2011 AUTISM PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP

“Teaching social skills that change live: developing meaningful relationships.”

Recovery Is Not Just a Dream when care is taken to teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder the many critical levels of social skills that one needs to master in order to achieve maximum success.

A recently published study in the journal Education and Treatment of Children reported very promising treatment outcomes for a group of 64 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The students ranging in age from 13 mos. to 8 years old received an average of 22 hours per week of intensive behavior treatment at Autism Partnership in the U.S. and three other countries. Treatment occurred in the clinic, at home and at school and lasted an average of 3 1/2 years. The students’ IQs showed an average increase of 22 points and 45 out of the 64 were able to successfully complete grade level work in general education classrooms. Perhaps even more critical and life changing was that these children developed meaningful friendships there by enjoying a high quality of life!

One of the most critical elements of the treatment plan implemented by Autism Partnership was the emphasis on teaching authentic social skills on multiple, complex levels. When all is said and done, improving the quality of life for a person with ASD must be our most important objective. How smart a person is or how many facts he or she knows may enhance the richness of his or her life only so much; What is most critical is whether the individual has meaningful social relationships. Tragically, once many children reach adolescence they experience an alarming rate of loneliness, anxiety and depression that has devastating effects on our individuals with ASD and their family members alike.

Dr. Ron Leaf will share the success stories of clients who were once isolated have now developed meaningful friendships and have entered the world of dating and relationships. He will discuss the strategies and detail the programs that have been critical in achieving this success. Through discussion, videos and case presentations, participants will be better able to assist their students, clients and children in greatly improving their quality of life.
And, after all, isn’t that the most important objective?

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AN INSIDE LOOK AT CRAFING CONNECTIONS

Historically, the research and treatment emphasis for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) has been on helping children learn to understand language and to speak. It is our firm belief that, although communication is important, social skills are a core deficit of ASD . There deficiencies result in reduced social opportunities and often lead to loneliness, isolation and depression for persons with ASD . Social skill problems simply reduce the quality of life.

Crafting Connections is one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use guides available for teaching social skills to children, youth and adults with ASD .

The book addresses real world issues such as teasing and bullying, conversational development, and social comprehension. Crafting Connections is a must have for teachers, clinicians and family members alike. It provides the “how to” for establishing true social skills development and embodies a comprehensive push to give work on social skills for individuals with ASD its due; because ultimately, social skills are much of what makes us, us.

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