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DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
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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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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:20260409T100546
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220405T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220405T193000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20220228T203106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220228T203106Z
UID:4411-1649183400-1649187000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"How to Prepare for College When You Have Autism" Informational Zoom
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. \nRegister today for “How to Prepare for College When You Have Autism” facilitated by Jenny Brodell\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP. This informational Zoom will be held on Tuesday\, April 5th\, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. \n\nThis Zoom will address:\n\n *  A checklist for skills to learn before starting classes   *  Strategies for time management   *  Transportation and navigating campus  *  What information should you share with your instructors?    *  Budgeting  *  How to connect to student disability services and what accommodations to consider
URL:https://autismia.com/event/how-to-prepare-for-college-when-you-have-autism-informational-zoom/
CATEGORIES:Education,Post-secondary education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220304T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220304T153000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20220111T194626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220126T194544Z
UID:4366-1646381700-1646407800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Adults with Autism: Diagnosis and Supports Virtual Conference via Zoom
DESCRIPTION:The Adults with Autism: Diagnosis and Supports conference will be held virtually via Zoom on Friday\, March 4. \nTo register\, click here. \n8:15 a.m. – Introductions and Welcome – Todd Kopelman\, Ph.D. \n8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.- Equitable diagnosis for autism in adolescence and adulthood: Learning from sex\, gender\, and social developmental perspectives Presented by Dr. Meng-Chuan Lai\, MD\, Ph.D. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nUnderstanding the latest research discoveries about the impact of sex and gender on the recognition and diagnosis of autism\nReflecting on social developmental issues pertaining to new autism diagnosis in adolescence and adulthood\nReflecting on clinical considerations to improve the assessment and care for autistic youth and adults\n\n10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Break \n10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – ASD Adult Panel with Dr. Todd Kopelman: What Happens Now That I Have This Diagnosis and What Does it Mean? Presented by Todd Kopelman\, Ph.D.\, Abby Niederhauser\, Marie Ugorek\, Joel Wesselink \n12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch Break \n1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Introduction to Social Strategies: Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships Presented by Paige Burden\, MA\, CCC-SLP and Audrey Wood MA\, CCC-SLP \nThis session will provide: \n\nAn introduction to some common strategies for making and keeping meaningful friendships and romantic relationships.\nPresenters will review available interventions and resources for those interested in further building social skills.\n\n2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Break \n2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Common Psychiatric Concerns and Medication Management Presented by Aaron Kauer\, M.D. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIncrease knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses that may co-present with Autism Spectrum Disorder\nIncrease awareness of psychiatric medications that may be prescribed for co-presenting diagnoses\n\n3:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks \n  \nThis conference is for autistic adults\, family members\, therapists\, social workers\, physician assistants\, speech language pathologists\, mental health providers\, case managers\, psychiatrists\, psychologists\, ARNP’s\, and others who are interested. \n  \nKeynote Speaker \nDr. Meng-Chuan Lai\, M.D.\, Ph.D. \nDr. Meng-Chuan Lai is a psychiatrist and clinician-scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Hospital for Sick Children\, Toronto. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry\, and Graduate Faculty at the Institute of Medical Science and Department of Psychology\, University of Toronto. He is an Honorary Visiting Fellow at the Department of Psychiatry\, University of Cambridge\, and an Adjunct Attending Psychiatrist at the National Taiwan University Hospital. He is an Editor of the journal Autism. As a Canadian Institute of Health Research Sex and Gender Science Chair\, Dr. Lai’s work focuses on how sex- and gender-related factors act as modulating mechanisms for the presentation and adaptation\, clinical recognition\, neurobiology\, and etiologies of neurodevelopmental and co-occurring mental health conditions across the lifespan. \n  \nSpeakers \nPaige Burden\, MA\, CCC-SLP \nMs. Burden is a Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development.  She specializes in working with children and young adults with complex communication and social needs\, such as autism and speech and language disorders. She is a PEERS certified provider for both adolescents and young adults. She is also trained in Project ImPACT therapy. \nAaron Kauer\, M.D. \nDr. Kauer is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and spends his time providing care for patients in the outpatient Child and Adolescent Clinic as well as inpatient staffing. Additionally he serves in the role as a Co-Medical Director of the Child Outpatient clinic. He has specific interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders\, Tic Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. He also spends time educating medical students and residents at UIHC. He completed his MD at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and residencies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is board certified in both child and adult psychiatry. \nAudrey Wood MA\, CCC-SLP \nMs. Wood is a Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development.  