Presented by: Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Session: Pre-Conference - Session #1
The past decade has seen reports citing the dramatic increase in the prevalence of autism and related disorders (ASD) to the current 1 case per 110 individuals most recently identified by the Centers for Disease Control (2009). While the reasons behind this increase remain unclear what is clear is that there are greater numbers of individuals being diagnosed with ASD than ever before and subsequently, steadily growing numbers of adolescent and young adults on the autism spectrum. Subsequently, this increase in prevalence has created an increased demand for appropriate and effective services for adolescents and young adults with ASD. Unfortunately, the need for such services continues to far exceed the available resources leaving a generation of individuals with autism and their families in a programmatic, financial, and personal limbo.
This presentation will provide an overview of effective transition programming -- at any age – with the ultimate goal being a life of dignity, competence, and quality. To this end, an overview and practical suggestions for transition planning (including the use of existing technology) will be presented along with issues related to community based instruction, social competence, sexuality and sexual safety, and quality of life concerns.
Learning Objectives:- Identify the components of a comprehensive transition plan
- Discuss the importance of sexuality education both from a knowledge and a safety perspective.
- Discuss the importance of direct, intensive instruction in adaptive behavior if community living is expected to be the outcome of an effective education.
- Discuss the implications of technology in promoting independence and personal competence in the community