Parents, teachers and practitioners are invited to attend.

Cleveland State University’s College of Education and Human Services, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in 21st Century Health Care Professions and the Council for Exceptional Children Student Chapter 836, is proud to present Autism: Linking Research To Effective Intervention Practices. The conference will focus on the identification and utilization of effective intervention practices that increase the quality of life for children and adults with autism. It will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Cleveland State University Cole Center, 3100 Chester Avenue.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics estimated that nearly 1 in 100 children, or 1% of youths aged 3 – 17, have autism or a related disorder. Autism is a treatable disease, and studies have shown that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to a significantly improved outcome. This conference is focused not only on preparing teachers and practitioners to assist their clients, but also on the parents and loved ones of those suffering with autism.

The conference will offer pragmatic sessions that provide the practitioner-focused learning that teachers and practitioners seek along with information that will be useful for the parents and families of those who suffer from autism. The symposium will feature a number of area professionals who will highlight research-based interventions that they have seen successfully implemented in their respective settings.

The keynote address will be presented by John J. Wheeler, Ph.D., who has been meeting the needs of students with autism for over 25 years, and will focus on linking current events in autism to the need for effective assessment. Presenters at the symposium include Michael R. Mayton, Ph.D., B.C.B.A., assistant professor of Special Education at West Virginia University and Anthony L. Menendez, Ph.D., assistant professor of Special Education at Cleveland State University.

Registration for the conference is limited to 200 people, and must be received on or before Friday, January 29, 2010. For more information and to register, call 216.687.3737 or email coehspd@csuohio.edu. There is no on-site registration. Registration includes a continental breakfast, boxed lunch, CD and certificate of attendance.

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John. J Wheeler, Ph. D. – Keynote Speaker

Dr. Wheeler has been meeting the needs of students with autism for over 25 years. His contributions include founding and coordinating statewide support initiatives delivered in two states, as well as a voluminous set of research publications and two books addressing effective service delivery models. His keynote address will link current events in the field of autism to the need for effective assessment that informs intervention decisions. Dr. Wheeler is an Associate Dean at Tennessee Technological University, where he is the director of the doctoral program in exceptional learning. He serves on the editorial board of Education and Treatment in Developmental Disabilities.

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