She specializes in 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 for young adults. \n  \nPanelists \nBrian Johnson \nAfter years of uncertainly\, Brian Johnson was diagnosed with 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 in Sioux City\, Iowa\, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.  He currently lives in Bronson\, Iowa and works in Moville as a copy editor 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 called “The Human Library.”  This past spring\, he joined the Autism Society of Iowa as a board member. \nTodd Kopelman\, Ph.D.\, BCBA-D \nDr. Todd Kopelman is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. He is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. His primary clinical interests are the assessment of autism in children and adults and the evaluation and treatment of challenging behaviors in children and adults with developmental disabilities. Dr. Kopelman is the co-director of the UIHC Autism Center\, has served as the coordinator for 3 federal research studies evaluating the use of telehealth to coach parents to evaluate and treat severe challenging behaviors displayed by their young children with autism\, and co-teaches a graduate seminar on autism spectrum disorders. He has served as a board member on the Autism Society of Iowa since 2010. \nAbby Niederhauser  \nAbby Niederhauser is a 34 year old autistic adult who was diagnosed at age 18. She is an artist and paints bright and colorful pop art. She enjoys advocating for herself and others affected by Autism. She also speaks on LGBTQ+ topics. \nMarie Ugorek \nMarie C Ugorek is an autistic ADHDer with hEDS and an assortment of secondary mental illnesses. In the 2.5 years since she sought professional diagnosis of her neurodivergence\, Marie has been fortunate to be able to focus full-time on reprocessing four decades of life with the goal of growing into a healthy\, unapologetically neurodivergent identity. She is supported in this by her husband\, dogs\, and cat\, who live with her in Cedar Rapids\, Iowa. \nJoey Wesselink \nJoey Wesselink is an autism self-advocate in the state of Iowa. He was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum when he was 25 years of age while beginning his Bachelor of Arts program at The University of Iowa. He is currently the Administrative Assistant at Access 2 Independence\, which is one of the six centers for independent living in the state of Iowa. He lives in Iowa City and enjoys reading\, writing\, playing video games\, being outside\, working out\, watching sports\, or pro wrestling with friends and trivia nights. He was a part of the LEND training program in 2019-2020 as a self-advocate trainee. He graduated from the LEND program in May of 2020. Joey is also on the Autism Society of Iowa Board and is a member of the group #UpgardeMedicaid. Joey graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 2013. Starting in February of this year\, he will attend Mount Mercy University to take some courses in business and then transfer to the University of Iowa and complete the Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy program.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/adults-and-adolescents-with-autism-diagnosis-and-supports-virtual-conference-via-zoom/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211105T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211105T160000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210721T135204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210928T152142Z
UID:4132-1636102800-1636128000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Autism Society of Iowa Resource Fair Exhibitor and Conference Sponsorship
DESCRIPTION:To register to be an exhibitor or a sponsor\, click here. \n\n \nAutism Society of Iowa is offering registration for service providers to participate in our Virtual Information and Resource Fair\, which will be held during our virtual annual conference on Friday\, November 5\, 2021. The exhibitor and sponsorship levels are below.\n\n \n$75- Virtual Exhibitor Benefits:\n\nLogo and link to your website on all conference marketing materials and on our website and newsletter.\nAcknowledgement through social media prior to the conference.\nOne free complimentary registration to the conference.\nUploaded resources to Virtual Resource Fair Google Doc.\n\n\n$500- Sponsorship Benefits:\n\nReceive all Virtual Exhibitor Benefits.\nFeature article in newsletter.\n\nOpportunity to speak about your agency and services to registrants during lunch break.\nOpportunity to have your information recorded and sent out to participants after the conference.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/autism-society-of-iowa-resource-fair-exhibitor-and-conference-sponsorship/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211105T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211105T160000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210526T222536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T222611Z
UID:4096-1636102800-1636128000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2021 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference
DESCRIPTION:2021 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Educational Conference\nVirtual via Zoom \n\n\nFeaturing Keynote Speaker Mikle South\, Ph.D\nTo register\, click here.\n\n  \nAutism Society of Iowa 2021 Fall Conference \n9:00 a.m. – Introductions \n9:00 – 10:15 a.m. –”New things\, new people\, new places: looking for the origins of anxiety in autism.” presented by Mikle South\, Ph.D. \n10:15 a.m. – Break \n10:30 – 11:45 a.m. – Autism Panel – Panel of Adults with Autism Share Their Stories \n11:45 – 12:30 a.m. – Lunch Break and Information from Conference Sponsors \n12:30 – 1:30 p.m. \n\nDating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships presented by Dave Hamlin and Lindsay Nebeker\nAutism and Feeding Issues presented by Linda Cooper\, Ph.D.\n\n1:30 p.m.  – Break \n1:45 – 2:45 p.m. \n\n“Can’t even see the sun: depression and risk for suicide in autism” presented by Mikle South\, Ph.D.\nCommunication for All – AAC Devices presented by Patty Kann\, SLP\n\n2:45 p.m. – Break \n3:00 – 4:00 p.m.           \n\nSelf-Regulation: An Individualize Journey presented by Liz Delsandro\, M.S.\, CCC-SLP\n\nObjectives: \n1) To explore strategies for self-regulation. \n2) To consider tenets of trauma-informed care when working on self-regulation. \n3) To recognize the importance of collaboration or teaming when developing an individualized plan for self-regulation. \n4) To identify environmental considerations/structure that can promote regulation of emotions. \n\nHow Exceptional Ability Influences the Autistic Student – Twice Exceptional presented by Jake Michaelson\, Ph.D. and Susan Assouline\, Ph.D. and New Autism Academy at the University of Iowa for Autistic College Students with Amanda Berns\, Ph.D.