most rewarding place I’ve worked at Iowa Healthcare since starting my career here almost 13 years ago. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult\, and I truly feel that reflecting on my past and present struggles and embracing my own neurodiversity helps me to connect with patients and families in a unique and valuable way. \nIn my life outside of work\, I love spending time with my family\, which includes my husband\, our nearly 10-year-old daughter who is an aspiring Olympic gymnast and crazy cat lady in training\, and of course our two cats-Smokey and Freckles. My other favorite things include laughing\, gardening\, and spray painting old plant pots. \nRole at CDD/Transition to Adult Healthcare: As a clinical social worker at the CDD\, my primary role is to educate families of children and young adults with disabilities about resources and services specific to their needs\, and to assist them in applying for things like waivers and Medicaid. Providing emotional support as parents cope with new (and sometimes previous) diagnoses of autism and intellectual disability is also a huge part of this role. As the social worker for the Transition to Adulthood Clinic\, my role is very similar\, with the focus being on ensuring patients and their teens/young adults are connected with all the right resources to foster independence and success after high school. We address waivers and other types of funding for services\, SSI\, and substitute decision making such as guardianship or less restrictive alternatives. \n  \nJudy Warth\, BBA\, CESP\, Program Manager \nAbout me: I am insatiably curious about everything except knitting. I love the adventure of helping people have the lives they want and deserve to have. My motto is that if it is not fun\, don’t do it! My work revolves around values\, employment\, self-advocacy (health-care\, employment and sexual)\, transition to adulthood\, leadership and community inclusion. I support\, train and work for people with disabilities in schools\, families\, businesses\, community rehabilitation programs and clinics. I also love animals\, kayaking and communing with God and Nature. \nRoles within the UCEDD/CDD: My work is diverse including job coaching and job development\, teaching classes for job coaches and job developers through Iowa APSE\, serving as LEND core-faculty for self-advocates and community trainees\, working with youth and teams within the Iowa City Community School District to transition from school to work\, supporting the MFP team on employment related issues and staffing the CDD Transition to Adulthood Clinic.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/spring-conference-2025/
CATEGORIES:College,Education,Employment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T143000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240807T183052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T231422Z
UID:5084-1730455200-1730471400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2024 Autism Society of Iowa Information and Resource Fair
DESCRIPTION:Registration for the resource fair is now closed. \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is offering registration to participate in our Information and Resource Fair\, which will be held during our annual educational conference at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines on Friday\, November 1\, 2024\, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.\, and the resource fair will be held from 10:00 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.  A form will be given to conference attendees as an incentive to visit resource tables during conference breaks and lunch. \nRegistration cost is $150.00 per table for non-profit entities and $250.00 for for-profit entities\, which includes two buffet lunches and two registrations to the conference. There are a limited number of tables for the Information and Resource Fair so please respond by October 1\, 2024. \nWhat you receive with each table: \n\nOne (1) 8-foot table with two chairs.\nAccess to over 100 people in attendance for our conference.\nLunch provided at your table.\n\nWhat your organization will need to provide: \n\nAppropriate signage for your table\nAppropriate staffing\n\nSchedule for Information and Resource Fair: \n\nYou may set up your table anytime from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.\nThe Information and Resource Fair will be held from 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.\nResource Fair Staff are welcome to participate in conference sessions.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2024-autism-society-of-iowa-information-and-resource-fair/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240823T161400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T161431Z
UID:5117-1727870400-1727874000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:ASK Resource Center Family & Educator Partnership (FEP) Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:To register\, click here. \n  \nJoin us for a Lunch and Learn with Karen Thompson\, Executive Director of the ASK Resource Center to: \n-Receive information on the whole-child services and supports available at ASK Resource Center.\n-Gain knowledge on the expansion of Family Support services available for children\, youth\, and young adults in need of or receiving special education services.\n-Learn how to refer families to ASK Resource Center. \n  \nKaren Thompson has worked in disability advocacy\, rehabilitative training/counseling\, and public program administration serving people with disabilities for thirty years. She has served as the Executive Director at ASK since 2010. At ASK\, Karen works across all projects at the organization\, facilitates board and stakeholder collaborations\, and serves on a number of federal and statewide boards and committees representing persons with disabilities and their families in the areas of education\, healthcare\, and advocacy.  She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Her family experience with disabilities spans three generations. She is the daughter of a massive stroke survivor\, the mother of two\, neurodivergent children\, and is\, herself\, a person with dyslexia. She sees disability as an attribute and challenges others to do the same.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/ask-resource-center-family-educator-partnership-fep-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240501T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240501T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240207T191309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T191309Z
