Building A Spectrum of Opportunity: Full Schedule

Our ASCV conference, Building a Spectrum of Opportunity, will be held this Fall as a weekly virtual conference series! Join us for nine weekly presentations and additional on-demand sessions, Individual IEP Consultations with PEATC, 1:1 Waiver Mentor Meetings with our Information & Referral Specialist and Virginia Medicaid Waiver Mentor, Bradford Hulcher, and an On-Demand Exhibitor Fair. Register now at www.ascv.org/conference!

After registering, you will receive an email invitation to create an account with Sched, allowing you to personalize your schedule, save sessions, and access links to the on-demand and live sessions. For assistance, please email info@ascv.org.

If you missed Dr. Jed Baker’s or Dr. John Strang’s sessions, click on the dates at the top of the page, under the "Speakers" link. Click on the session link to watch the recording.

6:30pm EDT

Opening Keynote - Managing Overwhelming Frustration and Anxiety in the New Normal

Individuals on the autism spectrum and those with behavioral challenges often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This workshop first describes how best to think about challenging behavior to achieve better outcomes. Then strategies to handle meltdowns in the moment are detailed. Seven common triggers to overwhelming anxiety and frustration are identified along with ways to prevent these difficult moments. Information will be imparted though lecture, interactive exercises, and video clips.

Speakers

Jed Baker, Ph.D.

Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, an organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He is on the professional advisory board of Autism Today, ANSWER, YAI, the Kelberman Center and several other autism organizations... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2020 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Professionals, Self-Advocates

6:30pm EDT

The Intersection of Autism and Transgender, Gender Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Identities

Dr. Strang will present on the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder and gender diversity. He will discuss gender diversity in general, and then focus on the common overlap between transgender identity and autism spectrum disorder. His talk is designed for providers, families, and advocates. He will include a summary of what research tells us about the gender-diversity and autism co-occurrence and he will also provide practical information on how to support autistic gender-exploring young people. His talk will feature inspiring life-stories autistic transgender self-advocates.

Speakers

John Strang, Psy.D.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC, Founder and Director of the Gender and Autism Program

John Strang, Psy.D., pediatric neuropsychologist at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC, specializes in the care of neurodiverse gender-diverse youth. He is the founder and Director of the Gender and Autism Program, the first multidisciplinary clinical program for gender-diverse... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Self-Advocates, Caregivers, Professionals

6:30pm EST

Interoception, The Eighth Sensory System: Impact on Self-Regulation, Behavior, Mental Health and Social Connection

Interoception is an important sensory system that helps us to feel internal body signals like a full bladder, growling stomach, tense muscles or speeding heart. Research indicates that our ability to clearly notice and interpret these internal body signals enables us to accurately identify and manage how we feel: Are we Anxious? Getting Frustrated? Hungry? Full? In pain? Needing the bathroom?

Interoception differences are very common in many children and adults including those with ASD. This presentation will provide participants with an overview of what research tells us about interoception as well as how this sense influences self-regulation, behavior, mental health and social connection. Multiple personal accounts of what it is like to live with interoception differences will be presented, including how to use these insights to maximize the independence and emotional well-being of clients. Evidence-based strategies to improve interoception will also be included.

Speakers

Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Adjunct Faculty Member in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Elizabethtown College

Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 18 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is winner of multiple awards including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Self-Advocates, Professionals

6:30pm EST

Supporting Online Learning for Students with Autism

Learn more about how to implement evidence based practices at home to support your child/learner with ASD, including supports to reduce anxiety, increase participation and independence, and to encourage (virtual) social interaction.

Speakers

Kara Hume, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Faculty Fellow at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and Director of National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice, The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Dr. Kara Hume is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Faculty Fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Dr. Hume has worked with children and young adults on the autism spectrum for almost 30... Read More →

Tuesday November 10, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Professionals, Self-Advocates

6:30pm EST

Autism and Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Children and adults with autism often experience co-occurring mental health conditions that
interfere with their daily functioning, well-being, and quality of life. This session will provide an
overview of the most common mental health conditions and symptoms experienced by
individuals with autism, and will highlight evidence-based strategies for support and
management of these issues.

Speakers

Micah Mazurek, Ph.D.

Associate Professor in the Department of Human Services, Director of UVA’s Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) program, University of Virginia

Micah Mazurek, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia and is the Director of UVA’s Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) initiative. Dr. Mazurek is a clinical psychologist with expertise in autism... Read More →

Tuesday November 17, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Self-Advocates, Professionals

9:00am EST

Individual IEP Consults with PEATC Specialists - Registration Required

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's IEP (Individualized Education Plan), this is a great opportunity for you to meet with specialists from PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)!

Individual consultations are offered in 20-minute blocks and will be offered on a first-come basis. They must be pre-scheduled by clicking on the link below. Please only register for one 20 minute time slot.

Upon registration, you will receive an email about how to sign up. If you do not receive one and/or have any questions, please email us at info@ascv.org.