\n\n  \nConference Speakers \nSusan Assouline. Ph.D. \nSusan G. Assouline is the director of the Belin-Blank Center\, holds the Myron and Jacqueline N. Blank Endowed Chair in Gifted Education\, and is a professor of school psychology.  Prior to joining the University of Iowa\, she completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship with the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) at Johns Hopkins University.  This experience was the impetus for investigations and programming related to academic talent in elementary students and academic acceleration as an intervention for advanced students.  Throughout her career\, she has been especially interested in the psychological principle of individual differences\, which serves as a platform for the Belin-Blank Center’s research in the area of twice-exceptionality (highly able students with learning disabilities or social impairment).  She received the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 2016 Distinguished Scholar Award\, the 2018 University of Iowa Award for Faculty Excellence\, and the 2019 University of Iowa Leadership in Research Award. \nAmanda Berns\, Ph.D. \nDr. Amanda Berns is a Licensed Psychologist at the Belin-Blank Center’s Assessment and Counseling Clinic and team member for the Academy of Twice Exceptionality\, in the College of Education at the University of Iowa.  She attended the University of Iowa while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology\, Education Specialist\, and Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology\, and where she gained experiences working in schools\, outpatient clinics at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics\, the local homeless shelter\, and in children’s homes through the Early Access Autism Resources Team at Grant Wood Area Education Agency.  She also completed an iLEND fellowship and externships at Nisonger Center and St. David’s Center\, and she held an assistantship providing mentorship to talented and gifted college students at Belin Blank Center\, as well.  Dr. Berns attended a predoctoral internship at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and a postdoctoral fellowship at The Counseling Center of Nashua.  She also worked in the public schools as a traveling school psychologist and Autism Consultant\, as well as in outpatient settings at Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP).  In addition to having a wealth of clinical experience across these settings\, Dr. Berns has particular expertise in assessment and intervention services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, and research background in social-emotional experiences of those who are twice exceptional\, with high cognitive abilities and ASD\, in particular.  She is grateful to support individuals who have unique gifts and challenges at the Belin-Blank Center’s Assessment and Counseling Clinic and as a team member for the Academy of Twice Exceptionality. \nLinda Cooper-Brown \nLinda Cooper-Brown has provided clinical services for 29 years for children with feeding difficulties who have not learned to eat\, and children who have oral aversion or severe picky eating\, with and without diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder. This includes evaluation as part of a multidisciplinary clinic and therapy. She has presented at regional and national meetings on feeding and eating challenges and\nhas written and contributed to research articles on feeding issues and to book chapters\, with her most recent being\, Cooper-Brown\, L. J.\, Kerwin\, M. L\, Williams\, K. E.\, (2019). Feeding. In Hupp\, S. (Ed). Pseudoscience in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy: A Skeptical Field Guide (pp. 189-205). New York: Cambridge University Press.  Dr. Cooper-Brown joined the faculty at the University of Iowa in 2008 and received her PhD in School Psychology in 1991.  She is a clinical professor of Pediatrics\, Clinical Psychology Director Division of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics at the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. \nElizabeth Delsandro\, M.S.\, CCC-SLP \nElizabeth (Liz) Delsandro is a speech-language pathologist and clinical associate professor with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has had the privilege of partnering with individuals who are neurodiverse and their families for more than 30 years. \nDavid Hamrick \nDavid Hamrick is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service who is an active advocate for individuals with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.  Diagnosed with autism at the age of three\, he explains to parents\, educators\, and professionals about how autism has personally influenced him and offers advice about best practices when dealing with those who have autism and how to make life better for them.  In addition to general life topics\, he also lectures on dating and romance\, special interests\, sleep issues\, education\, and employment.  David’s wife\, Lindsey\, also has autism and they have been in a successful relationship since 2005. \nPatty Kann \nPatty Kann\, M.A.\, CCC- SLP\, received her undergraduate degree and M.A. from the University of South Dakota in Speech Language Pathology in 1996 and 1998 respectively. She has worked in the medical setting in Long Term Care\, Inpatient\, NICU\, Outpatient\, and in school settings. Patty has completed extensive continuing education in Childhood Apraxia of Speech\, Complex Communication Needs\, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She was on the Nebraska Educational Service Unit #1 Autism team for 10 years. She currently works for the Northwest Area Education Agency in Sioux City\, Iowa where she has been a member of the Autism team\, the Assistive Technology team lead\, and is currently serving in the role of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Best Practice Coach. Patty is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association. \nJacob Michaelson \nDr. Jake Michaelson is a Roy J. Carver associate professor in psychiatry and neuroscience and the division director of computational and molecular psychiatry at the University of Iowa. His lab uses advanced computational approaches to study the effect of genetic variations on the development of the brain\, with specific applications in autism and language impairment. