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Autism Remediation to be Focus of Jacksonville Workshop In January
As discussion continues regarding the dramatic increase in autism cases throughout Florida, Dr. Steve Gutstein will meet with parents and professionals from across the country in Jacksonville for a comprehensive two-day workshop delving into the latest research findings and treatment advances.
(PRWEB) November 18, 2005 -- As discussion continues regarding the dramatic increase in autism cases throughout Florida, Dr. Steve Gutstein will meet with parents and professionals from across the country in Jacksonville for a comprehensive two-day workshop delving into the latest research findings and treatment advances. “Going to the Heart of Autism,” will focus on the Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI®) program Gutstein co-developed.
The conference, scheduled for Jan. 6th and 7th, is intended for family members, professionals, researchers and educators who work with people on the autism spectrum. It will cover the following:
| | - Research results on the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum;
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| | - How modifying communication style can dramatically change the way a person on the autism spectrum relates to others; and
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| | - How families increase the flexibility and complexity of neural pathways of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder through focused guided participation.
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“The RDI program represents a new way of thinking about the remediation of the deficits that are common in all individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Gutstein, co-director of The Connections Center. “We are challenging families and professionals to think beyond achieving mere functionality as a successful outcome for individuals with ASD; our reference point for success in the RDI program is fostering loving relationships and enhancing quality of life.”
The prevalence of autism and associated disorders has sharply risen in recent years, with some education and medical professionals describing the rise as an epidemic. According to the most recent Florida Public Schools Autism Prevalence Report compiled by FightingAutism, 7,151 Florida residents between ages three and 22 had been diagnosed with autism in 2003, the most recent year for which numbers are available. That’s up nearly 60 percent from 4,473 cases reported in 2000. Some, including Gutstein, believe the rise is at least partly due to a loosening of the criteria used to diagnose autism as well as misclassification of autistic children as mentally retarded in the past.
The two-day workshop runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 6 and 7, 2006. It will take place at the Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Blvd. in Jacksonville. The cost is $250 until Nov. 25, $275 from Nov. 26 until December 23 and $300 after that. Online registration is available at www.rdiconnect.com or by calling (713) 838-1362.
About Connections Center
Established in 1995, the Connections Center for Family and Personal Development, based in Houston, is a multi-disciplinary program to develop innovative evaluation and intervention programs for people with relationship disorders. Led by Drs. Steve Gutstein and Rachelle K. Sheely, the Connections Center staff provides a full range of evaluation and treatment services, including RDI. They provide education and training to families and professionals worldwide. More information is available at www.rdiconnect.com.
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