PEATC is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. Any information contained in this training is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for legal consultation.

Sponsors

PEATC

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) builds positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. Our special... Read More →

Saturday November 21, 2020 9:00am - 4:00pm EST

6:30pm EST

An Examined Life: Disability Policy, Autism Research, and Me

This presentation is an autobiographical sketch tracing Gyasi's journey to becoming an autism self-advocate. He will discuss his late childhood autism diagnosis and the research he did in college to better understand autism. He will also talk about the collaboration with his mother (which unfortunately ended when she passed away) and what he learned as a fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston.

Speakers

Gyasi Burks-Abbott

Self-Advocate Faculty Member, Boston Chidren's/Institute for Community Inclusion UMass Boston

Gyasi Burks-Abbott is a writer, public speaker, and autism self-advocate. He’s on the faculty of the LEND Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion. LEND, which stands for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related... Read More →

Tuesday November 24, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Self-Advocates, Caregivers, Professionals

6:30pm EST

Unlocking Autism Spectrum Disorder in Females - Presentation and Panel Discussion

Rates of autism diagnosis have historically been much higher for males than for females, but this gender gap may be smaller than we think. Recent research indicates that females with autism may present differently than males, and their autism symptoms may not be best captured by diagnostic tools that were originally designed to diagnose males. This presentation will center on how gender differences in ASD present across the lifespan, as well as the implications for making accurate diagnoses and supporting females with autism.

Dr. Rouch's presentation will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Staci Carr. Our panelists will include Dr. Rouch, Brigid Rankowski, and Maria Davis-Pierre.

Speakers

Erica Rouch, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor of Education, University of Virginia

Dr. Erica Rouch began her professional career as a school psychologist in the Virginia and North Carolina public schools, providing assessment and intervention services for students and families. As a doctoral student, she was involved for several years with the Leadership Education... Read More →

Tuesday December 1, 2020 6:30pm - 8:00pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Self-Advocates, Caregivers, Professionals

6:30pm EST

Autism in Heels

The face of autism is changing, and more often than we realize, that face is wearing lipstick. Whether it’s bad perms, body image, sexuality or self-esteem, this game changing talk reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures. Jennifer Cook (formerly Cook O’Toole), like so many women and girls, fit the profile but remained unidentified, facing years of avoidable anxiety, eating disorders, volatile relationships, self-harm, and stunted independence. Now, she offers a love letter to all of us on the human spectrum, a journey of self-discovery, enrichment, and understanding (in iconic red stilettos, empowering every kind of differently-wired mind to become her own best differently-wired kind of wonderful.

Speakers

Jennifer Cook (formerly Cook O'Toole)

Bestselling Author, International Speaker, and Founder of belong

Jennifer was identified as being on the spectrum in 2011, just after her three children. She is now the author of seven bestselling books --the Asperkids collection, Sisterhood of the Spectrum, and Autism in Heels -- which include a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, a Publishers Weekly... Read More →

Thursday December 3, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

6:30pm EST

Past, Present, and Future of Community Services

Virginia has undergone significant changes in the supports offered to individuals and their families over the past decade. Come learn where we started, where we are, and gain insight to where we still need to go. Heather will provide an overview of Waiver services in Virginia and share opportunities for support structures to "build the life you want." This presentation will also give participants a chance to ask Heather questions.

Speakers

Heather Norton, MSW

Assistant Commissioner, Developmental Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Heather Norton, Assistant Commissioner, Developmental Services for the Department ofBehavioral Health and Developmental Services has worked in the field of developmentaldisabilities for the past thirty years. Prior to working at DBHDS, she worked forChesterfield Community Services... Read More →

Tuesday December 8, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Self-Advocates, Professionals

TBA

Everything You Want to Know About Remote ABA therapy (Telehealth)

Telehealth (the virtual delivery of health services like virtual doctors visits) have been with us for many years but the COVID-19 crisis has forced the rapid adoption of these 'virtual' services almost overnight. Parents, educators and caregivers have been overwhelmed by the sudden reliance on virtual services on every aspect of our lives: our jobs, our children's education, our families access to healthcare. All of us had to suddenly become comfortable with virtual doctor visits, virtual classrooms, working virtually from home and ordering our groceries virtually! But what does this mean for the individuals diagnosed with autism and them accessing the crucial therapies they need? We will discuss what research has learned about the delivery of services (focusing on ABA services), how effective they can be, what types of individuals benefit most and least from the 'virtual' modality, lessons we've learned on how to improve efficacy as well as share insights into what parents like about remote services and how they've learned to adapt.

