Social Thinking: Teaching Self Awareness and Social Perception
Shelly Hansen, Licensed Speech Therapist and Founder of “Think Social East Bay”
Individuals with social cognitive deficits face enormous challenges, not only in their day-to-day relationships, but also because it often incredibly difficult for parents, and professionals-educational and medical-to understand their core difficulties. Many of these students may score well within normal limits on standardized tests yet may have no friends, have frequent outbursts in class, and spend hours upon hours on the computer. This workshop is intended to provide an overview of the different affected areas that contribute to an individual’s overall social cognitive deficits across his school day or work day.
Where Are We Going and How Do We Know if We Got There?
Devora S. Depper, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF
How do parents navigate the more complex road map of development for kids and teens with learning differences? This group discussion will provide a model for tracking where we are going and how to know when our kids have gotten where they need to be.
Easy and Affordable AT at Your Fingertips
Jan Tuber, Assistive Technology Specialist
This workshop will explore easy and affordable tools for reading and writing. Assistive technology for literacy usually conjures up images of expensive software programs that are complex and time consuming to learn. However, the simple and easy-to-employ options you will discover during this presentation can be quite effective as first steps, or long-term solutions.
Notetaking and Knowledge Management: Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn
Shelley Haven, ATP, RET, Independent Assistive Technology Consultant & Trainer
Whether taking notes in class, gathering Web research, or creating a textbook study guide, student success relies on the ability to effectively capture and organize information from a variety of sources. This workshop will demonstrate tools to aid that process, from notebook software, smartpens, and graphic organizers to everyday tech such as digital cameras and voice recorders. It will also examine how task and setting impact the choice of tool.
Medicating Young Minds: Helping Parents Weigh the Options
Glen R. Elliott, Ph.D., M.D. Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director, Children’s Health Council
Increasingly, medications are an option parents are expected to consider if their child has marked emotional or behavioral difficulties. Dr. Elliott will discuss the why this is the case and how parents can weigh the pros and cons of such a decision for their child. He will review the types of behavioral problems for which medications often are recommended, the types of medications commonly used, and the kind of relationship parents should expect with their doctor if they choose to try a medication.
Myths and Realities of Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Evaluation: Is Diagnosis Stigmatizing or Liberating?
Alan Siegel, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor, UC Berkeley
A comprehensive evaluation is essential for obtaining accommodations from schools and for standardized testing (SSAT or SAT or ACT) and for developing an effective support or treatment plan for your child. Yet many parents fear that diagnosis and labeling will be stigmatizing or harmful to their child, or they find it difficult to decide whether their child is lacking motivation or will grow out of a problem. This presentation will reveal the benefits of identifying LD/ADHD issues and remedies to implement academic support and minimize psychological consequences such as anxiety and demoralization. We will demystify the evaluation process, empower parents, and provide guidelines for when to get an evaluation and how to use it to advocate for your child and get them the help and services they need to reach their full potential.
Getting the Help You Need: Parents and Professionals Working Together
Stephanie Pass, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist. Private Practice, San Francisco.
When your child is diagnosed with learning differences a lot of wheels are set in motion. It can be hard to know where to begin, and what to do when. This presentation, intended for parents whose children are recently diagnosed and those further along in the process, will address the following topics:
- coming to terms with the diagnosis
- putting together a team that supports your child and you
- team meetings: when to have them and how to make them worthwhile
Effective Child Advocacy at IEP and 504 Meetings
Brendan Pratt, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, PSY17794, Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Parents often have their children undergo comprehensive educational or psychological evaluations, and they are then left on their own to negotiate with the school system to implement recommendations. Dr. Pratt will discuss the collaborative role of psychologists and parents in effective child advocacy. He will highlight successful strategies and common pitfalls of IEP and 504 team meetings and clarify the perspective of team members. He will be available to answer questions from the audience at the end of the presentation, and participants are welcome to e-mail question to brendan@prattcenter.com.
The Debate and Facts Surrounding Early Speech and Language Intervention for Preschoolers
Katie Pengilly, MA, CCC, SLP & Tiphanie Kaufmann, MS, CCC, SLP. Co-Directors of SPEECH, Inc.
We will review developmental milestones for speech, language and pragmatics for children 1 to 5 years old. Developmental "red flags" will be covered as well as atypical language profiles. Differerent early intervention strategies with be discussed.
(Central) Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD): What they are and how to help
Judith W. Paton, M. A., FAAA, Audiology - Pediatric and Adult.
Children and adults with learning disabilities, speech and language deficits, autism spectrum disorders, and head injuries may have trouble deciphering the sounds brought in from the ear as a part of these larger problems. Inaccurate auditory processing is a barrier to learning, socializing, and working but it can be improved. Here's how.
