Autism Conference Presents Latest Treatments, Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home, School

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most scientifically backed methods available for the treatment of autism. The Association for Behavior Analysis International will present 10 distinguished speakers at its Second Annual Autism Conference in Atlanta on February 8 through February 10 to discuss the latest developments in the treatment of autism. The focus will be on home- and community-based interventions as well as curriculum and instruction in the classroom.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 6, 2008 -- Autism may affect as many as 1 in 150 children. This complex disorder is marked by impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most scientifically backed methods available for the treatment of autism. Leading ABA researchers will be gathering this week to present the latest developments in the application of this life-changing science.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), along with its Autism and Parent Professional Partnership Special Interest Groups, will be hosting its Second Annual Autism Conference from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10 in Atlanta.

This year's conference, "Issues and Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism: Practical Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home and School," will focus on home- and community-based interventions as well as curriculum and instruction in the classroom.

The three-day conference will bring together 10 distinguished experts on ABA presenting resources and information that teachers, therapists and parents can use to improve the lives of children with autism. Some of the presentation topics include:

"Teaching the Social Dance" -- strategies to teach young people with autism the verbal and non-verbal components to conversation

"One Size Does Not Fit All" -- ways to tailor treatments to individual needs to promise the best treatment outcome

"From DT to DI: Using Direct Instruction to Teach Students with ASD" -- how Direct Instruction (DI) can address the unique needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while supporting the acquisition of academic skills

This year's Autism Conference will be held at Atlanta's Hyatt Regency Hotel. New additions include exhibitor booths, a bookstore and author book signing by the 10 presenters.

For more information visit the Association for Behavior Analysis International website (http://www.abainternational.org) or call (269) 492-4310. On-site registration is available at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8 at the Hyatt Regency, Exhibit Level in Grand Hall West. Credentialed members of the news media may attend free of charge with prior authorization.

About ABA International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a nonprofit professional membership organization with the mission of developing, enhancing and supporting the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education and practice. Founded in 1974, the association has approximately 5,000 members worldwide. Its affiliated chapters have a total membership of 12,000 worldwide.

Complete Presentation List:

Teaching the Social Dance: Helping Children with Autism Engage in Social Interaction and Conversation

Patricia Krantz, Ph.D.

Executive Director Emeritus, Princeton Child Development Institute

"Evidence-Based Practice": Improvement or Illusion?

Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA

Professor, San Diego State University

One Size Does Not Fit All: Individualizing Treatment Programs for Children with Autism

Laura Schreibman, Ph.D.

Professor, University of California, San Diego

Effective School-Based Program for Children with Autism

Ilene Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA

Professor, University of Washington

Because Our Kids Are Worth It: A Parent's Perspective on Behavioral Interventions at Home and School

Mary Elizabeth Walsh, Ph.D.

Professor, Caldwell College

Using ABA to Improve the Lives of Adults with Autism in Work, Community and Residential Settings

Gregory MacDuff, Ph.D.

Director of Adult and Community-Living Programs, Princeton Child Development Institute

What's My Motivation?: Encouraging Children with Autism to Develop Active Learner Participation

James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA

Director, Behavior Analysts, Inc.

Picking the Right ABA Program for Your Loved One: Matching Learner Needs with Instructional Strategies

Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA

Professor/Director of Research and Training, Rutgers University

One-on-One Programming: Using Direct Instruction to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Cathy L. Watkins, Ph.D., BCBA

Professor, California State University, Stanislaus

A Clear Picture: Using Images to Get What You Want

Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D.

Co-Founder, Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.

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