Autism Symposium set
for Friday at Defiance College

The Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College will hold the annual Hench Autism Symposium on Friday, Oct. 22. This year the theme is understanding autism for professionals working in the social services including, but not limited to, social workers, therapists, and case managers. Guest speakers will be Dr. Stephen Shore and Judy Endow, MSW. The program will begin at 9 a.m. in Schomburg Auditorium on the DC campus. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Dr. Shore will speak in the morning on the topic “Success with Autism: Using Our Strengths for Achieving a Fulfilling and Productive Life – Just Like Everyone Else.” Considering autism as an expression of the diversity of the human gene pool rather than a life limiting disorder, Dr. Shore will look at how people with this condition are able to build fulfilling and productive lives. Drawing from the author’s own experiences as well as others on the autism spectrum, practical solutions in the areas of education, relationships, employment, self-advocacy, and disclosure will be explored for maximizing the potential of people both on and off the autism spectrum.

Following lunch, Judy Endow will speak on “Hidden Curriculum Across the Life Span.” Recognizing the need for more resources for autistic teens and adults and based on the work of Brenda Smith Myles, Endow has authored The Hidden Curriculum Calendar for Older Adolescents and Adults. This presentation will offer practical suggestions and advice concerning the subtle information in the world all around us that most people seem to pick up automatically but must be specifically taught or learned by those with autism and other social-cognitive challenges. Hidden curriculum items cover topics across the life span such as social relationships, school, community, money matters, and workplace along with suggestions for teaching hidden curriculum.

There is no cost to attend the presentations or lunch. For a lunch reservation, email Sarah Brown at sbrown@defiance.edu no later than Wednesday.

October 20, 2010