Ask the Experts

These prominent psychologists, therapists, educators, authors, and other professionals in the fields of social skills and developmental disabilities will be available at designated times throughout the day to talk to families about specific questions they might have.

Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D.

Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas where she co-directs a graduate program in Asperger Syndrome and autism. The recipient of the 2004 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Professional Award, she has written numerous articles and books on Asperger Syndrome and autism including Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns (with Southwick) and Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success (with Adreon), the winner of the Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work. Myles is the Vice President of the Council for Exceptional Children's Developmental Disabilities Division and is on the executive boards of several organizations, including the Organization for Autism Research and MAAP Services Inc. She is also the editor of Intervention in School and Clinic, the third largest journal in special education.

The Hidden Curriculum

11:30-12:30
Dr. Myles will be available to discuss the hidden curriculum, the unstated rules for social situations that children with social skills deficits so often seem to miss.

Tantrums, Rages, and Meltdowns

2:30-3:30
Dr. Myles will be available to discuss practical solutions for children and adolescents who have difficulty with tantrums, rages, and meltdowns in response to feelings of overwhelm, unfairness, and sensory overstimulation.

Jeanne S. Ganz, OTR/L, BCP

Jeanne S. Ganz is an occupational therapist with extensive training in sensory integration, who has been working with children for over 25 years. She is board certified in pediatrics and is a co-proprietor of Island Therapies in Babylon, NY.

Understanding Sensory Integration

Do you or your child seem to be more sensitive to sounds, clothing, grooming activities, lights, or things that touch the skin? Do you or your child seem to be constantly touching things, fidgeting, or moving about? You may be seeing signs of inefficient sensory processing. Jeanne Ganz, OT will be available to answer questions and discuss the impact of sensory processing dysfunction on children.

Session 1

11:30-12:30

For parents of younger children who want to ask questions directly.

Session 2

1:00-2:00

For parents of older children who are old enough to have their own questions with their parents.

Juliet Williams, Psy.D.

Juliet Williams is a NYS Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has a private practice in Stony Brook, NY specializing in diagnostic evaluations, cognitive assessment, educational consultation and practical therapeutic interventions for high functioning individuals with ASD and their families.

Troubleshooting Social Problems
2:30-3:30
Dr. Williams will be available to answer questions about your child's social, emotional and cognitive development across the lifespan and troubleshoot tough social skills problems for children of all ages. Dr. Williams will also be available to answer questions about the types of academic and therapeutic interventions that may best help your child maximize his potential.

Lisa Mitchell, LCSW-R

Lisa Mitchell is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for 15 years, and specializes in the areas of psychotherapy and human sexuality education and training. She presently works at The Cody Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities, where through the Sexuality Education and Reproductive Health Program, she provides short-term individual counseling, leads sexuality education groups, and offers community outreach and training.

Sexuality Education

11:30-12:30

Lisa Mitchell will be available to answer questions regarding human sexuality and developmental disabilities, particularly regarding relationships, ways to encourage more appropriate socio-sexual behavior, preparation for puberty and body changes, personal boundaries, abuse prevention, and dating.

Michael Cohen, Ph.D.

Michael S. Cohen, Ph.D. is a New York and California licensed psychologist with a professional practice in neuropsychological services for children and adults with developmental and medical disorders including children on the Autism Spectrum.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

11:30-12:30

Dr. Cohen will be available to answer questions about the importance of neuropsychological testing, what parents and teachers can learn from this testing, and how results can be used to design effective treatment and educational plans for children.

John Suozzi, Ph.D.

John M. Suozzi, Ph.D., is a New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is currently employed full-time as a Behavior Consultant by the William Floyd Public School District where he provides diagnostic services, social skills training, curriculum planning, and programs targeting reduction of problem behavior. He also has a private practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Suozzi has an extensive knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the instructional techniques that stem from it, including discrete trials and Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB).

Behavioral Intervention

1:00-2:00

Dr. Suozzi will be available to talk to families about behavioral interventions, designing instructional programs, and improving social skills.

Joanne Walker, MS, CCC/SLP
Joanne Walker is a speech pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with children with oral motor, sensory, and behavioral issues as they relate to feeding.

Picky Eater/Problem Feeder

2:30-3:30

Let's talk about the oral motor, sensory, and behavioral issues that can affect your or your child's diet. Limited number of textures, tastes and/or temperatures? We can discuss some methods to expand the food repertoire of the picky eater/problem feeder.

Lynda Geller, Ph.D.
Lynda Geller, Ph.D., served on the faculties of Georgetown University and Stony Brook University Medical Schools for 22 years before coming to Asperger Foundation International as Executive Director. This foundation is committed to supporting the development of evidence based treatment research and model programs, as well as helping increase public awareness about Asperger Syndrome and related conditions. She is also on the faculty at Pace University and is a frequent presenter on autism spectrum conditions.

Coping with Times of Transition

2:30-3:30

For individuals with neurobiological conditions and their families, times of transition can be especially stressful, be it transition from early intervention services to school or high school to the job market. Dr. Geller will be available to discuss eligibility for services, advocating for necessary supports, and planning for increasing independence at every age.

Tony Hollander, Ph.D., OT/L

Tony Hollander is the President of New York Institute for Applied Behavior Management, an academic center that provides training on working with moderate to severe behavioral issues. He is also the Director of the Behavior Analysis Team, a clinic dedicated to working with individuals with severe behavioral problems. He is a frequent consultant and speaker to schools, hospitals, and parents.

Behavioral Interventions at Home

1:00-2:00

Dr. Hollander will be available to speak to parents about planning and utilizing positive behavioral approaches to managing difficult behavior. His approaches take into account the complex biological, psychological, and behavioral issues that cause children to develop difficult and negative patterns of behavior at home or at school.

Individuals on the Spectrum will be available to talk about their life experiences.

Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.

2:30-3:30

Dr. Paradiz is the founder and director of ASPIE, the School for Autistic Strength, Purpose and Independence in Education. She is on the Board of Director of GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership. She is also the author of Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey into the Community and Culture of High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Paradiz and her son have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

Michael John Carley

11:30-12:30

Michael John Carley is the Executive Director of GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, the largest organization comprised of adults on the autism spectrum. He has spoken widely at conferences, hospitals, universities, and health care organizations. Mr. Carley has been a United Nations Representative of Veterans for Peace and a radio show and classical music host. He is also a playwright whose plays have been produced and read in New York. Mr. Carley, along with his (then) 4-year old son, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome on November of 2000.

Ernie Francis

1:00-2:00

Ernie Francis is a 16 year old junior who attends the Bellport Academic Center. He is a member of the Team Leadership Program at the Sunshine Prevention Center and was chosen to participate in the Town of Brookhaven Peer Leadership Weekend. Ernie is very interested in computer hardware and martial arts. He is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

Katherine Eddy

1:00-2:00

Katherine Eddy is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. She is currently taking classes as a junior at Manhattanville College. Outside of school she continues to work for the second year with a 16 year old who has special needs. For the eighth year she will also be teaching swimming to children and young adults who have special needs. During the past three summers she has worked at a seven week sleep-away camp for children who have special challenges. She also spent two years as a counselor at a day camp with a similar group of young children. She has found this work and her current studies to be very interesting, rewarding, and valuable towards her majors in philosophy and early childhood. In addition these experiences will help to shape her future career plans to work as a pre-school teacher for this special population of young children.

Everything included on the list has been finalized and the experts have all confirmed their attendance, but please note that the lineup is subject to change at any time if a scheduling conflict develops.

Asperger Foundation International
501 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-371-7755
www.aspfi.org