Chattanooga
Autism Center
September 2023 Conference Presentations
List of Presentations
Presentation titles, speakers, and times are subject to change between now and the conference. Please note that talks are not necessarily listed in the order they will be presented.
Click here for a DRAFT agenda (times subject to change).
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Click the links below to jump to a specific track:
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Educators
Thinking Outside the Pencil Box: Sensory Supports in the Classroom
Paula Offutt OTR/L, Lauren Cantrell OTA/L
Neurodivergent students with sensory differences can be successful in the classroom with the right supports. We will discuss strategies to identify individual needs and implement appropriate classroom supports.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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AND Action! The Power of Drama with Neurodivergent Youth
Liz McDonough MFT/RDT
Learn about a cutting-edge drama-based approach created by a neurodivergent clinician that fuels social-emotional growth and creative expression and is based on almost two decades of experience working with neurodivergent youth in schools and private practice. In this lively experiential session, discover how to turn your classroom or therapy office into a theatrical learning lab where neurodivergent students/clients can experiment with emotional expression/regulation, humor, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking as they experience acceptance and take pride in their unique gifts.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Educating Educators: Promoting Compassionate and Effective Teaching
Holly Blanc Moses, MS LCMHC LPA BCBA ADHD-CCSP ASDCS
Attendees will learn how to support autistic students with academics, behavior, self-advocacy, and social communication.
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You can find a wealth of helpful information from Holly Blanc Moses. Click this link to find a variety of FREE resources like
The Social Success Guide
The Behavior Detective Guide
The Get to Know My Child Guide
The Autism ADHD Podcast
Autism ADHD TV on Youtube and more!
Visit hollyblancmoses.com/connect
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All Things Behavior: FBA, BIP, Manifestation Meetings, and More
Amy Blackwell, CFSS, CFPS
"All Things Behavior" focuses on explaining the purpose and process of a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), & a Manifestation Meeting. By the end of this session, participants will have gained a better understanding of how behavioral intervention strategies can significantly improve the school environment, giving kids and teens the tools they need to flourish both within and outside of the classroom!
Click Here to see Presentation
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Conducting Group-based Learning for Autistic Preschoolers
Anya Tuzova, MA & Anna Straussberger, MA, BCBA, LBA
Autistic children have a set of unique needs, which requires modifications to typical preschool programming. In this presentation, we discuss ways in which educators can adapt the preschool learning environment to celebrate neurodiversity, accommodate learning differences, foster adaptive skill building, and navigate behavioral challenges
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Parents 1
From Caution to Confidence: Navigating ABA's Red & Green Flags for Optimal Outcomes
Sarena Cambrea BCBA, LBA, Kyra Smallwood BCBA, LBA, Cory Cannady DBH-C, BCBA, LBA
In an era marked by an increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses, the demand for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services has experienced a substantial upswing. Navigating the evolving landscape of these services can be a daunting task, particularly when seeking the optimal support for your family. Join us at Elevate Behavior Services for a comprehensive discussion on the key indicators of quality, as we delve into what we refer to as the "green flags" and "red flags" within the realm of ABA services. Allow us to empower you with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for your loved ones. Together, let us pave the path towards enhanced well-being and remarkable progress.
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Using Child-Led Play to Increase Language and Social Skills
John Paul Abner, Ph.D.
Unlock the power of child led play by learning therapeutic play skills designed to increase speech development and social skills. Research shows that child led play can lead to dramatic improvements for children on the autism spectrum. Most importantly, these skills will make play more fun for you and your child! This interactive presentation will talk briefly about the importance of play and give you the basic skills to engage in child led play that you can use with children ages 1 – 99.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Seeing the Big Picture: Connectivity, Community, and Creativity
LaTonya Winfrey, M. Ed., LPSC
How often have we heard "It takes a village to raise a child"? LaTonya Winfrey, parent/professional school counselor, provides strategies to ensure that you build a village that lasts for years to come. Discover how to maximize moments to advocate and create new opportunities not only for your child, but yourself as well. The attendees will be able to identify opportunities for mentor/mentee relationships, fun and fellowship, and self-actualization.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Identifying and Supporting Autistic Girls
Holly Blanc Moses, MS LCMHC LPA BCBA ADHD-CCSP ASDCS
Attendees will learn how autism may present in girls and how to support autistic girls with mental health, social communication, and advocacy.