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in biological engineering at Utah State University before earning his PhD in computational biology at the Technische Universitat Dresden in Germany in 2010. After his time in Germany\, he joined the lab of psychiatric geneticist Jonathan Sebat at UC San Diego\, where he completed his postdoctoral training and published several of the earliest papers dealing with whole genome sequencing in autism. In 2013 he joined the faculty at the University of Iowa\, and his current research is supported by NIMH\, NIDCD\, the Simons Foundation\, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. \nLindsey Nebeker \nLindsey Nebeker is a Development Specialist at the Autism Society of America and remains actively involved in music\, photography\, and freelance presenting. She was born in Tokyo\, Japan\, and spent the first eleven years of her life residing there with her family. She received her autism diagnosis at age 2 from the UCLA Department of Psychiatry during a visit to the United States. Lindsey is also a sibling of an autistic adult with high-support needs\, and she is strongly focused on the message of presuming competence for all people regardless of their labels. She has served on several boards and advisory panels for organizations including the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Felicity House\, and she Is a current member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Technology (minor in Photography) and holds a certificate for the Partners in Policymaking Advocacy Leadership Training Program. Lindsey has appeared in Glamour\, Good Morning America\, NPR\, and the Emmy-nominated documentary Autism in Love. When she is not reporting to her full-time job positions\, you can find her engaged in her passions of traveling\, Japanese culture\, documenting her life through photography\, and composing pieces on her 1909 Steinway. \nMikle South\, Ph.D. \nMikle South is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Emory Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta\, which provides clinical service and research focused on inclusion for individuals\, families\, and communities throughout the lifespan. He received a BA from Yale University followed by a PhD in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah\, working with Dr. Sally Ozonoff. He returned to Yale for postdoctoral training in developmental neuroimaging then spent 14 years in the Psychology Department at Brigham Young University. His research program is focused on understanding the interaction of anxiety and autism in brain and behavior\, and recent studies of sleep in autism and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. Dr. South’s professional practice specializes in assessment and diagnosis of autism with a special interest in how autism presents in girls and women. He loves playing soccer and eating proper pizza. \n  \nPanelists \nLeo Bird \nLeo Bird was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. Unlike some other people with autism\, he overcame bullying and alienation as an eighth grader and had a more supportive group of classmates. He also has had a more successful job search than others. Leo was inspired to write about his life in an interview for an internship for people with disabilities in college when the recruiter said he could educate people about autism. Leo thought he could do that by using the true storytelling techniques he learned in his Writing Short Stories class. After sharing his stories he learned neurotypicals face some of the same challenges he does. He prefers people first language over identity first language and prefers high and low support needs over high and low functioning autism.  Leo lives in downtown Des Moines and works at the United States Post Office. \nRachel Bussan \nRachel Bussan works full-time as a Collection Services Specialist at West Des Moines Public Library. Providing equitable access to information is Rachel’s passion. Skilled at sifting through large amounts of data\, discerning patterns\, and finding lost things. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and Bipolar 1 disorder at age 26\, Rachel is a firm advocate for disability rights. Creative and geeky to the extreme. A fan of anime and steampunk. Rachel loves making costumes and will try any crafting activity at least once. \nBrian Johnson \nAfter years of uncertainly\, Brian Johnson was diagnosed with 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 in Sioux City\, Iowa\, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.  He currently lives in Bronson\, Iowa and works in Moville as a copy editor 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 called “The Human Library.”  This past spring\, he joined the Autism Society of Iowa as a board member. \nAbby Niederhauser \nAbby Niederhauser is an autistic adult who was diagnosed at age 18. She is an artist and loves to paint and draw her favorite pop culture subjects and participate in local art shows. Abby also enjoys collecting vintage toys and video games\, puzzles\, filmmaking and editing videos\, advocacy work\, and driving around in her hand painted van. Abby documents her art and hobbies on social media as Abby’s Rad Art. \nMarie Ugorek \nMarie C Ugorek is an autistic ADHDer with hEDS and an assortment of secondary mental illnesses. In the two years since she sought professional diagnosis of her neurodivergence\, Marie has been fortunate to be able to focus full-time on reprocessing four decades of life with the goal of growing into a healthy\, unapologetically neurodivergent identity. She is supported in this by her husband\, dogs\, and cat\, who live with her in Cedar Rapids\, Iowa. \nAlex Wehrspann \nAlex is an Associate engineer for Rite-Hite Environmental Enclosures division\, as well as a consulting engineer for Badger Airbrush and Fluid exchange solutions (FXS) through his company Wolfmann Designs LLC. and resides in Dubuque. His hobbies include tinkering\, building stuff\, and restoring antiques. He was diagnosed at 18 years old and has been a self-advocate since then. \n  \n\nCEU’s \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is an accredited sponsor for CEU’s for Social Work #300 and Speech Language Pathology #191.  This conference offers 6.0 credit hours of SLP CEU’s and 6.0 credit hours of SW CEU’s. \n\n\nAdditional Sessions \nAdditional pre-recorded sessions will be offered for those who register\, including: \n\nWhat Does Research Show About Sleep and Autism– Jacob Michaelson\, Ph.D.\nStrategies and Resources to Support Learning at Home– Sue Askeland\nSocial Emotional Learning – Leslie Rogers\, SLP & Kirsten Smith\, SLP\n\n\n  \nThank you to our 2021 sponsors!\n \n \n \n \n \n \nThank you to our 2021 exhibitors!\nClick here to view exhibitor folder
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2021-autism-society-of-iowa-fall-conference/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210910
