FoggyRock General Forum

RECOVERY RISING

Autism One
www.autismone.org
Chicago, May 21-25, 2008

Autism One 2008 Conference speaker, award-winning author Chantal Sicile-Kira, presents:

Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
Adolescence is a difficult time for all teenagers, and even more so for those on the spectrum. Whether a child is on the more functionally able end of the spectrum or severely impacted by autism, puberty brings about many changes and areas of concern. Issues discussed include: puberty and hygiene, self-care, sexuality, and relationships.  What to expect when a child on the spectrum develops into a “tween” and then a “teenager” are covered. Practical strategies for both school and home environments and different ability levels will be given.

Preparing for the Real World of Work
An overview of the different types of employment structures currently available - including self-employment - in the community will be given, as well as a description of 10 top attributes employers are looking for in a potential employee.  Ideas for individuals of all different ability levels on the spectrum will be discussed. Areas to be covered include:  specific ideas on how to prepare teens/young adults for making an income based on the individual's interest or ability to provide a needed service, the role of support staff, the importance of mentors, and approaching/informing potential employers and colleagues.

And join Chantal as she returns to Autism One Radio at www.autismone.org/radio:

January 29, 1:30 pm ET: Dr. Winnie Dunn, Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy Education, University of Kansas Medical Center, discusses her new book  Living Sensationally: Understanding Your Senses.
February 5, 1:30 pm ET: (in French) Professor Christine Philip of the CNEFEL in Suresnes, France discusses the education of children with autism in France.
February 26, 1:30 pm ET: Emily Savarese, inclusion specialist and mother of DJ Savarese (subject of the book Reasonable People) discusses what is necessary for successful inclusion.
March 25, 1:30 pm ET: Polly Tommey, Editor of The Autism File (UK autism magazine sold in bookshops), discusses The Autism Trust, a non-profit based in the UK.

Chantal Sicile-Kira, Director of Communications and Public Relations for Autism One, has over 20 years experience with autism spectrum disorders and is the founder of Autism Making a Difference, which provides consultation services on adolescent issues and transition to adulthood and self-employment.  She recently served on the Taskforce on Transitional Services & Supports reporting to the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. Chantal is the award winning author of Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her next book to be published by Penguin in October 2008 is Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self Esteem and More: 10 Essential Abilities Every Child on the Spectrum Deserves and Needs to Learn. Chantal has developed a Beginner's Guide to Self-Employment which will soon be available.

To see a list of Autism One 2008 presenters, please visit the Speakers page at:
www.autismone.org 

Hope is always real.  Recovery is happening.

Autism One
Chicago, May 21-25, 2008
www.autismone.org