Conference Kick-Off!

Aimee Smith-Rodriguez, M.A. 

Kendra Wolf, M.Ed.

Conference Moderators

9:00 am - 9:30 am

In this session, our AARC Autism Resource Specialists will kick off the conference with resources and materials, information on getting credit and even how to get DOOR PRIZES!

Resources for Home Learning

Anne K. Freitag, MLIS

Librarian

9:30 am - 10:00 am

In this session, our SESA Librarian will provide an overview of the SESA library, with examples of some materials and books. A tour of SLED, with attention to Live Homework Help, grade level resources, and fun craft resources.

Conference Kick-Off!

Aimee Smith-Rodriguez, M.A. 

Kendra Wolf, M.Ed.

Conference Moderators

9:00 am - 9:30 am

In this session, our AARC Autism Resource Specialists will kick off the conference with resources and materials, information on getting credit and even how to get DOOR PRIZES!

Resources for Home Learning

Anne K. Freitag, MLIS

Librarian

9:30 am - 10:00 am

In this session, our SESA Librarian will provide an overview of the SESA library, with examples of some materials and books. A tour of SLED, with attention to Live Homework Help, grade level resources, and fun craft resources.

KEYNOTE: Research, Resources, & Recommendations from the School Mental Health Assessment Research & Training Center

Jill Locke, Ph.D.

Kelcey Schmitz, M.S.Ed.

10:30 am - 11:30 am

The University of Washington's School Mental Health Assessment, Research & Training Center is a national leader in
developing and supporting implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in schools, including prevention, early intervention, & intensive supports. In this session, we will share two efforts being led from the SMART Center. Jill Locke, PhD, SMART Center co-director, will share new cutting-edge autism research in schools that is part of the Autism Intervention Research on Behavioral Health (AIRB) network & the National Institute of Mental Health Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach & Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness (ALACRITY) Center.  Kelcey Schmitz, MSEd, School Mental Health Lead to the Northwest MHTTC & parent of a child with ASD, will provide an overview of free training & resources available through the regional center as well as best practices for installing mental health in schools.

Overview of Self-Regulation Using Mindfulness & Cognitive-Based Strategies

Lyon Johnson, MA, NSCP, BCBA, LBA

SESA Emotional Disabilities Specialist

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

This session will provide participants with: 1) a working definition of self-regulation and psychological flexibility as a framework for healthy living; 2) examples of key skills (e.g., mindfulness, acceptance, commitment to action, & cognitive defusion) shown to improve the emotional & behavioral health of children, youth & adults; 3) suggestions for incorporating such skills & practices into their personal & professional lives; & 4) resources for further learning opportunities in this area of study.

Zones of Regulation at Home

Shane Phillips, B.S.

SESA Autism Specialist

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Attendees will learn about the Zones of Regulation. Presenter will talk about how Zones of Regulation can be used at home and in different natural settings. Examples will be given on how to help learners regulate their behaviors and emotions. There will also be visual examples of behavior charts and Zones of Regulation charts.

Simple Strategies for Building Relationships to Improve Learning at Home & School

Aimee C. Smith-Rodriguez, M.A.

AARC Autism Resource Specialist

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Struggling at home, in the classroom or via distance learning to get learners to follow directions, interact or connect with your learner? Do learning experiences feel like pulling teeth? This session will cover some simple strategies to pair adults as positive reinforcers for our learners - essentially building relationship and rapport to improve learning. These powerful strategies are so simple and are low effort for the provider with a huge effect on the relationship with the learner. They can be used by family members, providers, and even teachers! We will discuss examples across age groups from infancy to adulthood and in settings from home, school or clinic, the community and even distance learning!

KEYNOTE: Walk through Self-Advocacy

Joshua Kamerick

Independent Living Advocate

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Walk through Self-Advocacy with my life journey. I will tell you why it is important to teach people why it is important to talk for themselves. I have had 20 years of experience in doing Self-Advocate work for myself. I only can tell you what I have done.

Social Behavior Mapping: Building Skills through Social Perspective Taking

Brian Babcock, M.Ed.