UID:4985-1714564800-1714568400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:May 1 Lunch and Learn- Estate Planning for the Family Member with Autism
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Estate Planning for the Family Member with Autism” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, May 1\, via Zoom. \nPresenter: Dana Wortman\, J.D.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/may-1-lunch-and-learn-estate-planning-for-the-family-member-with-autism/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240424T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240424T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240207T191059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T191059Z
UID:4982-1713960000-1713963600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 24 Lunch and Learn- Supporting Siblings
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Supporting Siblings” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 24\, via Zoom. \nPresenters: Ann Spaine\, MS and Mary Chadwick
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-24-lunch-and-learn-supporting-siblings/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240417T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240417T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240207T190840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T190840Z
UID:4979-1713355200-1713358800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 17 Lunch and Learn- Common Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Common Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 17\, via Zoom. \nPresenters: Leslie Rogers\, M.S.\, CCC-SLP and Kristin Hanson\, M.A.\, BCBA\, LBA
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-17-lunch-and-learn-common-interventions-for-autism-spectrum-disorders/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240410T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240410T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240207T190626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T190626Z
UID:4976-1712750400-1712754000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 10 Lunch and Learn- Internet Safety and Awareness on the Spectrum
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Internet Safety and Awareness on the Spectrum” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 10\, via Zoom. \nPresenter: Dr. Suzanne Richards\, Ph.D.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-10-lunch-and-learn-internet-safety-and-awareness-on-the-spectrum/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240405T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240405T153000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240308T171906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240313T215809Z
UID:5000-1712306700-1712331000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Autism & Communication Conference
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nAutism Society of Iowa (ASI) and Meadowlark Psychiatric Services are hosting a 1- day virtual conference on Friday\, April 5\, 2024\, focusing on Autism and communication. \n  \n  \nAgenda \n8:45 a.m.– Welcome \n8:50 a.m. – Communication Across the Lifespan: Supporting Autistic Individuals’ Access and Participation presented by Jenny Brodell\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP \nObjectives: \n\nIdentify three core communication areas to support across the lifespan in Autistic individuals.\nExplain one supporting strategy to build skills in each core communication area.\nDescribe two ways to build person and family centered goals within core communication area.\n\n10:00 a.m. – Break \n10:15 a.m. – Functional Communication Training: Treating Challenging Behavior by Promoting Communication presented by Matt O’Brien\, Ph.D.\, BCBA \nObjectives: \n\nUnderstand how challenging behavior is learned and serves as communication\nLearn the steps involved in developing and implementing functional communication training\nAppraise the research support for functional communication training.\n\n11:15 a.m. – Break \n11:30 a.m. – AAC Devices presented by Krista Davidson\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP \n\nParticipants will be able to identify low-tech and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.\nParticipants will be able to describe the general AAC evaluation and funding process.\nParticipants will be able to summarize common misconceptions associated with AAC.\n\n12:30 p.m. – Lunch Break \n1:15 p.m. – Social Communication and Supports for Adolescents with Autism presented by Audrey Wood\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP \nObjectives: \n\nAttendees will understand a brief history of interventions for adolescents with social skill differences and reasons to consider supporting social communication development for adolescents with Autism\nAttendees will describe effective and evidence-based strategies for supporting social communication development for autistic adolescents that can be implemented by professionals\, educators\, or parents and caregivers\nAttendees will be able to identify available interventions and resources for those interested in further social skill support.\n\n2:15 p.m.– Break \n2:30 p.m. –  Let’s talk about work – tips for communicating and accommodations for communicating at work.” with Judith Warth. \nLearning objectives: Participants will: \n\nRecognize the importance of communication at work.\nIdentify strategies for helping others (co-workers/supervisor) learn some tricks to effectively communicate with the Autistic worker.