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210911
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210526T222432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210910T191555Z
UID:4094-1631232000-1631318399@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2021 Autism Society of Iowa Employment Conference
DESCRIPTION:To register for this conference\, click here. \n  \nThe Autism Society of Iowa and Iowa DD Council are sponsoring a virtual conference via Zoom 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. This conference is free to those on the autism spectrum. \n  \nAgenda \n9:00 – Welcome \n9:05 – 10:05 – Benefits Planning for working when you receive SSI and SSDI with Diane Hernandez\, Program Director Ticket to Work (T2W & CFI)\, Children and Families of Iowa \nThe Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you\, prepare for work\, find a job\, or maintain success while you are working. If you choose to participate\, you will receive services such as career counseling and job placement and training from our authorized Ticket to Work Employment Network (EN)\, thus helping you on your journey to financial independence. \n10:05 – 10:15 – Break \n10:15 – 11:00- Staying Relevant and Self-Advocating with Lisa Shaw from Mosaic Haven  \nThis interactive presentation will help employees stay relevant and learn how to self-advocate so the individual’s efforts of staying relevant into today’s changing world is known and valued by their employers. \nThis is an interactive training session where you will interact\, problem solve and vote by zoom when learning about different scenarios in the workplace. \n11:00 – 11:10 – Break \n11:10 – 12:30 – Service Providers Panel \n\nBalance Autism’s Employment Services Work Readiness Program using Digitability Curriculum – Bridget Quinn\nMosaic Haven’s Employment Program – Lisa Shaw\nAccess to Independence Services – Joel Wesselink\nMetro West Learning Center Employment Program – Ambrose Ball Harney\nEmployment supports that are available within the Intellectual disability\, brain injury and HAB waivers through Medicaid waivers in Iowa. – Denise Juhl\, Program Manager – Employment Services at Amerigroup\n\n12:30 – 1:00 – Lunch Break \n1:00 – 2:30– Virtual Reality Job Interview Training for Autistic Individuals \nMatthew Smith\, Ph.D.\, MSW\, MPE\, LCSW\, Director of the Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab at the University of Michigan (http://leveluplab.org) \nDr. Smith will discuss research on how virtual reality assists those with autism and will demonstrate his virtual reality job interviews training. \n.2:30 – 2:40 – Break \n2:40 – 3:30 – Learning How to Approach Interview Questions from an Autistic Interviewer with Gregg Fort\, Senior Director of Community Engagement and Partnership at Epilepsy Foundation \nGregg will discuss how to answer open ended interview questions from someone with autism who does a lot of interviewing\, and recommendations for interviews on zoom. \n  \nSpeakers and Panelists \nAmbrose Ball-Harney \nAmbrose Is a Lead RBT for Classroom Support and Transitional skills group leader at MWLC. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology along with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Iowa and is currently finishing his thesis for his master’s in psychology from Purdue. He has a long history of working in the Human Services and Mental Health field and greatly enjoys working with individuals with autism and challenging behaviors. \nGregg Fort \nGregg Fort is in his third year with the Epilepsy Foundation currently serving as the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Partnership after over 30 years in higher education leadership.  Gregg oversees EFAs 10 community engagement and partnership geographic territories across the country.\n\nImmediately prior to EF\, Fort coordinated all development\, alumni and affinity activities at Hartwick College in New York as the Vice President for College Advancement\, including intercollegiate athletics.\n\n\nA native of McKinney\, Texas\, Gregg also served three years as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Hilbert College and five years as an Assistant Vice President at DePaul University in Chicago.\n\n\nGregg is a graduate of Austin College where he recently on the alumni board of advisors and his wife Nicci is a women’s basketball coach at Drake University in Des Moines.\n\nDiane Hernandez\n\nDiane is a certified rehabilitation counselor\, work incentive counselor and brain injury specialist trainer. She received her master’s degree in counseling from Drake University. Diane has spoken in state and national forums on work incentives\, effective collaboration\, return to work after brain injury\, working with impulsive populations\, and the reverse job fair concept. \nDenise Juhl \nDenise is a Central Iowa native.  During Denise’s career she has enjoyed assisting persons with barriers to employment with connections for opportunities leading to training and employment options. \nDenise is the Manager of Member Employment Services with Amerigroup Iowa and has been with Amerigroup since 2016. Prior to that she assisted homeless young adults\, level 3 high schools students and senior citizens with employment assistance. \nLisa Shaw \nLisa Shaw – CEO / Founder Mosaic Haven + Future-Ready Transition Program \nLisa Shaw has been leading parents\, teachers\, and schools in building meaningful IEPs and Transition Plans that appropriately prepare teens for life after high school.  With extensive lived experience\, Lisa understands the importance of supporting every child in reaching their fullest potential not only within the classroom but also within their home\, work\, and community.  Her proven methods and customized programs have helped hundreds of families to prepare their children to become future-ready with further education\, employment\, and independent living. \nMatthew Smith\, PH.D.\, MSW\, MPE\, LCSW \nMatthew J. Smith\, PhD\, is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dr. Smith’s primary motivation is to reduce social isolation for underrepresented groups through enhancing their opportunities to obtain and sustain employment. Dr. Smith received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. \nDr. Smith’s main research interests focus on developing and evaluating technology-based interventions that can be delivered in high schools\, community mental health agencies and prisons to improve employment and mental health outcomes for transition-age youth with autism or other disabilities\, adults with serious mental illness or other disabilities\, and returning citizens. \nDr. Smith’s research is currently funded by the National Institute of Mental Health\, National Institute of Justice\, and the Kessler Foundation. \nBridget Quinn\, MA \nBridget Quinn is the Community Employment Director at Balance Autism and has been with Balance Autism since 2018. She recently graduated with her master’s degree in Special Education and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She’s currently working on her supervision hours to sit for the BCBA exam.  