Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been shown to be the gold standard in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  However, ABA is not a standardized procedure, there are tremendous difference among the treatment provided and therefore the success of intervention.  Tragically, the vast majority of ABA is dogmatic, rigid, protocol driven and therefore not individualized to meet the unique needs of children.

The Autism Partnership Method (APM)is drastically different from to “Traditional” ABA.  APM is highly individualized, child friendly, and holistic.  Instead of being highly structured, AMP utilizes “Clinical Judgement”.  This includes:

• Focusing on building strong learn foundations so as to speed the learning process
• Developing strong and natural reinforcers so that learning transfers to the real world
• Helping children learn in natural setting such as small and large groups
• Focusing on the whole child, in additional to teaching communication and academics we teach children play and social skills so that meaningful and long-lasting relationships are developed

We live in a time when it is more important than ever to follow the science when making decisions affecting the health and welfare of vulnerable individuals. In the field of autism treatment there are myriad theories which purport to explain the unusual patterns of behavior that are commonly observed in children with autism. These theories in turn have given rise to a wide variety treatment approaches which claim to improve their overall development. Parents and teachers have to become informed consumers and develop a sound strategy for separating fact from fiction. We will discuss the importance of asking the right questions and how to objectively evaluate the quality of evidence behind an intervention. Not all “evidence-based” approaches meet the same high standard.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science and, therefore, involves progressive approaches and outcomes. In this presentation we will argue that the spirit and the method of science should be maintained in order to avoid reductionist procedures, stifled innovation, and rote, unresponsive protocols that become increasingly removed from meaningful progress for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In contrast within the Autism Partnership Method, the therapist employs a structured yet flexible process, which is contingent upon and responsive to child progress. We will provide the audience with data from recent studies on the Autism Partnership Method, and how this approach can be implemented to individuals diagnosed with ASD.

Not all ABA is alike! The differences in application are vast, especially when working with individuals with autism, ranging from protocol-driven rigidity on one extreme to completely lackadaisical “babysitting” – absent any fundamental structure – on the other. Imagine how confusing for the parents and students being served! Systematic and evolutionary staff training can make all the difference. It ensures effective implementation of meaningful programming resulting in students with ASD learning the necessary skills to navigate the social world they occupy. It is not enough for staff to memorize an inflexible set of “rules” to follow mindlessly during therapy. Nor is it enough for staff to simply be fun and possess an engaging style. Learning to be thoughtful and analytical in their work while practicing ongoing assessment cannot be eliminated from a training experience. The new therapist must understand why they are doing what they are doing and be systematic in their teaching. This presentation will highlight the impact a comprehensive approach to training can have when focused on a progressive model of ABA.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a higher co-occurrence of other mental health issues than the general population, most commonly anxiety and depression. This is also true of parents of diagnosed children and other family members. Counseling can be a tremendously beneficial support for families and individuals effected by ASD and its related stressors. The counseling setting provides a means by which to address life issues including sharing the diagnosis, feelings of isolation, expectations, relationships and the future. Through discussion and case examples, Ms. Driscoll will share insights regarding common challenges and effective therapeutic techniques that can positively impact the lives of individuals and families.

Many Children with autism have the potential to make great gains with early intensive intervention. This presentation will show videos of different children undergoing the autism partnership method. The audience will be able to see some long-term outcomes over periods of years and also short-term outcomes from jumpstart weeks that last just 5 days. It is a valuable insight into what changes can be made over short- and long-term timeframes.

Learn from professionals in the field of ASD and ABA. A great opportunity for participants to submit questions and receive clinical feedbacks and recommendations from our speakers based on the given talks.

The New York Times once wrote that “no disability claims more parental time and energy than autism.” Families dealing with autism face many hardships, not the least of which is financial hardship. One reason for the financial hardship has been the failure of the health insurance industry to cover treatments for, and sometimes even diagnosis of, autism.

As recently as the turn of the millennium, it was widely accepted that health insurance did not cover even the standard treatments for autism.
Sadly, few individuals with autism reach their potential because, in the absence of consistent funding, most do not have access to treatment that is appropriate in quality and quantity. Appropriate care is both difficult to find and difficult to afford. A United States government agency wrote that the “delivery and organization of care for ASD is very fragmented, with pieces scattered about in the primary care, school, and specialty clinical settings. It is left to the families and caregivers of patients with ASD to find and assemble these pieces.”

In this address, autism mother and attorney Lorri Unumb will share her personal parental experience with her son’s autism diagnosis and how it led her into full-time advocacy on behalf of individuals with autism, including leading a nationwide reform effort that resulted in 50 new autism insurance laws across the United States.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a huge concept for many mothers and fathers to comprehend, and caring for a child with ASD can be a tremendous emotional, financial and physical strain to many new parents. When a child is newly or recently diagnosed, family members are coming up to a major personal or environment transition. Many undergo difficulties in dealing with the behaviour problems or developmental delays from their child, while have little knowledge in how to find effective treatments that can help their child.

In this session, parents of a child with ASD who has undergone APM early intervention, will be invited to share their experiences and journey of raising and supporting their child with ASD. Their sharing will be insightful and inspiring for many new parents of children with ASD to learn about the potential challenges and problems they will be facing and how APM treatment can help their child with ASD to achieve the best possible outcome.

When a child in the family has a disability, it affects the whole family. Being the sibling of a child with ASD can be both a challenging and enriching experience. Often, siblings of children with ASD are more caring, compassionate, independent and tolerant but they can also experience a range of difficult or negative feelings too! Siblings, too, may suffer from being in a stressful environment, becoming the carer of their sibling with ASD and being neglected by their parents.
The presenter invited in this session will share the story about growing up with the sibling with ASD and how APM early intervention plays a critical component in supporting sibling and their families. This inspirational sharing will arm you with important information and practical suggestions for helping and supporting siblings using APM skills at home and community.

Raising and growing up with children diagnosed with ASD is never easy, but we can and should maintain hope and optimism. This group discussion provides a great opportunity for participants to ask questions and seek input from parents and siblings of children with ASD who have walked a similar journey and how APM has helped improving their life.

Our distinguished speakers will share their journey with ASD, and how APM therapy has changed their life. You will also see them transform from non-verbal children with high rates of stereotypic behavior to adults who dream to contribute to society and even change the world. From their sharing you will see how APM has led to their incredible progress.

For parents of younger children with ASD, they often feel concerned and crestfallen when thinking about the future of their children. During this panel, you will see the adults who have received APM training when they were young. Get involved in the discussion with our presenters, to know more about their stunning adult life!