\nLearn about resources to help troubleshoot issues.\n\n3:30 p.m. – Adjourn \n  \n  \nSpeakers \nJenny Brodell\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also holds an appointment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she participates in interdisciplinary Autism diagnostic evaluations. Jenny has extensive experience working with families and individuals in the area of Autism and pediatrics. \n  \nKrista Davidson\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and clinical associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Iowa. She specializes in the education and supervision of graduate student clinicians in the treatment and evaluation of clients with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs across the lifespan. \n  \nMatthew O’Brien\, Ph.D.\, BCBA is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He completed his doctorate in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral fellowships in neuropsychology and behavioral psychology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. O’Brien serves as the Director of Biobehavioral Services and Director of Research and Psychology for the Iowa LEND program. He has received funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2015 for research related to severe and challenging behavior and communication. Dr. O’Brien conducts research related to functional analysis of severe and challenging behavior for individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Matthew is an active member of the Autism Society of Iowa Board\, assisting annually with the Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day at the Iowa State Capitol. \n  \nJudy Warth\, BBA\, CESP is a Program Manager and Employment Training Specialist at Iowa’s University Center for Excellent in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Iowa. Coming to the University in 1994\, Warth combines over 30 years of supporting people with disabilities to meet labor needs of Colorado\, Illinois\, and Iowa businesses. Some areas of emphasis include transition from school to work\, job coaching and job coach development\, person-centered services\, employer relationship building & job development\, self-advocacy training\, and staff development and technical assistance to community rehabilitation & transition programs. Current projects include working as part of the Iowa Blueprint for Change Project with the Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services\, providing 4+ programming and work experience support to the Iowa City Community School District\, staffing the CDD Transition Clinic and providing training on employment related topics to community rehabilitation programs. \n  \nAudrey Wood\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD). She received her BA and MA at the University of Iowa and is an Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ILEND) program graduate. She has extensive experience working with children and adults with a variety of communication needs including Autism\, speech and language disorders\, and augmentative and alternative communication. She is a PEERS® Certified provider and Girls Night Out (GNO©) certified provider and has led several PEERS social skills groups for adolescents and young adults\, in addition to frequently providing individualized therapy supporting social communication development. \n  \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/autism-communication-conference/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240403T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240403T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20240207T190350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T190350Z
UID:4972-1712145600-1712149200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 3 Lunch and Learn- Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 3\, via Zoom. \nPresenters: Dr. James Williams\, CRC\, ACAS\, Division Administrator\, and Brandy McOmber\, Progam Manager
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-3-lunch-and-learn-iowa-vocational-rehabilitation-services/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20231027T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20231027T151500
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20230801T200413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T190556Z
UID:4876-1698397200-1698419700@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2023 Fall Conference and Resource Fair
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!\n  \nRegister today for the 2023 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference being held on Friday\, October 27\, 2023\, at the Sheraton Hotel- West Des Moines. \nConference Agenda \n9:00 a.m. – Welcome \n9:05 a.m. – Challenging Behavior in Autism:  Evidence-based Approaches and Recent Research with Matthew O’Brien\, PhD\, BCBA-D \n10:30 a.m. – Break and Resource Fair Opens \n10:45 a.m. – Living with Autism – Panel of Adults Facilitated by Sue Askeland\, MA\, CCC-SLP with Leo Bird\, Brad Biren\, Rachel Bussan\, Mike Dierdorff\, Brian Johnson\, Sam Junck\, Abby Niederhauser\, Jacob Pleggenkuhle \n12:00 p.m.  – The Stephen Tsai Award for Excellence in Education \n12:05 p.m. – Lunch Provided – Deli Buffet including assorted meats\, pulled BBQ pork\, cheddar\, Swiss and pepper jack cheese\, salad greens\, deli salad\, kettle chips\, soup du jour. Vegetarian\, Vegan\, and Gluten Free Meals are Also Available – Please ask for a card for these at the registration desk. \n– Resource Fair Open \nAfternoon Breakout Sessions: \nDes Moines Room \n1:30 p.m. – Ideas and Examples for Parents and Childcare Workers with Dr. Kelly Pelzel\, PhD\,  Sue Askeland\, MA\, CCC-SLP\, and Kristin Hanson\, MA\, BCBA\, LBA \n\nSetting timers and limits\nDesigning play spaces\nCreating Picture Schedules\nWriting Social Narratives\nToilet Training\nOther helpful ideas\n\nWebster/Clayton/Marion Rooms \n1:30 p.m. – Executive Function Skills:  High School and Beyond – Jenny Brodell MA\, CCC-SLP \n\nAttendees will name 3 broad areas of executive function skills to build in preparation for independent living\, job readiness\, and/or post-secondary schooling.