October 30, 2009 Autism in Adolescence

Autism in Adolescence: Social Skills, Sexuality and Transition to Adulthood

Presenter: Dr. Peter Gerhardt

Friday, October 30, 2009

Registration 8:00-8:30 am, Conference: 8:30 am- 4:00 pm

St. Matthew's Orthodox Bookstore

8775 Jefferson Highway

Baton Rouge, LA

For registration information email: loufeat@bellsouth.net

Today, professionals, families and learners with ASD are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond simple job placement to focus on career development and measures of personal competence and life satisfaction. To this end, this presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for transition planning AT ANY AGE in inclusive of employment, community based training, social competence, sexuality and quality of life concerns.

Workshop Objectives

1.I dentify the components of a comprehensive transition plan
2. Define the multiple constituent groups whose needs are to be meet in the employment development process
3. Identify the three primary components of sexuality.
4. Describe the individually determined components of an assessment of quality of life

Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D. is President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), a nonprofit organization, the mission of which is to fund applied research and disseminate the relevant findings in support of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Dr. Gerhardt has over 25 years experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in educational, employment, and community based settings. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process, assessment of social competence, and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Gerhardt was recently awarded the John W. Jacobson Award for Significant Contributions to Effective Behavior Intervention by New York State ABA. Dr. Gerhardt has been an active member of Maryland ABA since relocating to Maryland (from New Jersey) 6 years ago and he is currently the President-Elect. Previously, he had served on the Board of Directors on New York State ABA and was a founding director of Connecticut ABA.