Autism Expert from Australia, Speaker at Autism/Aspergers 2004" Conference in Buffalo, NY

World autism expert, Dr. Attwood, speaking at one day conference in Buffalo, NY, on Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) October 20, 2004 -- With over 1.5 million people in the United States diagnosed with a form of autism, including Asperger syndrome, it is critical for people (families, professionals and the general community) to become more educated about autism spectrum disorders, affecting 1 in 166 children today. Dr. Attwood, a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, brings over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism/Aspergers/PDD. On Wednesday, October 20, 2004 he will be discussing innovative techniques for improving social skills, learning friendships, social skill groups for adolescence, and understanding and expressing emotions. This is a very rare opportunity in the U.S. to hear from one of the top minds on Aspergers Syndrome and high functioning autism.

Dr. Attwood has seen several thousand individuals, from infants to octogenarians, along the full range of the autism spectrum, from profoundly disabled to university professors. His postgraduate research was conducted with Dr. Uta Frith. He has subsequently published several papers, chapters and a book in the area of diagnosis and challenging behaviors. His book and video on Aspergers Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism for Parents and Professionals are recognized as the best offerings ever in the field.

One of the defining characteristics of individuals with autism / PDD is difficulty "reading", interpreting, and responding effectively to social cues and social information. The lack of understanding often results in socially inappropriate behaviors. This challenge invades all aspects of life - family relationships: making friends, peer activities and daily life interactions in the community. Without the ability to interact well socially, an individual with autism / Asperger's / PDD experiences a limited world, cut-off from social experiences taken for granted by others.

At this conference, Tony Attwood will present in-depth ideas on social skills strategies. Through the use of demonstration, visual aids, and audience participation, he will provide attendees with the skills needed to understand the nature of the social skill challenges faced by individuals diagnosed along the autism spectrum. The one-day conference will be held on Wednesday, October 20 from 7:00 AM -- 4:30 PM at the Adams Mark Buffalo Niagara Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo, NY. Special rates are still available for family members; person with autism, students and group rates but seating is limited. To register call Future Horizons at 1-800-489-0727.

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