Bridget lives in Bondurant with her fiancé\, their two sons and their puppy. \nJoel Wesselink \nJoey Wesselink is an autism self-advocate in the state of Iowa. He was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum when he was 25 years of age. He is currently the Administrative Assistant at Access 2 Independence\, which is one of the six centers for independent living in the state of Iowa. He lives in Iowa City and enjoys reading\, writing\, playing video games\, being outside\, watching sports or pro wrestling with friends and trivia nights. He was a part of the LEND training program in 2019-2020 as a self-advocate trainee. He graduated from the LEND program in May of 2020. Joey is also on the Autism Society of Iowa Board and is a member of the group #UpgardeMedicaid. Joey Graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 2013.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2021-autism-society-of-iowa-employment-conference/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210429T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210429T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210225T005539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210225T010000Z
UID:4004-1619697600-1619701200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Higher IQ Influences One's Experience with Autism and Not Always for the Better Lunch and Learn - Presented by - Dr. Jake Michaelson
DESCRIPTION:To register for this lunch and learn\, click here. \n  \nAlthough intellectual disability is common among people with autism\, some have a very high IQ. Individuals with autism and a very high IQ are sometimes called “twice-exceptional” or 2e. For some symptoms\, a higher IQ is associated with fewer problems.  In other areas\, the opposite is true. By partnering with the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa and reviewing the records of over 1\,000 gifted individuals\, we were able to identify both specific strengths\, and specific challenges that 2e individuals face compared to normal IQ individuals (with and without ASD). We found that 2e individuals have specific strengths in working memory and verbal comprehension\, but they also experience significantly more mood and anxiety problems than their autistic peers in the normal IQ range. Some analyses suggest increased rates of suicidal thoughts among 2e individuals\, underscoring the urgency of better understanding the twice-exceptional population. \nDr. Jake Michaelson is a Roy J. Carver associate professor in psychiatry and neuroscience and the division director of computational and molecular psychiatry at the University of Iowa. His lab uses advanced computational approaches to study the effect of genetic variations on the development of the brain\, with specific applications in autism and language impairment. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in biological engineering at Utah State University before earning his PhD in computational biology at the Technische Universitat Dresden in Germany in 2010. After his time in Germany\, he joined the lab of psychiatric geneticist Jonathan Sebat at UC San Diego\, where he completed his postdoctoral training and published several of the earliest papers dealing with whole genome sequencing in autism. In 2013 he joined the faculty at the University of Iowa\, and his current research is supported by NIMH\, NIDCD\, the Simons Foundation\, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/higher-iq-influences-ones-experience-with-autism-and-not-always-for-the-better-lunch-and-learn-presented-by-dr-jake-michaelson/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210422T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210422T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210225T005018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210225T010110Z
UID:4002-1619092800-1619096400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Autism and Depression - How to Recognize Depression\, Anxiety and the Risk for Suicide Lunch and Learn - Presented by - Mikle South
DESCRIPTION:To register for this lunch and learn\, click here. \n  \nThis lunch and learn will focus on recognizing depression and anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and will also highlight the experience(s) of women with autistic traits who were interviewed about their depression and shared their personal stories. \nMikle South is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. He received a BA from Yale University followed by a PhD in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah\, working with Dr. Sally Ozonoff. He returned to Yale for postdoctoral training in developmental neuroimaging. His research program is focused on understanding the interaction of anxiety and autism in brain and behavior\, and recent studies of sleep in autism and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. He loves playing soccer and eating proper pizza.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/autism-and-depression-how-to-recognize-depression-anxiety-and-the-risk-for-suicide-lunch-and-learn-presented-by-mikle-south/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210415T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210415T220000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210312T224423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210312T224423Z
UID:4045-1618513200-1618524000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:"Swim Team" Virtual Viewing Party
DESCRIPTION:Register today for a virtual watch party of the documentary\, “Swim Team”\, on April 15\, at 7:00 p.m. Following the screening\, join the live conversation with filmmaker\, Lara Stolman. Brought to you by ASK Resource Center\, Iowa DD Council and Autism Society of Iowa. \nClick here to register.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/swim-team-virtual-viewing-party/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210415T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210415T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210225T004803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210225T010217Z
UID:4000-1618488000-1618491600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Poor Sleep in Autism: Where Are You on the Map? Lunch and Learn - Presented by - Dr. Jacob Michaelson
