Geneva Centre for Autism

Presenters: Lori Ernsperger, Ph.D. and Danielle Wendel

Description:
During this workshop, Dr. Ernsperger will highlight the core gender differences between boys and girls on the autism spectrum. The focus of this presentation is to review the research on girls with autism spectrum disorders and provide effective insights and strategies for addressing specific issues which include the diagnosis, IEP planning, friendship making,   bullying, dating and safety and self-advocacy skills. Danielle Wendel, co-author of the book Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders and mother of a teenage girl diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, will bring a personal perspective to the workshop and share her experiences and advice.

Learning Objectives
After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Identify specific gender issues related to girls and women with ASD which may include diagnosis, friendship making, bullying, dating and self-advocacy.
2. Distinguish between specific characteristics of ASD which are related to girls and women with ASD    
3. Recognize differences in social skills and implementation strategies for addressing social skills
4. Increase awareness of the need for further research into the field of girls and young women with autism spectrum disorders so that they are no longer “research orphans”

Speakers Bio
Lori Ernsperger, Ph.D.
Dr. Ernsperger is from Henderson, NV where she is the owner of Autism and Behavioral      Consulting. Dr. Ernsperger received her doctorate in Special Education from Indiana University. She has over 25 years of experience working in public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator and behavioral consultant. Dr. Ernsperger currently provides staff development and conference workshops to school district personnel and parents. Her workshops cover the following topics: Managing Problem Behaviors, Implementing Effective Instructional Methods, Designing Appropriate and Functional Data Collection Methods for the Classroom, Practical Strategies for Working with Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and How to Get Your Kids to Eat. Dr. Ernsperger is the author of: Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism and Just Take a Bite: Easy Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges. Her new book, Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders, is published by the Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Danielle Wendel
Danielle Wendel is the mother of 15-year-old Mattie, who has Asperger Syndrome, and 11-year-old son Nicholas. Danielle is the co-founder of The Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group, created to provide support and information to parents and  professionals of school-aged children through young adults with ASD. She is a member of the Autism Coalition of Nevada, which supports legislation and public awareness for individuals with ASD. Danielle is co-author of Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders.”