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You can find a wealth of helpful information from Holly Blanc Moses. Click this link to find a variety of FREE resources like
The Social Success Guide
The Behavior Detective Guide
The Get to Know My Child Guide
The Autism ADHD Podcast
Autism ADHD TV on Youtube and more!
Visit https://www.hollyblancmoses.com/
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Serve Your Way Forward - The Secret To Service
Rodney Kellum
As a speaker and a parent to a daughter on the spectrum, I have come across the many challenges that most parents of a child on the spectrum encounter. Providers are burned out from the demand of serving those with special needs. Parents are burned out from the constant care and advocacy required to provide the best quality of life for our children. My talk "The Secret To Service" will help service providers and parents understand the true purpose, power, and impact of the service we provide. All while giving all of the attendees the thanks needed, the motivation to continue, and the power of understanding why we must do what we are doing to the best of our abilities.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Parents 2
Parent Advocacy: Advocating for Our K-12 Children in Public Schools
Mercedes Lawson, M.S. Ed.
Have you ever felt nervous or even unheard while sitting at your child's IEP table? Or maybe you want to request an evaluation for an IEP but you don't know how, or even worse, the school hasn't fulfilled your request. Well, then this is the presentation for you! Mercedes Lawson will walk her attendees through their parental rights via IDEA law, effective communication and collaboration with their child’s school, and tips and tricks for advocating for your school-aged child pre-IEP through post-IEP. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the presenter and other parents, while learning how to be the best advocate possible for their child(ren).
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Promoting Healthy Sexual Development for Autistic Adolescents
Jaime Butler, M.S., M.Ed. & Monique Butler
This presentation will examine common misconceptions around autism and sexuality. Atendees will explore core components of relationships and sexuality including gender identity, safety, and sex education. Parents will learn strategies to engage in conversations surrounding healthy sexual development.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Let's Go Outside! The Benefits of Play in the Natural Setting
Erin Wilke, MA, OTR/L
There is extensive research that supports the benefits of children spending time outdoors. Children with autism are no different, and arguably may reap even greater benefits in the outdoor setting. This presentation will discuss the benefits of being outdoors with autistic children, and discuss positive effects from the research in attention, self-regulation, social-communication, and executive functioning. Potential barriers to going outdoors will be discussed as well as strategies to reduce those barriers.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Overcoming Unexpected Hurdles: How and Why We Need to be One Step Ahead
Troy Krombholz
When the moment is about to happen - or caught you off guard and is immediately upon you - were your chess pieces in the right place? If not, you are like most of us parents. Our approach doesn’t have to be perfect, but it is helpful to think through some of the ways to be better in times of urgent responses. Troy will discuss...
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Word pictures to describe “THOSE MOMENTS” from a parent/teacher’s point of view, and as a guy who is autistic.
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Calming the senses down in a way that is nurturing, not neglecting. Bringing the ecosystem of that individual back to the place of safety for their own serenity too.
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Learning to watch ahead, and keep your own head. Knowing the exhaustion point and having a help group secured so you are not boxed in alone.
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And more!
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Navigating Autism Evaluations in the Schools
Amanda Hardin, PsyD, NCSP
This presentation is intended to provide parents with crucial information on how/when to request an autism evaluation in the schools, debunk myths about and explain the evaluation process, and educate them on the difference between a medical diagnosis of autism compared to an educational diagnosis.
Click Here to See Presentation
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Adults
How to Build Friendships and Not Become Horrifically Bored
Melanie McAfee, RN, MSN
You meet people. You form relationships with them. You feel like you connect with them. Then suddenly, you realize you have absolutely nothing in common with them. What next? This is the plight of many autistic young adults as they navigate the complexities of the social world. How can we truly connect with friends who we will enjoy our time with? How can we know if someone really wants to be friends with us? In this session, learn evidence-based tips and tricks to avoid these unnecessary relationship pitfalls from veteran behavioral health nurse Melanie McAfee, creator of Social Zebra and mother of three autistic young-ish adults.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Advocating and Taking Charge of your Health
Troy Krombholz
While autism has obvious neurological components, autistic individuals often have an undercurrent of other health needs. These health needs are likely not being communicated well, or at all, if not attended to by the individual and those in their circle of care. Troy will discuss topics such as...​
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Learning to watch your health and communicate how you feel and if you're in pain.