DESCRIPTION:To register for this lunch and learn\, click here. \n  \nMost people with autism complain of poor sleep. Unfortunately\, previous research had a hard time understanding exactly what kinds of poor sleep were most prevalent in autism. With the support of over 5\,000 families with autism from the SPARK study\, we were able to identify eight distinct patterns that describe most kinds of poor sleep experienced in autism. We were able to identify genetic factors underlying these sleep patterns\, and also which sleep aids show the most evidence of working for each pattern. \nDr. Jake Michaelson is a Roy J. Carver associate professor in psychiatry and neuroscience and the division director of computational and molecular psychiatry at the University of Iowa. His lab uses advanced computational approaches to study the effect of genetic variations on the development of the brain\, with specific applications in autism and language impairment. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in biological engineering at Utah State University before earning his PhD in computational biology at the Technische Universitat Dresden in Germany in 2010. After his time in Germany\, he joined the lab of psychiatric geneticist Jonathan Sebat at UC San Diego\, where he completed his postdoctoral training and published several of the earliest papers dealing with whole genome sequencing in autism. In 2013 he joined the faculty at the University of Iowa\, and his current research is supported by NIMH\, NIDCD\, the Simons Foundation\, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/poor-sleep-in-autism-where-are-you-on-the-map-lunch-and-learn-presented-by-dr-jacob-michaelson/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210409T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210409T160000
DTSTAMP:20260409T100546
CREATED:20210225T005819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210304T020705Z
UID:4006-1617958800-1617984000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Autism\, Gender and Sexual Identity Conference
DESCRIPTION:Autism\, Gender and Sexual Identity Conference\nFriday\, April 9\, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\nTo register for this conference\, click here. \nFor a printable event flyer\, click here. \n  \nAgenda \n9:00 a.m. – Welcome \n9:05 a.m. –  Autism and Identity: Making Sense of Gender\, Presented by Peter Daniolos\, M.D. \nLearning Objectives: \nParticipants will leave this seminar with heightened appreciation of the importance of not foreclosing on gendered options when working with all youth\, including those who present as gender nonconforming (GNC)\, gender diverse (GD)\, gender expansive (GE)\, gender non-binary\, or transgender\, with or without the clinical diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria (GD). Additional learning goals include: \n\nTo understand the role that Autism might play in the consolidation of gender identity.\nTo develop a deeper knowledge base of environmental and psychological factors that play central roles in adolescent identity formation in all adolescents\, and the distorting impact of STIGMA leading to psychopathology.\nTo review the emerging data base supporting a higher rate of gender diversity (GNC/GE/etc.) in youth with autism\, and vice versa.\n\n10:30 a.m. – Break \n10:45 – Noon – ASD & LGBTQ Panel \n\nElizabeth Graham\nSascha Klomp\nJillian Nelson\nAbby Niederhauser\n\n12:00 p.m. – Overview of LGBTQ Clinic at the University of Iowa – Katie Imborek \n12:15 – Lunch Break \n1:00 p.m. – The Gender and Autism Program: The First Clinical Care Program for Gender Diverse Neurodiverse Youth and Young Adults\, Presented by John Strang\, PsyD.  \nJohn Strang will describe the development of the Gender and Autism Program\, the first clinical support initiative for autistic gender-diverse youth and young adults. Co-created by autistic gender-diverse young people and their parents\, the program offers evaluation\, consultation\, and ongoing support services. Dr. Strang will discuss the clinical models that inform care provided by the program. Structural elements of the clinical service will also be explored\, including its multidisciplinary design\, young clinician training initiative\, and positioning within the larger autism and gender care programs at Children’s National. Practical approaches for adapting components of the program for diverse settings will be discussed \n2:00 p.m. – Break \n2:15 p.m. – Covering More Spectrums: On the Intersections of Autism\, Gender Diversity\, and Sexual Diversity.\, Presented by Anna van der Miesen\, M.D. \nDescription: As not only gender diversity seems to be more common in autistic individuals\, but also sexual orientation seems more diverse among autistic individuals\, the literature to date with regard to sexual diversity and autism will be discussed including the potential impact on mental health. In addition\, examples of stakeholder-derived research initiatives around sexual and gender diversity in autism will be discussed with directions for future research. \n3:15 p.m. – Break \n3:30 p.m. – Gender Identity and Autism: Partnering with the Community to Understand how Biology Plays a Role\, Presented by Jacob Michaelson\, Ph.D. \nSome people are skeptical when scientists talk about genes and autism. Add gender identity to the mix and people get really nervous. We asked stakeholders and non-stakeholders about their attitudes regarding whether and how genetic research should investigate the links between brain development and gender identity. Surprisingly\, we found that the stakeholder community was not opposed to this kind of research. Encouraged by these results\, we have begun to partner with the community in the first genetically informed research into the intersection between autism and gender identity. \n4:00 p.m. – Adjourn \nSpeakers \nPeter Daniolos\, M.D. \nDr. Daniolos is an adjunct Clinical Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital\, where he served as the Training Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training Program\, and provided clinical evaluations as part of the University of Iowa Autism Center’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team.  He also ran the Gender Evaluation Program (GEP) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry\, working in close collaboration with the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics’ LGBT Clinic at Iowa River Landing. \nDr. Daniolos recently moved to Andover\, Massachusetts\, from Iowa with his husband and two sons.  