\nAttendees will describe 2 practice strategies related to each of the following areas: time management\, transportation planning\, and budgeting.\nAttendees will be able to create a plan to self-advocate for needs within a job or post-secondary setting.\n\nChambers Room – (First Room in the Hallway) \n1:30 p.m.  – Question Time with the Doctor – Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller\, M.D. \n\nPreparing for an appointment\nCalming strategies\nDiscussing personal topics\nQ&A Session\n\n2:15 p.m. – Break and Resource Fair Open \nDes Moines Room \n2:30 p.m.  – Caring for the Family Member who Requires 24/7 Care for Safety Panel facilitated by Dr. Todd Kopelman \nPanelists:  Josh Cobbs\, Rich Hahn\, Mary Roberts\, Sarah Schrader \nWebster/Clayton/Marion Rooms \n2:30 p.m. – Ideas and Strategies for Navigating Middle School for the Student with Autism – Ann Krogan\, MA\, CCC-SLP\, BCBA and Kim Thomas \nChambers Room – (First Room in the Hallway) \n2:30 p.m. – Understanding the Sensory Needs of Someone with Autism – Danielle Hubby\, OTD\, OTR/L\, CEIM \n\nAttendees will be able to describe how sensory information is processed in the brain\nAttendees will name three ways that our senses are used to understand and feel safe within our environment\nAttendees will learn to think critically about the differences in sensory processing and apply that information to themselves and other relationships\nAttendees will better understand when OT intervention may be necessary for an individual with Autism experiencing sensory dysfunction\n\nAtrium \n2:30 p.m.  – Networking for Adults with Autism \n3:15 p.m. – Conference Concludes \n5:30 p.m. – Silent Auction Begins \n6:00 p.m. – Live Auction Begins \n  \nSpeakers for the 2023 Fall Conference \nMatthew O’Brien\, Ph.D.\, BCBA is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He completed his doctorate in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral fellowships in neuropsychology and behavioral psychology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. O’Brien serves as the Director of Biobehavioral Services and Director of Research and Psychology for the Iowa LEND program. He has received funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2015 for research related to severe and challenging behavior and communication. Dr. O’Brien conducts research related to functional analysis of severe and challenging behavior for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  Matthew is an active member of the Autism Society of Iowa Board\, assisting annual with the Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day at the Iowa State Capitol. \nSusan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City as a speech language pathologist and a member of the autism resource team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017. \nSusan continues to be actively involved in the autism community. She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and a past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Susan also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom. \nSuzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller\, MD\, FACOG\, ABOIM is an OB-Gyn and integrative medicine physician and is the mother of two children including a twenty-three-year-old son with autism. She divides her time between Iowa and Arizona seeing patients through MercyOne Waterloo OB-Gyn and serving as lead physician for Chopra Whole Health in Carefree\, Arizona. She is a past president and former longtime board member of the Autism Society of Iowa. Suzanne is the award-winning author of The Outdoor  Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing\, published in 2019 and  A Friend Like John\, Understanding Autism\, published in 2011. \nJenny Brodell is a speech-language pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also holds an appointment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she participates in interdisciplinary autism diagnostic evaluations. Jenny has extensive experience working with families and individuals in the area of autism and pediatrics.  She has developed and run life skills groups and individual therapy with a focus on executive function skills for the past 9 years. \nJosh Cobbs is Director of Employment Initiatives at Autism Speaks. His work encompasses leading day-to-day operations and implementing Autism Speaks’ employment ecosystem of services and supports. His past work includes serving as a vocational counselor for the State of Iowa\, working with post-secondary institutions on transition and employment programs for individuals with barriers\, and founding an autism center. Cobbs twice provided testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor\, Health and Human Services\, Education\, and Related Agencies on access to telehealth treatments. Serving as Chairperson of the Iowa Governor’s Council on Autism for almost four years\, Cobbs helped spearhead access to care and improving outcomes for Iowans. He resides in Iowa with his wife and three children. \nRich Hahn is the father of a 21-year-old son with Autism\, OCD and Schizoaffective Disorder. Rich’s son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three.  He has worked extensively with Iowa schools and waiver services to navigate the world of raising a child with severe challenging behaviors for the last 18 years. Rich has been involved with Autism Society of Iowa\, Autism Speaks and has also served on the board for the Iowa Autism Speaks Walk.  