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Food, diet, and nutrition labels.
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The effects of the pandemic on stress levels in the autistic community, and how this stress can show up in the body.​
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Knowing when you need to burn energy, and when to lay down and get some Zzzzz's.
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The importance of family, friends, and community for health and wellbeing.
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Navigating the Transition to Autistic Adulthood
Laura S. Coleman, B.A. Psychology, Emory University
This presentation will cover the transition to adulthood for autistic young people, drawing from both lived experience and the academic literature covering the areas most significantly impacting autistic youth as they prepare to transition to adulthood, including career/education, independent living, healthcare, financial planning/management, social engagement/community, and relationships. Laura will provide practical advice as well as resources for both autistic individuals who are getting ready to transition to adulthood and their families.
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Click Here to See Presentation
Click Here to See Presentation: Extended Version
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Dancing the Neural Tango: Biomedical Music Protocols and Tech Apps
Martha Summa-Chadwick, DMA
This presentation will have discussion/videos showing how biomedical music protocols can enhance neurologic functions to improve cognition, motor function, and speech production. Then, a demonstration of two newly developed free internet apps designed for therapeutic use: 1.) A music database containing mp3 samples based on beats per minute and client preference, and 2.) Notes2Blocks - a color-coded, visual grid designed for those unable to read traditional music notation when playing piano.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Autism and Legal Questions
John G. Huisman, Attorney
John G. Huisman, an experienced attorney, will answer your questions about the practical legal areas that you need to know about for you or your autistic loved-one, including: Supported Decision Making and alternatives to Conservatorships, Conservatorship vs. Power of Attorney, Education Issues, Healthcare Issues, legal structures for financial planning, Social Security benefits, your Estate Planning to meet future needs, and more.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Spanish
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Tú Guía para Encontrar Recursos/ Your Guide to Find Resources
Andrea Castillo
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder ("Pathfinder") ayuda a las personas con discapacidades, los miembros de su familia, la comunidad y los socios de apoyo profesional a encontrar y acceder a recursos, apoyo y servicios disponibles para satisfacer sus necesidades.
Recursos con otras Organizaciones: La Paz, Cempa, TNSTEP ,Disability Rights, Pathfinder y otros.
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Conoce tus Derechos - Ley ADA y Disability Rights TN
Dalmys Sanchez
Presentación interactiva sobre la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) y una introducción a Disability Rights TN como la agencia encargada de proteger los derechos de las personas con discapacidades en Tennessee. El objetivo es equipar a los participantes con información legal y herramientas de autogestión para mejorar su experiencia mientras viven con discapacidades
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Seis Principios de IDEA
Patricia Valladares
Presentación diseñada para profesionales, padres o cuidadores de niños especiales. Aprenda la información general que necesita para poder utilizar IDEA y ser un socio eficaz con el equipo escolar.
-Repasar las cuatro partes de IDEA
-Definir a un Niño/a con Discapacidad
-Seis Principios de IDEA
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Click Here to See Presentation
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Mirame Crecer”Parte II Estrategias de comportamiento y Foro (preguntas y respuestas)
Ileana Blanco
Esta es una charla donde se hablará en una forma general de los signos tempranos de Autismo que podemos ver en el desarrollo del niño(a).
Esta es una charla donde se hablará en una forma general de los signos tempranos de Autismo que podemos ver en el desarrollo del niño(a) y como ayudar por medio de las funciones del comportamiento inadecuados en nuestro dia a dia. También tendremos un Foro de preguntas y respuestas al final de la charla.
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“Mirame Crecer” Parte I
Dr. Lorena Ferreira and Dr. Cindy Chestarro
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