Prior to moving to Iowa\, he served as the Training Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center/ The George Washington University Center\, and the medical director of the Center  for Autism Spectrum Disorders\, where he worked with a multidisciplinary team engaged in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of autism spectrum youth. \nHe attended the University of Denver as an undergraduate\, followed by medical school in his home state at the University of North Dakota.  He then did his Psychiatry residency at Duke\, followed by his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Harvard/The Cambridge Hospital. \nJacob Michaelson\, Ph.D. \nDr. Jake Michaelson is a Roy J. Carver associate professor in psychiatry and neuroscience and the division director of computational and molecular psychiatry at the University of Iowa. His lab uses advanced computational approaches to study the effect of genetic variations on the development of the brain\, with specific applications in autism and language impairment. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in biological engineering at Utah State University before earning his PhD in computational biology at the Technische Universitat Dresden in Germany in 2010. After his time in Germany\, he joined the lab of psychiatric geneticist Jonathan Sebat at UC San Diego\, where he completed his postdoctoral training and published several of the earliest papers dealing with whole genome sequencing in autism. In 2013 he joined the faculty at the University of Iowa\, and his current research is supported by NIMH\, NIDCD\, the Simons Foundation\, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. \nJohn Strang\, PsyD \nJohn Strang\, PsyD\, is a neuropsychologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington\, DC. Dr. Strang is the founder and Director of the Gender and Autism Program\, the first specialty service designed to support the care needs of autistic transgender and gender diverse youth and young adults. In 2014 he identified a high rate of gender diversity among autistic youth (DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0285-3). He then led an international expert work group to develop initial clinical guidelines for autistic gender diverse adolescents (2016; DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1228462). Since then\, he has collaborated with autistic transgender young people\, their parents\, and self-advocates and key stakeholders to develop and refine a clinical model to support autistic gender diverse youth and their families (2020; DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1731817). Dr. Strang is also a specialist in self-report measure development\, and is in the midst of calibrating a self-report measure to capture broad gender identities (binary and nonbinary) in youth and adults\, on and off the autism spectrum. As part of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Global Education Initiative (GEI) and Standards of Care revision workgroup\, Dr. Strang is advocating for awareness of the common intersection of autism and gender diversity. \nAnna van der Miesen\, M.D. \nAnna van der Miesen is a medical doctor in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria of the Amsterdam UMC\, VU University Medical Center\, Amsterdam\, the Netherlands. She combines her clinical work with gender and sexual diverse and neurodiverse/autistic children\, adolescents\, and young adults with research on the intersections of gender and sexual diversity\, neurodiversity\, and mental health. Dr. van der Miesen’s recent work has focused on community-based participatory approaches\, partnering with gender-diverse\, sexually diverse\, and neurodiverse stakeholders to set research priorities and interpret study findings. \nPanelists \nElizabeth Graham (pronouns: she/her/hers) \nElizabeth is an autistic transgender woman. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s during her high school years while attending a private arts-based special education school in Washington\, DC. Elizabeth was among the founding members of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance when she was a post-graduate student in boarding school in Pennsylvania. In 2013\, she graduated with her B.A. in Psychology and minor in Counseling from Marshall University in Huntington\, West Virginia where she received support from the College Program for Students with ASD. Her academic area of focus was bereavement in people with autism\, inspired by personal experience. At Marshall she was involved with the student LGBTQ activist group\, helping to bring awareness of transgender issues. Elizabeth began in the I/DD field as a direct care worker supporting adults with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County\, Maryland who live in staff supported group homes and their own homes. She officially came out transgender and began her transition in the fall of 2015\, when she began her current job. Since then\, she has been working full-time at The Arc Prince George’s County where she is a Service Coordinator for the Maryland Medicaid Waiver for Children with Autism (aka Autism Waiver). In the fall of 2020\, she began working part-time with Shared Support Maryland as an administrative assistant and person-centered planning trainer. Elizabeth is a member of The Arc of the United States National Council of Self Advocates. She is a co-leader of Maryland Trans Unity\, a peer-led support group for transgender and gender nonconforming people in the DC-Maryland area. She plays the accordion as a hobby. She is active in her church where recently joined the choir in the alto section and has co-taught the Our Whole Lives sexuality education curriculum to the youth group. Elizabeth has been published by HuffPost\, The Arc of the United States Autism Now\, diverseAbility magazine\, and self-published on Academia.edu. \nSascha Klomp \nSascha (he/him) is a trans man with ASS from the Netherlands. He is a trans activist who seeks to educate health care professionals to ensure better care for trans* individuals \nJillian Nelson \nJillian Nelson is an autistic adult\, that works in the autism community as a Community Resource and Policy Advocate. Nelson was diagnosed as a young adult and has since focused her career on systemic changes to improve the lives of people impacted by Autism and other groups experiencing marginalization. Nelson is openly queer and polyamorous and shares her home with her dog and her life with her partners and support team. \nAbby Niederhauser \nAbby is a 33 year old diagnosed with autism. She is a member of the LGBTQ population.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/autism-gender-and-sexual-identity-conference/
CATEGORIES:Education
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