fbpx

Autism Partnership 2020 International Virtual Conference

Quality Intervention Makes a Difference! Autism Partnership Method

Gathering world-renowned ASD and ABA speakers, Autism Partnership 2020 International Virtual Conference will explore the latest trends in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism Partnership Method (APM), a progressive model of ABA that is highly individualized, child friendly, holistic and focused on “in-the-moment analysis” and “clinical judgement”.

Combined with real-case sharing of parents and adults diagnosed with ASD, this 2-day conference serves as one of the biggest multi-national ASD platforms for academics, researchers, SEN teachers and parents to get to know how the Autism Partnership Method (APM) can maximize progress and create amazing outcomes for children with ASD.

In order for our audiences from around the globe to benefit from this conference, simultaneous translations in 5 languages will be provided for all featured speaker presentations and perspective sharing from professionals, parents, siblings and adults diagnosed with ASD!

This conference focuses on

  • APM – Effective and quality treatment for children diagnosed with ASD
  • Scientific-based fact and fiction regarding ASD and ABA
  • Cutting-edge research on the effectiveness of APM
  • Different perspectives from parents and siblings of children diagnosed with ASD
  • Sharing from adults diagnosed with ASD and their journey with APM training

Participation Opportunities

  • Simultaneous Translation in 5 languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, and Bahasa Indonesia)
  • Case sharing via panel discussion from individuals diagnosed with ASD
  • Most current findings and research on effective treatment of ASD
  • Acquire insights and knowledge from experts in the field of ASD and ABA

Date and Time

Day 1:
Friday, December 4, 2020
16:30 – 00:30(PST)

Day 2:
Saturday, December 5, 2020
16:30 – 23:00 (PST)

Language

Main Language: English
Simultaneous translation includes: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia

Continue Education Units

OrganizationProfessionalsUnits
The Behavior Analyst Certification BoardBCBA/ BCaBA12 Units

Fees

AP International Virtual Conference 2020 AP International Virtual Conference 2020 + APF 6thAnnual Conference 2021* 
Parents, Family Members & StudentsUSD 100 (HKD 774)USD 175 (HKD 1,370)
ProfessionalsUSD 175  (HKD 1,370)USD 250 (HKD 1,935)
  • Replay will be provided for the participants who cannot attend the conference on the event day. Please email us to request before 30th Nov., 2020.

Payment Methods

Download Event Booklet

Supporting Organizer:

Partners:

         

Day1 - (Dec 4)
  • Autism Partnership Method: Evolution and the Future

    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
  • Following the Science: Helping Parents Separate Fact from Fiction in Autism Treatment

    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.

  • The Autism Partnership Method: Recent Advancements in Research

    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.

  • Components of APM Staff Training

    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.

  • Counseling Services for the ASD Community

    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.

  • Case studies of children using APM

    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.

  • Panel Discussion

    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.

Day2 - (Dec 5)
  • Autism and Public Policy: Let Me Hear YOUR Voice

    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.

  • Parent Perspectives

    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.

  • Sibling Perspective

    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.

  • Family Group Discussion

    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.

  • Break
  • Adult Perspective

    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.

  • Adult Panel

    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!

Mr. Toby Mountjoy
M.Sc., BCBA, Director
Mr. Toby Mountjoy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Dr. Ronald Leaf
Ph.D., Co-founder and Director
Ronald Leaf, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who began his career working with Ivar Lovaas in 1973 while receiving his undergraduate degree at UCLA. 
Dr. John McEachin
Ph.D., BCBA, Co-founder and Director
John McEachin is a licensed psychologist who has been providing behavioral intervention to children with autism as well as adolescents and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities for more than 35 years.
Dr. Justin Leaf
Ph.D., BCBA, Director of Research
Dr. Justin Leaf is the Director of Research and Training for the Autism Partnership Foundation.
Ms. Leticia Palos-Rafuse
M.S., Staff Development Coordinator
Ms. Leticia Palos-Rafuse (Lety) has been with Autism Partnership since 1996.
Ms. Marlene Driscoll
M.A., LMFT, Clinical Director and Director of Counseling Services
Marlene Driscoll is a Clinical Director and Director of Counseling Services
Ms. Lorri Shealy Unumb, Esq.
Chief Executive Officer, The Council of Autism Service Providers
Lorri Unumb is a lawyer, professor, mother of three boys
  • Take a screenshot of the payment page and keep it for further checking if needed. The E-receipt will be auto-generated and sent to your registered email after the payment is settled. If you didn’t receive it within 24 hours, please contact us.
  • Confirmation letter will be sent out on the week of Nov 23, 2020.
  • Each Registration No. is for ONE participant ONLY, the number cannot be shared with others, including other family members or groups (there will be admission identification checking).
  • No Attendance Certification will be provided besides the BCBA/BCaBA CEUs.
  • We use ZOOM application (APP) as the platform for this online talk. Please download the app and make sure it is updated to the latest version (FREE to download and NO NEED to register).
  • High privacy setting. Your personal information, including your camera, audio and name will not be disclosed while attending this online talk.
  • For the participants who are unable to join the conference on the event day, please email us via workshops@autismparnershiphk.com to request replay videos on or before November 30, 2020. The replay videos will be provided on December 31, 2020.
Event Details
  • Start Date
    December 4, 2020(Fri) 4:30 pm
  • End Date
    December 5, 2020(Sat) 11:00 pm
  • Phone
    +852 2174 6818
  • Email
    workshops@autismpartnershiphk.com
  • Language
    English (with simultaneous translation to Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia)
  • Event Booklet
    https://tinyurl.com/y2xpodyn