Sparking Your Own Personal Potential: How To Spend Less Time Doing Work, Do Better in School, and Have More Time To Do What YOU Want To Do!!
Ana Homayoun, Founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Author of That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week: Helping Disorganized and Distracted Boys Succeed in School and Life
As featured in The New York Times, Ana Homayoun's innovative organizational strategies and study techniques help students dramatically improve their academic performance and reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with juggling a rigorous course load and extracurricular activities. In teaching organizational and time-management skills, this presentation will help students provide the framework for their own academic and personal success.
The Future of Coaching is Coaching Our Future
Robert M. Tudisco, JD. Executive Director of the Edge Foundation
Students with AD/HD often struggle with the lack of structure and accountability in college that is a direct contrast to the support that they received in high school. This is often compounded by the fact that an overwhelming percentage of these students attend college away from their homes and do not have the support of their parents at this difficult time. Consequently, they face difficult obstacles and in many cases lack the ability to understand and advocate for their own needs. This session will explore these challenges that transitional students with AD/HD face and how they can be met and overcome by specially trained coaches who can provide individualized support, structure and accountability, while helping them understand their needs and learn to gravitate toward their strengths and navigate around their weaknesses. The program will also discuss the changes in the protections under the law that students with disabilities face when entering college.
Where's The Manual for Recess? Helping Kids and Teenagers Manage Unstructured Time
Dominique Baudry, MS. Ed. & Jahna Pahl, MA.
Why is recess so hard for so many kids? Why do some kids always seem to get into arguments and why do some kids seem to spend each recess alone with a book? When children are isolated or rejected by others, unstructured times become extremely challenging and anxiety provoking. These kids often have difficulty forming and keeping friendships that are mutually satisfying. Dominique Baudry and Jahna Pahl will explain why many children struggle with recess and unstructured time throughout the day. They will provide strategies for parents and teachers to help children navigate these times where the social demands are high and successes are not part of these children’s experiences.
Self-Advocacy and Resiliency: "I Can!"
Karen Grites, M.S., Center for Community Education Director, Children's Health Council
Rosalie Whitlock, Ph.D., Executive Director, Children's Health Council
Does your child understand how to advocate for himself and his learning style? When learning styles are demystified and a child can articulate how he learns best, he gains a sense of power and creates the groundwork for a better self image. This class will address ways that your child can weather the challenges that come with each new grade or situation and create resiliency to bounce back from setbacks.
The College Search Process for Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Challenges
Nancy Singer, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Admissions & Recruitment, SALT Center at the University of Arizona
Topics included in the presentation are:
1) What we know about students with LD and ADHD challenges and success in higher education
2) The differences between K-12 and higher education in terms of laws and services for students
3) Resources available to students and families to help students with the college search and transition process
Beyond Brochures: Key Tools and Information for Successfully Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Programming
Wendy Byrnes, Admissions Coordinator, College Living Experience
This workshop is designed to inform and empower students and families with essential information in order to prepare them to move beyond high school. Students need to possess not only adequate daily living skills, but must learn to navigate the world of accommodations and develop appropriate self-advocacy skills. Various types of supportive programming will also be examined.
Seven Strategies for Teens & Young Adults Managing Social Technology for Work and School
Jennifer H. Selke, Ph.D., Social Skills Programs, University of California, Berkeley
Social media tools like facebook, text messaging, and email have replaced letter writing and telephone skills yet young adults are not taught how to use these tools for school and work. Learn the social norms and expectations as well as how you can use technology more effectively. Discover the unique problems and pitfalls to avoid. Bring your questions and take away new skills for using technology for more than just communicating with your friends.
Nutrition and ADHD: Learn How a Modified Diet Can Minimize Symptoms
Judy Burgio, R.Ph., C.N., Integrative Health Specialist and Nutritionist, HealthSynergy
While nutrition is not necessarily a cure for ADHD, a healthy diet can improve body chemistry, balance blood sugar levels, and support digestion and brain function. This presentation will address the specifics of a balanced diet and how to get started. We will also discuss supplements, food allergies, digestive issues, stress and other contributing factors that should be considered.
How to Get Accomodations on the SAT and ACT
Jane McClure, Educational Psychologist, McClure, Mallory & Baron
This presentation will explain the process of applying for accommodations on standardized college admission tests - PSAT, SAT, Subject Tests, AP exams and the ACT. It will cover the process required for students who have IEP's or 504's, as well as for those who don't. It will also cover how to apply for accommodations beyond what a student is granted in their IEP or 504, and if this is a good idea.
Speaker information is available on the Speaker Bio page.