He lives in West Des Moines. \nKristin Hansen\, M.A\, BCBA\, LBA Kristin is the CEO\, Founder\, and Clinical Director of Axis. She is a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst\, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand View University and her Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most of Kristin’s clinical experience has been focused on the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder and specializing in early intervention. She has completed advanced training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and has experience testing toddlers and children for autism spectrum disorder. She is on the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Iowa\, on the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program. \nIn her free time\, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children\, reading psychological thriller novels\, listening to true crime podcasts\, going to major league baseball games\, attending concerts\, and coaching her children’s sports teams. \nDanielle Hubby is a pediatric occupational therapist working at ChildServe at their outpatient clinic in Johnston. She has been at ChildServe for 3 years and completed her undergrad at Iowa State with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Health\, Exercise Science in 2017 where she also minored in Psychology and Child\, Adult\, and Family Services. She then completed my Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree from Drake University\, graduating in 2020. Additionally\, she is a certified educator of infant massage and currently working towards her pediatric board certification through AOTA and an infant and early childhood mental health certification through the state of Iowa as well. She has ALWAYS had a passion for working with not only kids but their parents as well. She enjoys reading\, spending time with friends and family\, and soaking up extra sun while visiting her mother- in – law in Florida. She and her husband are expecting their first child on January 2\, 2024! \nTodd Kopelman\, Ph.D.\, BCBA – Todd is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst.  He evaluates children\, adolescents\, and adults for questions about autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions and provides individual therapy for children and adults as well as parent coaching at Meadowlark Psychiatry. \nBefore joining Meadowlark\, Dr. Kopelman was a Professor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics Department of Psychiatry.  He co-directed the hospital’s Autism Center as well as the Day Treatment Program at The Center for Disabilities and Development.  He has worked collaboratively with schools across Iowa to support students with behavioral challenges\, served as Project Coordinator for three federally funded grants investigating the use of telehealth and young children with Autism\, and has co-written several journal articles and book chapters. \nDr. Kopelman is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa\, including serving as its President\, and he has helped organize conferences on several topics related to Autism.  He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he continues to teach and mentor graduate students\, medical students and psychiatry residents and conducts interdisciplinary autism evaluations. \nAnn Krogan and Kim Thomas – Ann Krogan has had the privilege of working in a number of different roles for Des Moines Public Schools:  speech-language pathologist\, autism strategist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.  Her favorite middle school memory is singing “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” with the Chansonettes at Franklin Junior High in Des Moines. \nKim Thomas has spent her entire career in Des Moines Public Schools:  first as a special education teacher in a center-based autism classroom at McKee Elementary and then as a district autism strategist.  She enjoyed following her former elementary students as they went on to graduate from high school.  Her favorite middle school memory is being elected class vice-president\, to the shock of everyone\, including herself. \nAnn and Kim have had the joy of being coworkers since 2003!  They look forward to presenting on Middle School Strategies and sharing their favorite middle school memory in their bios. \nKelly Pelzel\, PhD is a licensed psychologist and a clinical assistant professor working in the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital (UISFCH) Child & Adolescent Psychiatry division.  She received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa.  Dr. Pelzel received her PhD from the University of Utah.  She completed her pre-doctoral psychology internship at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Dr. Pelzel completed a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) post-doctoral fellowship at the UISFCH Center for Disabilities and Development. She provides assessment and treatment services.  Dr. Pelzel also serves as the clinical coordinator for the UISFCH Autism Center and the psychology consultant for Iowa’s Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP). \nMary Roberts is the parent of two young adults with profound autism and has worked in the field in a professional and advocacy capacity for three decades. She is an Autism Specialist and Autism Center Coordinator for the University of Iowa Hospitals an Clincs and co-founder/owner of The Village Community\, a 501c3 disability service organization. Mary also serves on multiple state boards\, including Autism Society of Iowa and the Olmstead Taskforce. \nSarah Schrader is a wife and mother of ten kids; seven of which are on the spectrum. She is passionate about homeschooling\, advocating\, and writing. Her goal is that when she is gone\, it can be said that her influence on the autism community made for a better quality of life for anyone touched by the diagnosis.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2023-fall-conference-and-resource-fair/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230426T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230426T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20230325T220553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230325T220632Z
