Workshops and Events

Supporting and Enhancing Socially Competent Behavior in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

Children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) are often quite interested in the social world. Many of them have had enough social skills intervention to know the written and unwritten strategies of social behavior. Yet they remain all too inefficient in implementing these in the fast-paced real world. As a result, they may appear socially awkward and/or uninterested. Their social challenges can make them more vulnerable to anxiety and sadness regarding not fitting in with their peers.

This workshop will present a developmental framework, the House of Human Development, that allows us to understand the obstacles to socially competent behavior. This framework will then be used to illustrate practical and efficient strategies that enhance socially competent behavior at school, at home, and in the community. Along the way, Dr. Bolick will describe “social capital” and how it can be utilized to ensure that the person with AS is given “the benefit of the doubt” while learning socially competent behavior.

Date and Time: Thursday, July 29, 2010

Location: Cape Codder Resort and Spa, Hyannis, MA

More information available at http://www.aane.org (Asperger's Association of New England)

Assisting Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Middle and High School:

Information for Paraeducator

The presentation will focus on the paraeducator’s role in a team that helps students with AutismSpectrum Disorders meet their academic, vocational, social, life skills, and communication goals. Topics addressed: unique challenges and strengths of students with autism, communication with student and team members, encouraging independence, dealing with difficult behaviors, the Individual Education Plan, data collection and record-keeping.

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Location: SERESC Conference Center, Bedford, NH

More information available at http://www.seresc.net/events

Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom:

In-depth Help for Teachers

Students with Asperger syndrome (AS) present with a whole host of strengths and neurodevelopmental challenges. Many have co-existing learning, attentional, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Even teachers well-versed in differentiated instruction can struggle when balancing the needs of the student with AS andthe needs of the rest of the class. It is clear that simply assigning an educational assistant is not the issue. But what else can be done?

This workshop will provide practical and detailed strategies that optimize independent functioning for the student with AS within the general education and resource classrooms. It is designed for professionals who already have a working knowledge of AS, attention and executive function difficulties, and social communication deficits.

Date and Time: Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Location: SERESC Conference Center, Bedford, NH

More information available at http://www.seresc.net/events

Previous Workshops

(Please contact Dr. Bolick if you would like more information on a similar workshop for your group)

Basic Level (for participants with little or no prior knowledge of ASD)

• Autism Basics: An Introduction for Parents, Professionals, and Paraprofessionals
• Boy Friends, Girl Friends, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends: Deciphering the Code for Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome
• Building Social Capital: Strategies to Increase Acceptance and Participation in the Real World
• From Acquaintances to BFF: The Development of Friendships in Individuals with ASDs
• Introduction of Asperger Syndrome in Children and Adolescents
• Navigating the Maze of Intervention: An Introduction to “Best Practices” for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Intermediate/Advanced Level (for participants with a working knowledge of ASD and interventions)

• Asperger Syndrome: Beyond the Basics
• Asperger Syndrome: In-Depth Help for the Classroom
• Asperger Syndrome: In-Depth Help for Teachers
• Asperger Syndrome and Related Challenges in Young Children:
  A Common Sense Approach
• Asperger Syndrome in Adolescents
• Assessing Students with Autism and Asperger Syndrome (for psychologists)
• Developing "Social Capital": Interventions that Promote Interpersonal Connections
• Differentiated Instruction for More Challenged Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• From IEP to Classroom and Community: Elementary School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• From IEP to Classroom and Community: Middle and High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Showing What You Know: Strategies for Side-stepping the Cognitive and Academic Inefficiencies of Asperger Syndrome
• The "Hidden Curriculum" for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders:
  Self-Regulation and Social/Emotional/Behavioral Competence
• The Rules of “Relationship Road”: Preparing Adolescents for the Social and Emotional Challenges of the Real World
• Update on Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Integrated and Practical Approach
• "What's Love Got to Do With It?" Friendship and Intimacy in Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism