Chattanooga
Autism Center
September 2024 Conference Presentations
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List of Presentations
Many of our presenters have given us permission to share their slides and/or handouts with attendees. You can find the links to any available materials under the talk title below. Please DO NOT share or re-use these materials without the written permission of the speaker. Thanks!
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Click the links below to jump to a specific track:
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Early Childhood
Autism 101
Jaime Butler, M.S., M. Ed. & Monique Butler, B.A.
New to autism or needing a refresher course? This presentation provides a neurodiversity affirming overview of autism, including characteristics, strengths, and common support needs. Participants will also gain practical strategies and best practices for creating an inclusive environment that values and harnesses the unique abilities of autistic individuals and fosters an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all.​
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Creating an Inclusive Environment: Sensory Exploration
Jenni Edge IMH-E® & Sarah Moore IMH-E®
The Sensory Exploration presentation will begin with discussing neurodiversity. We will then move to sensory processing and the functions. We will define sensory seekers and avoiders, and tie it in with discussing the eight senses, focusing on proprioception, vestibular, and interception. The strategies given in this training will allow participants to discover and enhance sensory play in the learning environment and at home.​​
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Understanding Communication and Behavior in Young Autistic Children
Lisa Wallace, M.S. CCC-SLP
In this session, Lisa will provide early-childhood professionals with a rubric to understand a young student or client's behavior through the lens of autistic communication. We will walk through case examples to understand some core reasons children might engage in challenging behaviors and briefly discuss support strategies and communication skills that could be taught to decrease the child’s need to use these behaviors to get their needs met.​
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Visual Supports for Autistic Children
Shelby Adcock, MS, BCBA, LBA and Courtney House, RBT
Visual Supports can help autistic children feel confident and ready to succeed in any environment! They can help to decrease frustration and anxiety, build confidence, promote independence and increase opportunities for interaction! This presentation will review the types of visual supports, how to implement visual supports effectively, when to use them, and how to create them!
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Basics
With questions about AAC, contact Sabina at sabina@tn-edu.org
Sabina LaClair SLP/ATP
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Basics is designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of AAC and its potential benefits for those facing communication challenges. This presentation covers the various types of AAC, including rapid access, mid-tech, and high-tech devices. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for effectively implementing AAC systems to enhance user engagement with their devices. ​​
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K-12 Educators
Atypical Students Thriving in A Typical Classroom
Angela Bouch, M.Ed, Dewayne Galyon, BS.Ed, Rachel Hill, BA.Ed, Jean Pahl, MA.Ed
Join a group of local educators as we discuss how we support self-contained students as they access regular education classrooms, and more! You'll learn strategies for making it work, structuring classrooms to be fluid and meet the needs of all students as they move through self-contained and regular education classrooms. Come with us as we walk you through the ins and outs of our Alternative Academic Diploma and Transition classrooms, and our peer mentoring program (IGNITE).
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Understanding & Managing “Problem” Behavior in School
Kaitlin Wilder M.Ed, LBA, BCBA
Traditional discipline and behavioral strategies used to manage “problem” behavior in school are overlooking keys motivations, and, in some cases, are driving the behaviors to increase in intensity while decreasing positive school outcomes, especially for neurodivergent learners. This presentation will give necessary mindset shifts and strategies to decrease these behaviors while increasing teacher satisfaction, social emotional learning, and self-awareness— valuable skills needed to succeed in school, and LIFE!​​
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The Art of Silencing Bullies: Proven Tactics for Keeping the Meanies at Bay
Melanie McAfee, MSN, RN
Neurodivergent individuals face an increased risk of peer harassment. Join Mel as she explores evidence-based strategies to empower children, teenagers, and young adults to effectively shut that nonsense down for good!​
Becoming a Great Language Partner to Your Gestalt Language Processor
Nicole Casey, MS, CCC-SLP
Gestalt Language Processing may seem like a new "buzz word" in the autism space, but it's far from new and it's here to stay! In this talk, I will introduce you to the basics of gestalt language processing and share actionable tips for more deeply connecting and communicating with your autistic students. You will walk away feeling empowered and excited to support your students from echolalia to self-generated communication.
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Helping Children Thrive
Amy Bodkin, EdS
So often we focus on diagnosis and intervention. What if instead we focused on helping children grow into their best selves? This presentation is based on my book "Special Needs Kids Are People Too! Seeing the Possibilities Through a Neurodiverse Lens", and seeks to envision a new way of applying what we know from research in psychology, development, and education. It is a path forward that honors individuality and encourages children to become the best version of themselves, not someone else's ideal. All it takes is one parent, one teacher, or one administrator "seeing the possibilities through a neurodiverse lens!"​
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Parents 1
Play With Me! Promoting Meaningful Interactions and Development while Having Fun
Anya Tuzova, MA
During this presentation parents explore effective strategies for engaging younger neurodivergent children in collaborative activities. It highlights structured routines that foster communication, social skills, and learning. Attendees will learn practical techniques to create supportive environments, promoting meaningful interactions and enhancing the child's development through shared, enjoyable experiences.​
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Becoming a Great Language Partner to Your Gestalt Language Processor
Nicole Casey, MS, CCC-SLP
Gestalt Language Processing may seem like a new "buzz word" in the autism space, but it's far from new and it's here to stay! In this talk, I will introduce you to the basics of gestalt language processing and share actionable tips for more deeply connecting and communicating with your autistic child. You will walk away feeling empowered and excited to support your child from echolalia to self-generated communication!​​
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Tailored Education Solutions: A Guide for Parents Exploring Public School Alternatives
Sarena Cambrea MEd BCBA, LBA, Rachel Good, Bill Powell
This presentation aims to empower parents with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their child's education journey. Through an exploration of various alternative schooling approaches, including homeschooling, specialized programs, and sensory-friendly environments, parents will gain insight into the diverse pathways available for their child's unique needs. With a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and parental empowerment, this presentation serves as a guide for parents seeking to unlock their child's full potential and pave the way for a brighter future.​
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Mental Health, Trauma, and Treatment Options for Autistic Children
Cory Cannady, DBH-C, BCBA, LBA
Autistic children often fall under the radar when it comes to mental health services due to autism being a diagnosis that masks or mimics symptoms of other health-related issues. This presentations looks at the definitions and symptoms of comorbid mental health processes as well as treatment options to better support autistic children and families.
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Regulation Beats™ - Creating Emotion Regulation Tools Through Music Production
Noah Perales, COTA/L
Looking for creative ways to help your kids with their emotions? This presentation will educate parents (and others!) on principles of emotional regulation utilizing Regulation Beats™, an emotional regulation program based on music production. It will cover topics including understanding emotions, identifying emotions, influencing emotions, sensory processing, executive functioning, and more. Attendees will walk away with practical tools for their kids, themselves, and clients/patients.​
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Parents 2
Tools & Teammates Together for FUN!
Claire Stockman, Ed.S
Join Claire Stockman, educator, VP of Education at Creative Discovery Museum, and mom of a neurodivergent kiddo to explore behavior as communication and ways to empower kids with tools and teammates for various situations. She'll share some of the strategies that Creative Discovery Museum (Chattanooga, TN) uses to ensure that all learners can engage in FUN!​
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Financial Support Panel: Medicaid Waivers, Katie Beckett, Family Support, & More!
Deana Bohannon & Ashlie Bell-Seibers, MSW
Heard of terms like Katie Beckett, ECF, and NOW/COMP but aren’t sure what they are or if they would work for you? Learn from experts in TN and GA (who are also parents using these services) about the ins and outs of the financial support programs available for you and your family. We will give a brief overview of programs in TN and GA, including SSI/SSDI, the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver, Family Support Program, ECF CHOICES, the NOW/COMP Waiver, MAPS, and more. Learn how to apply, eligibility requirements, and information on appealing denials.​​
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Why Sexuality Education is Important
Tina A. Vance, MPH; Mandy Cowley
This session will dive into why Sexuality Education is important for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We will take time to look at why this topic should be discussed with not only the participants of these communities, but also, the staff and families that live and work with these participants day-to-day.​
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Enhance Joy and Reduce Stress in Parenting with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Dr. Laura Forkum, BCBA-D, LBA
Discover how Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) empowers parents of children with autism to foster resilience and compassion amid challenging behaviors. This presentation explores practical strategies for applying ACT principles to reduce stress and increase joy in daily parenting. Participants will learn mindfulness techniques, acceptance strategies, and behavior-focused interventions tailored to the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. Gain valuable insights and tools to navigate parenting challenges with ACT and ABA.
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Parenting as an Autistic Mother to an Autistic Child
LeeAnn Finnegan, M.Ed
This session will center around neurodivergent friendly parenting, as well as parents who may be neurodivergent in managing those needs while parenting. We will discuss how to know if your team involved with your child are using neurodivergent friendly practices, and how to advocate for yourself and your child.​
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Adults
Autistic Empowerment in the Workplace
Casey Davis, MLIS, & Amy Correia, M.Ed.
This session will empower Autistic people navigating the job market. We'll explore strategies for overcoming employment barriers and decoding the job interview process; highlight unique strengths Autistic people bring to professional environments; and discuss self-advocacy in the workplace. Understanding and embracing our Autistic identity is crucial in advocating for ourselves and achieving meaningful employment. We will also examine how embracing the neurodiversity framework enriches the entire business landscape.​
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The Other Side of Neurodivergence: ADHD and VAST
Martin Altman, MS, LPC
This highly interactive, fast-paced presentation is taught by a professional counselor who also has ADHD. It details new research on ADHD and examines the growing prevalence and impact of the Variable Attention Stimulus Trait in our increasingly tech-driven, sedentary society. Together we'll explore ways to use balance, sensation, exercise, nutrition, and boundaries toward electronics to regulate some symptoms of ADHD and neurodivergence.​​
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Higher Education Options for All Abilities: Panel Discussion
Kristi Strode, PhD, La-Juan Bradford, EdD, Michelle Rigler, EdD, Darien Todd
& Sheryl Arno
College can be more accessible to autistic students than people may realize. Our panelists from colleges and universities in Tennessee and Georgia will discuss programs and opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, as well as resources or programs for autistic college students who do not have intellectual disabilities. Join us to learn about college options, what to look for, questions to ask, and how to prepare for college.​
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Masking in Autistic Adults: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Christopher J. Quarto, Ph.D., PLLC
Autistic folks are well aware of how their way of looking at and understanding things are different from their neurotypical counterparts. Getting “weird looks” and negative feedback from people are just a couple of reasons why autistic people mask their true identities, but this comes at a price. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how masking develops, the pros and cons of masking and things to consider before “taking off the mask.”
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Mirror Mirror On the Wall: Adult Late in Life Diagnosed on Autism Spectrum
peace meade brod
Join me, a mother of four and late-in-life autism-diagnosed educator, as we explore the journey of valuing safety, security, and life in the context of autism. Learn practical self-care strategies, from managing sensory challenges to setting personal boundaries. Discover the power of advocating for neurodiversity, supporting educators, and funding research aligned with autistic needs. Explore the benefits of self-awareness and fostering resilience within the autism community. This session aims to inspire self-advocacy, promote understanding, and highlight the valuable contributions individuals with autism bring to the world.​
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