23rd Annual Alabama Autism Conference Learner Objectives

Supporting Transition to Adulthood: STEPS to Success
Susan White, Ph.D.

  1. Identify common challenges faced by transition-age autistic people.
  2. Define the three key mechanisms linked to successful transition.
  3. Describe the STEPS program for adult transition.

Better Understanding Autism through the Lens of Motor Skills and Movement
Brittany G. Travers, Ph.D.

  1. Define at least 5 ways that motor skills and movement may be different in autistic individuals
  2. Analyze how differences in motor skills and movement may relate to activities common in daily life.
  3. Describe how sensory features, core autism features, and motor skills may be linked in autistic individuals.
  4. Describe brain areas associated with sensory and motor features in autism.

Project TEAM: Empowering Transition Age Youth with Developmental Disabilities to Problem Solve Barriers to Participation
Jessica M. Kramer, Ph.D., OTR/L

  1. Understand how to apply a problem solving approach to support the participation and self-advocacy of transition age youth with developmental disabilities.
  2. Articulate the theory and evidence supporting the implementation of the Project TEAM curriculum.
  3. Discuss strategies and resources to support the adoption and implementation of Project TEAM in attendees practice context.

How to Support Caregivers Who Care for Toddlers with Characteristics of Autism Through Coaching and Mentorship
Mallory Manning and Pamela Ramsey

  1. Participants will define effective early intervention strategies for children with autism and how to coach caregivers on such strategies.
  2. Participants will demonstrate ability to encourage caregivers to be effective play and communication partners using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral strategies.
  3. Participants will identify the newly learned strategies through interactive activities and group collaborations.

Sensory Processing: A Strengths-Based Approach to Intervention
Lauren Little, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

  1. Describe sensory processing as core concept in understanding daily life.
  2. Apply concepts of Dunn’s Sensory Processing Framework.
  3. Identify how knowledge of sensory processing patterns may increase participation.
  4. Design strategies to increase engagement and participation in everyday activities.

Defining Autism: From Nonspeaking to Doctor in Education
Dr. Kerry Magro

  1. Attendees will describe the experiences of students with special needs from the case studies of self-advocates sharing with educators what they would like them to know.
  2. Attendees will interpret special needs across the lifespan from adolescence to transitional services when the school bus stops coming when these students become adults.
  3. Attendees will analyze 10 tips on how to help students through K-12 become the best versions of themselves.