UID:4857-1682510400-1682514000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"How Does Sensory Input Impact Someone with Autism?" Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!\nRegister today for the “How Does Sensory Input Impact Someone with Autism?” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 26\, at noon via Zoom. \nPanel of Adults with Autism – Tyler Leech\, Abby Niederhauser\, Joel Wesselink\, Marie Ugorek\, and Brian Johnson\, facilitated by Sue Askeland \nObjectives: \n\nTo learn from those living with Autism how they are impacted by sensory input\nLearn about coping mechanisms that the panelists use for sensory input.\nLearn about the Autism Barefoot Challenge created by panelist Tyler Leech.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/how-does-sensory-input-impact-someone-with-autism-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230419T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230419T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20230325T220310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230325T220341Z
UID:4854-1681905600-1681909200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Sleep and Autism" Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!\nRegister today for the “Sleep and Autism” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 19\, at noon via Zoom. \nPresenters – Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller\, M.D. and Todd Kopelman\, Ph.D. \n  \nDr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller is an OB-Gyn and integrative physician and the parent of an adult son with autism. She splits her time between Iowa and Arizona seeing patients in person and via telehealth.”   \nDr. Todd Kopelman is a psychologist at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  He is the co-director of the UIHC Autism Center and provides behavioral treatment and therapy for autistic children and adults. \nObjectives: \n\nIncrease understanding of the prevalence of different types of sleep difficulties in autistic children and adults\nIncrease awareness of the relationship between sleep and physical and behavioral health\nImproved familiarity with approaches for improving sleep quality
URL:https://autismia.com/event/sleep-and-autism-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230405T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230405T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20230325T215600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230325T215718Z
UID:4846-1680696000-1680699600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"What is Residential Care?" Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!\nRegister today for the “What is Residential Care?” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 5\, at noon via Zoom. Zoom links will be emailed to registrants prior to event. \nPresenters – Emily Linn\, Supported Community Living Homes Team Manager for Childserve \nTaylor Aukes – Community Services Director for Balance Autism \nEmily will speak on children’s services and Taylor on adult services. \nObjectives: \n\nWhat are the different types of residential care homes\, such as HCBS\, ICF-ID\, etc.\nHow is residential care paid for?\nWhat is the role of the family and caregivers when a family member needs residential care? \nHow is a residential care home set up\, such as roommates and staff?
URL:https://autismia.com/event/what-is-residential-care-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230303T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230303T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20230117T152249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230217T150129Z
UID:4812-1677834000-1677855600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Profound Autism Conference
DESCRIPTION:University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Autism Center\, Hawk IDDRC\, & Autism Society Iowa (ASI) are hosting a 1- day virtual conference on Friday\, March 3\, 2023\, focusing on profound autism.\n \nAgenda\n\n9:00 am – Welcome – Dr. Todd Kopelman9:05 am – What exactly is profound autism\, and why is the new definition needed? Judith Ursitti\, co-founder of the Profound Autism Alliance\, will share research and information to create a broader understanding of this new term and will also share how targeted advocacy\, in addition to advocacy for the entire spectrum\, can be a good thing. \n9:50 – Break10:00 – “The Case for Profound Autism” – Dr. Lee Wachtel\, MD\n\n11:30 – Lunch Break12:30 – Panel of Family Members Living with a Member with High Need Autism – Panelists will share their stories and take questions. \n\nPanelists – Josh Cobbs\, Nazil Kibria\, Mary Roberts\, Sarah Schrader\, Judith Ursitti\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1:45 – Break2:00 – Panel of Specialists on Topics Relevent to High Need Autism3:00 – Conference adjourns\n\n\n\nContinuing Education Credits \n The Autism Society of Iowa is an accredited sponsor for CEU’s for Social Work #300. This conference offers 5.0 credit hours. Certificates of Attendance will be provided for CEU’s. \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is an accredited sponsor for CEU’s for Speech Language Pathology #191. This conference offers 5.0 credit hours. Certificates of Attendance will be provided for CEU’s. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/profound-autism-conference/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20221104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20221104T163000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20220731T000959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221007T203738Z
UID:4737-1667552400-1667579400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2022 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register and for more information! \nClick here to reserve a hotel room at a reduced conference rate. Deadline for reservation is October 20. \n  \nConference Agenda \n8:30 a.m. – Registration \n  \n9:00 a.m. – Let’s Get Personal: A Heart-to-Heart Conversation with Dave & Lindsey – Presented by Lindsey Nebeker and Dave Hamrick \nMany individuals on the autism spectrum and their loved ones may express ongoing and sometimes exhausting challenges associated with relationships\, interpersonal communication and interaction. What can we learn from these challenges\, and how can we as a community better support and enable those who are neurodivergent to feel empowered\, and what can we work on ourselves in our own relationships? In a semi-informal atmosphere\, Dave and Lindsey (featured in Autism in Love) will talk about their personal journey of finding love and navigating through life\, expressed through spoken word\, imagery\, and selected scenes from the Emmy-nominated documentary film. Join us for a special session with the lovebirds as they share their stories of celebration\, loss\, encouragement\, sorrow\, wisdom\, companionship\, truth\, power and vulnerability — and what they have learned so far through their adventure as individuals and as a couple. \n  \n10:00 a.m. – Break and resource fair opens \n  \n10:15 a.m. – Panel of adults with Autism- Presented by – Leo Bird\, Dave Hamrick\, Brian Johnson\, Tyler Leech\, Lindsey Nebeker\, Abby Niederhauser\, Marie Ugorek\, Joel Wesselink \n  \n11:15 a.m. – Awards \n  \n11:30 a.m. – Lunch Provided \n  \n12:30 p.m. – Early intervention\, social skills\, developing talents\, vocational training and employment\, and sensory issues presented by Temple Grandin\, Ph.D. \n  \n2:00 p.m. – Break \n  \n2:15 – Breakout Sessions \n\nManaging Challenging Behavior at Home: Clinical Options and Home-Based Interventions presented by Matt O’Brien\, Ph.D.\, BCBA – Dr. Matt O’Brien\, Behaviorist & Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa.  This session will include an overview of the clinics that exist in Iowa to help families address challenging behavior in school and at home. Strategies to increase adaptive behavior and reduce challenging behavior at home will be provided\, with a focus on function-based\, caregiver-directed intervention.\nA caring conversation about explaining the diagnosis of Autism to your diagnosed child\, family members\, and your community. In this session we will focus on steps to help you develop a plan to help you explain the diagnosis to  family and friends as well as ways they can best support you and your child. Presented by Sue Askeland and Jan Turbes\nIntroduction to Social Strategies: Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships Presented by Paige Burden\, MA\, CCC-SLP and Audrey Wood MA\, CCC-SLP – This session will provide an introduction to some common strategies for making and keeping meaningful friendships and romantic relationships. Additionally\, presenters will review available interventions and resources for those interested in further building social skills.\nBook signing with Temple Grandin\n\n3:15 – Break and resource fair ends \n  \n3:30 – Breakout Sessions \n\n Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program – Connecting to Support and Resources – Presented by:  Erika Hertel\, Jackie Schott\, and Clementine Karl\nA Vision for Our Future 2020-2024\, the strategic plan for the Autism Society and how it will impact Iowans and our Autism community locally and the autism community nationally presented by Chris Banks\, Autism Society of America CEO.- Since 2020\, the Autism Society has been transforming how it operates and what it is doing to serve its affiliates and the Autism community.  Chris joined the Autism Society of America in January 2020.  He brings with him many years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector.  He has been an administrator at community hospitals\, secondary and higher education institutions as well served as a consultant to many organizations that serve individuals across the country.\nSocial Networking for Adults with Autism\n\n  \n4:30 – Adjourn
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2022-autism-society-of-iowa-fall-conference/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20221104T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20221104T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20220923T181417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T175248Z
UID:4761-1667547000-1667574000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2022 ASI Information and Resource Fair
DESCRIPTION:To register for a resource fair table\, click here. \nFor a paper registration form\, click here. \nClick here to reserve a hotel room at a reduced conference rate. Deadline for reservation is October 20. \n  \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is offering registration to participate in our Information and Resource Fair\, which will be held during our annual educational conference at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines on Friday\, \nNovember 4\, 2022. The keynote speakers will be Temple Grandin\, Ph.D. who will speak on navigating life with Autism\, including early childhood education\, unwritten social skills\, vocational training and employment and sensory issues\, and Lindsey Nebeker and Dave Hamrick from Autism in Love. In addition\, there will be five breakout sessions and social time for adults and teens with Autism. \n  \nRegistration cost is $100.00 per table\, which includes lunch and one registration to the conference. There are a limited number of tables for the Information and Resource Fair so please respond by October 15\, 2022. \n  \nWhat you receive with each table: \n\nOne (1) 8-foot table with two chairs.\nAccess to over 150 people in attendance for our conference.\nLunch provided at your table.\n\n  \nWhat your organization will need to provide: \n\nAppropriate signage for your table\nAppropriate staffing\n\n  \nSchedule for Information and Resource Fair: \n\nYou may set up your table anytime from 7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.\nThe Information and Resource Fair will be held from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.\nIt is possible for one person to attend the information and resource fair table and attend the conference. The rooms are connected\, and the person can leave before breaks/lunch start to get to the organization’s table. You may leave your items at your resource fair table until the conference ends if you are attending the conference.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2022-asi-information-and-resource-fair/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220909T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220909T154500
