Breakthrough Strategies for Professionals: Concrete and Innovative Techniques for Clients with Autism and Other Developmental Challenges

Bryn Hogan

Bryn Hogan, executive director of the Autism Treatment Center of America, will provide concrete, bold strategies you cam implement now for the immediate gain of the children/adults with whom you work. With humor and inspiration, she will outline some crucial yet often-overlooked aspects of autism and its treatment. Bryn will also recount the story of her own daughter's journey to full recovery. Her lecture focuses on some innovative, outside-the-box techniques you can use today to help your children/adults: move beyond "stimming" (without you stopping or discouraging their behavior), learn new skills (without you having to push or pressure), and, most especially, to form meaningful, caring relationships with others. As well, Bryn will include crucial pointers for enhancing parent receptivity to your input.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. offer techniques that can be used to easily improve a child/adults social engagement and willingness to participate with others;
2. highlight the importance of motivation and how to use it to enhance each child/adults growth process;
3. share specific strategies that will enable professionals to work more easily with and receive greater receptivity from parents.

Presentation Outline

1. The History of Autism Treatment Centers of America and The Son-Rise Program.
   1. My family and my daughter's recovery
   2. Unique aspects of the program
2. How to use "Joining" to address 'stimming' and other ' exclusive' behaviors.
   1. Supportive studies
3. The importance of motivation in creating engagement
4. "Green Lights" and knowing when a child is available for interaction and growth.
5. The Four Fundamentals of socialization:
   1. What to prioritize
   2. The importance of the Attitude of the Facilitator
   3. Supportive studies
6. How to enhance Parents Receptivity:
   1. The importance of parental 'buy in'
   2. Specific tools for creating ongoing rapport and responsiveness