Agenda

Workshop 1
Effective Behavioral Strategies for Teachers
Attendees will be introduced to autism, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and  the power of effective positive reinforcement. Attendees will learn simple and practical behavioral strategies that can be used with all students in every
classroom. This workshop will involve many hands-on activities to practice the strategies outlined by the presenters.

Conducted by Dr. Michelle Kelly

*Suitable for teachers and parents

Workshop 2
Starting the Implementation of Picture Exchange Communication System
This workshop will introduce the six phases of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and with a specific focus on the implementation of the first 2 phases. PECS was developed by Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D. & Lori Frost, M.S.,CCC/SLP as an augmentative/alternative communication intervention package for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials. It was created with families, educators, and resident care providers in mind, so is readily used in a range of settings. PHASE I: How to Communicate PHASE II: Distance and Persistence

Conducted by Rehka Warrier and Bharti Rao

*Suitable for parents, teachers and professionals

Social Stories for Efficient Transitions and Change
When working with children, adolescents and young adults on the autism
spectrum, change in routine can bring about a variety of challenges. The use of social stories is one way that parents, teachers, and other caregivers may be able to create more predictability in those situations and provide learning
opportunities for problem solving.

Conducted by Nipa Bhuptani and Michelle Chioccola

*Suitable for parents, teachers and professionals

Workshop 4
The Use of Antecedent Interventions to Increase Compliance and Decrease Interfering Behavior
The use of antecedent interventions for increasing compliance and decreasing interfering behavior will be discussed. Attendees will be able to describe the general procedure, advantages, limitations, and considerations of several antecedent manipulations for promoting compliance.

Conducted by Dr. Amanda Verriden and Manal Al Eryani

*Suitable for ABA professionals and professionals  
*This session offers CEUs for Board Certificants (BACB) professionals

Lecture 1
Theory of Mind: What Is It and How to Develop It
Dr. Megan Thompson
Children with autism frequently have difficulty with understanding why people think and feel differently than they do. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and anger when in social situations. Find out what Theory of Mind is, how it impacts your child, and strategies to help.

*Suitable for all audiences

Lecture 2
Feeding – Part of a Comprehensive Intervention Plan
Dr. Eeva-Liisa Langille
Feeding is not only nutrition, it is the social interaction of learning to eat; important for any child, but especially those with ASD. As children with autism quite often have difficulties accepting new things in their environment there is a high risk of very restricted diet and nutritional deficiencies. Discussion of feeding as part of the comprehensive care plan to improve the life and quality of life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

*Suitable for parents and teachers

Lecture 3
“Thanks for asking, but can you please wait a minute?”
Functional Communication Training and Beyond
Dan Sheridan and Rasha Baruni
The aims of the presentation are: 1) briefly discuss steps involved in developing an effective FCT treatment, 2) review recommendations on best practices when implementing FCT, and 3) discuss some strategies for schedule thinning once satisfactory rates of the communicative response have been observed.

*Suitable for ABA professionals
*This session offers CEUs for Board Certificants (BACB) professionals

Lecture 4
Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism
Aine McGrath
An interactive parent session on how to understand your child’s sensory processing needs and recognizing the behaviors that you may see secondary to these challenges. This will involve some background information explaining the senses, what sensory modulation is and practical tips on how to address these needs through modifying your home environment and routine.

Lecture 1
Presentation, Causes and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Binu George & Dr. Khaled Kadry
Autism is a diagnosis which has alarmed health experts with its rising prevalence all over the world. This problem though not completely quantified seems to have a much higher incidence in the MENA region. Dr Binu & Dr Kadry will talk about the presentation, causes and diagnosis of Autism in children, they will also discuss the presentation of comorbidity with ASD.

*Suitable for all audiences

Lecture 2
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the Mainstream School Setting
Layal Abou Saad and Allison Tompkins
Attendees will participate in learning about the integration of ABA in the mainstream school settings and how teaching strategies improve learning opportunities in inclusive classrooms.

*Suitable for ABA professionals and teachers
*This session offers CEUs for Board Certificants (BACB) professionals

Lecture 3
Toilet Training Children with Autism
Melody Sylvain and Nusaibah Al Ameri
Individuals with autism and related disabilities often experience challenges in the development of appropriate functional and self-help skills. This workshop will provide the audience with research based strategies to successfully toilet train children with autism.

*Suitable for parents