SESA Autism Education Specialist

10:30 am - 11:30 am

This session will introduce social behavior mapping as an effective strategy for increasing prosocial behaviors across settings. Social behavior mapping teaches children to consider their choices in light of how they will be perceived by others. Through examples and discussion, participants will learn strategies for introducing and implementing this practical strategy.

Social Supports for Transition-Aged Students

John Barrowman, M.S.

SESA Autism Education Specialist

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

We will take a broad overview of the available supports and practices that apply to preparation for employment, independent living, and self-advocacy. Transition skills can be taught at any age, but this presentation will focus primarily on High School aged students who are looking ahead at employment and adult life. This presentation will include opportunities to interact through poll questions so that the information being given better matches you and your needs.

Social Narratives On the Spot

Samantha Weiland, M.A.

SESA Autism Education Specialist

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

How do we support our students who are learning to navigate social situations at each grade level whether at school or at home? Learn to create Social Narratives for individuals from elementary to high school in the natural environments to navigate confusing social situations

Promoting Social Skills During Social Distancing

Kendra Wolf, M.Ed.

AARC Autism Resource Specialist

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Distance physically, not socially! In this session we will discuss strategies for supporting the social skill goals of young children on the autism spectrum throughout distance and hybrid learning. These social skill strategies can be used with students of any age, but this presentation will focus on how parents and teachers can embed social learning into everyday routines specifically for children ages birth to 3, preschool, and primary aged students. The ideas and activities offered in this presentation can be used in everyday life to enhance communication skills, cooperative play skills, and emotion management skills.

Ask the Specialist! Panel

SESA & AARC Education Specialists

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Ask your questions related to this year's session topics! Featuring education specialists from the SESA and AARC programs. Moderated by the AARC.

Virtual Exploration of the Expanded Core Curriculum

Tyler Arsen, M.Ed.

Angel Black, M.S.Ed., TVI, COMS

10:30 am - 11:30 am

We have received requests for vision supports for learners with autism. We are excited to welcome specialists from our vision programs to share strategies. Tyler Arsen, AKCAM Grant Coordinator will present about how students with visual impairments can benefit from the use of assistive technology as they move through their natural environment. He will also introduce strategies for promoting skills important to be successful both at work and during recreation and leisure. Angel Black, Deaf-Blind Project Coordinator & SESA Vision Specialist will cover strategies related to orientation and mobility, sensory efficiency, self-advocacy and social skills. All components of the Expanded Core Curriculum. Though these are compensatory topics related to vision loss, the presenters will collaborate with the SESA autism team during preparation to provide autism-related perspectives.

Powerful Conversations

Tyler Arsen, M.Ed.

AKCAM Grant Coordinator

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Exploring the connection between early oral language development (speaking and listening) and later literacy success. Discussion of research and strategies to support oral language development within natural environments. Through the use of various engaging presentation techniques, I will present about the effectiveness of specific approaches to promoting and maintaining early oral language development to establish a solid foundation for the related processes of reading comprehension and writing aptitude.

At Home Communication: Using Communication with a Variety of Daily Activities

Jennifer Schroeder, BScEd, AT/AAC

SESA Multiple Disabilities Specialist

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

We all have something to say, we just don't always know how to say it. What better way to learn how to use more conventional communication than during our daily routines. We will look at how to support your child's communication in activities such as mealtime, playtime, storytime and bedtime. There are a variety of communication supports for each activity, and knowing your child will help you choose the one that works best for your home.

Autism Research: What do Parents, Teachers & Providers Need to Know?

Aimee C. Smith-Rodriguez, M.A.

AARC Autism Resource Specialist

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

There is so much information at our fingertips! How do you evaluate sources and break down technical speak? How do you know what is reliable? This can be a daunting process, but there are ways to break it into easy-to-understand pieces. We will take a glimpse into "A Parent's Guide to Research" and freely accessible resources. Finally, we will overview research and reports released in 2020, including the currently adopted evidence-based practices from the NPDC and emerging practices, as well as where parents, providers and teachers can find more information.