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20220731T000726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220810T133149Z
UID:4734-1662714000-1662738300@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2022 Autism Society of Iowa Employment Conference
DESCRIPTION:To register\, click here. \n  \nThe Autism Society of Iowa and Iowa DD Council are sponsoring a conference on Autism & Employment for those on the autism spectrum who are interested in employment\, family members\, employers\, human resource managers\, case managers\, social workers and anyone interested in helping those with ASD in the work place. Free to those on the autism spectrum. \n  \n9:00 a.m. – Registration \n9:30 a.m. – A Panel of Employers with employees with Autism \n10:30 – Break \n10:45 – A Panel of Autistic Employees will share their stories of employment \n11:45 – Lunch provided \n12:45 p.m. – Employment First  – Tyler Hansen \n This employment session will focus on the notion that individuals should not have to earn the ability to get a job but rather it should be a right. It will also discuss employment as a life-changing option for those affected by Autism. \n1:45 p.m. – Break \n2:00 p.m.  – What to Consider When Interviewing for Employment – Brad Biren\, J.D. \n2:45 p.m.– Break \n3:00 p.m. – Person-Centered Planning for Employment – Jessica Kreho  \nPerson-centered planning is the cornerstone of individualized and quality supports that yield integrated outcomes\, particularly in employment. Join Jessica Kreho with the Iowa Coalition for Integration and Employment and Griffin-Hammis Associates for an update of what’s happening in Iowa’s service system around employment services\, guidance in the application of person-centered planning\, and review of the tools and resources that can assist with planning for integrated employment services. \n3:45 p.m. – Adjourn \n  \nCEU’s \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is an accredited sponsor for CEU’s for Social Work #300. This conference offers 4.5 credit hours. \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is an accredited sponsor for CEU’s for Speech Language Pathology. This conference offers 4.5 credit hours.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2022-autism-society-of-iowa-employment-conference/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220427T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082125
CREATED:20220330T184041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220330T184041Z
UID:4437-1651060800-1651064400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Living with Autism- Adults Living with Autism Share Their Stories and Answer Your Questions" Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Living with Autism- Adults Living with Autism Share Their Stories and Answer Your Questions” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 27\, via Zoom. \nPresenters:  \n\n\nLeo Bird\nRachel Bussan\nEmily Duckett \nBrian Johnson\nAbby Niederhauser\nJoel Wesselink\nAlex Wehrspann
URL:https://autismia.com/event/living-with-autism-adults-living-with-autism-share-their-stories-and-answer-your-questions-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220420T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220420T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082126
CREATED:20220330T183816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220330T183816Z
UID:4435-1650456000-1650459600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Medicaid Waivers" Informational Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Medicaid Waivers” Informational Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 20\, via Zoom. \nPresenters: Gaye Johnson – Director of Access and Care Coordination for ChildServe and Lacey Giunta – Case Management Supervisor for ChildServe \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/medicaid-waivers-informational-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220413T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220413T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082126
CREATED:20220330T183535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220330T183535Z
UID:4433-1649851200-1649854800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Transitioning to Middle and High School for the Student with Autism"  Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Transitioning to Middle and High School for the Student with Autism” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 13\, via Zoom. \nPresenter: Johnna Davis\, Heartland AEA Family and Educator Partnership
URL:https://autismia.com/event/transitioning-to-middle-and-high-school-for-the-student-with-autism-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220406T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220406T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T082126
CREATED:20220330T183207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220331T171255Z
UID:4429-1649246400-1649250000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Crisis Intervention with a Family Member with Autism" Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for the “Crisis Intervention with a Family Member with Autism” Lunch and Learn being held on Wednesday\, April 6\, via Zoom. \nPresenters Christina Maulsby (parent) and Jodi Tate\, M.D. (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics) will discuss: \n\nWhat to expect from inpatient units\nWhat are the processes to receive medical assistance?\n\nOfficer Lorna Garcia from the Des Moines Police Department will speak on: \n\nThe process of calling 911\nHow DMPD can respond\nThe Broadlawns Mobile Crisis Response Team\nProgram to add individuals with special needs into the DMPD database in case of wandering
URL:https://autismia.com/event/crisis-intervention-with-a-family-member-with-autism-lunch-and-learn/
CATEGORIES:Education
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