Presenter Bio: Adam Dreyfus, MA, LBA is the co-founder and chief science officer for AnswersNow, an innovative Richmond-based start-up that delivers ABA services via a virtual platform. AnswersNow was founded in 2016 by Adam and Jeff Beck to address a simple problem: reducing the barriers to parents in getting access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts. In working directly with over 1,000 parents of individuals diagnosed with autism and individuals diagnosed with autism themselves they are uniquely positioned to help demystify some of the questions surrounding telehealth services and ABA specifically. Adam is also the Senior Director for the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism at St. Joseph's Villa located on Richmond's northside.

Sponsors

AnswersNow, Inc.

AnswersNow was founded to make autism therapy more accessible to families who wouldn't otherwise be able to receive quality care. Our easy-to-use telehealth portal lets. you access customized face-to-face therapy from the comfort of your home.We know finding a provider can be tough... Read More →

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TBA
On-Demand

On-Demand

TBA

Preparing Children to Fly the Nest: It Starts Sooner Than You Think!

Raising a child is not easy, especially when the goal is to eventually get them to leave you to go out into the world on their own. This presentation will focus on defining independence and the skills necessary for a successful launch into adulthood. There will be a focus on how to start this process early in childhood as well as how to support individuals with disabilities. Behavioral and cognitive strategies to teach the skills necessary for independence will be discussed. There will be an emphasis on individualized instruction and support.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Melinda Moore is co-owner of Spectrum Transformation Group and the Director of Outpatient Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a long history of working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Moore received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed a specialized fellowship through the Virginia LEND program in treating children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her postdoctoral experience was at the feeding clinic through Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Dr. Moore is a certified ADOS-2 examiner and has completed advanced training in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). She is a published author and speaker and her work has been featured at professional conferences throughout the southeast and in Canada.

Sponsors

Spectrum Transformation Group

Spectrum Transformation Group is recognized as a leader by community stakeholders in the state of Virginia. Since 2010, Spectrum has expanded its services to not only include the Richmond area but also Harrisonburg, VA. The mission of Spectrum Transformation Group is to provide... Read More →

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TBA
On-Demand

On-Demand

TBA

Strategies for Success and Self-Advocacy in the Workplace for Adults with ASD

This presentation provides an overview of supports and strategies that are designed to benefit adults with ASD in the workplace in obtaining and maintaining employment. From requesting accommodations to developing compensatory strategies in the workplace, information will be provided on how to navigate and open lines of communication with employers so that barriers can be removed. When individuals are empowered to be self-advocates, they better showcase their unique strengths and skills to their employers—which have historically undervalued, underrecognized, or dismissed the potential contributions of workers with disabilities.

Presenter Bio: Justin Sheets, MS, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor-Resident
Justin is the Autism Services Manager for The Choice Group, an employment services organization serving Virginian’s with disabilities. Justin is a Vocational Counselor with over 12 years experience in the field of rehabilitation, who actively works within the community to provide disability awareness training and reduce barriers to employment. Justin believes that the benefits of working with individuals with disabilities could be better recognized by employers, and strives for an equitable workforce that is representative and reflective of the unique talents and strengths of all employees who have a disability. Justin is a PEERS certified facilitator and ACRE certified in Customized Employment, as well as a Resident in Professional Counseling.

Sponsors

The Choice Group

Founded in 1998, we have dedicated over 20 years to helping our clients find meaningful employment as a part of a full and enriching lifestyle. Those who encounter varying obstacles to entering the competitive work force find their efforts become more productive when paired with... Read More →

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TBA
On-Demand

On-Demand

TBA

Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families Need to Know

Turning 18 is a big deal for all individuals. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia. Therefore, when your child turns 18, he/she is the person that makes legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions in his/her life. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This workshop will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.

Presenter Bio: Tammy Burns

Sponsors

PEATC

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TBA
On-Demand

On-Demand

Audience Caregivers, Professionals

TBA

Virginia’s Tax-Advantaged Savings Program for Individuals with Disabilities

Save for today’s needs or invest for tomorrow in a simple, affordable and tax-advantaged account that won’t impact certain disability benefits. ABLEnow accounts are made possible by the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which authorized states to establish tax-advantaged ABLE savings programs. As the Virginia-sponsored ABLE savings program, ABLEnow is administered by Virginia529. Learn more and start your savings at able-now.com.

Presenter Bio: Gabriella (Gabby) Barnes serves as Marketing Associate for ABLEnow, the national tax-advantaged disability savings program administered by Virginia529. With accounts in all 50 states, ABLEnow is one of the fastest-growing ABLE programs in the country. Gabby is honored to help build this entirely new financial product that can empower millions of Americans with disabilities to save for their future – just like everyone else. Gabby holds a Bachelor's Degree from Hampton University and lives in in Richmond, Va.

Sponsors

ABLEnow

More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Save for today’s needs or invest for tomorrow in a tax-advantaged ABLE account that won’t impact the means-tested benefits critical to many with disabilitie... Read More →

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TBA
On-Demand

On-Demand

8:30am EST

1:1 Waiver Mentor Meetings - Registration Required

Following our ASCV Conference Series presentation from Heather Norton, Assistant Commissioner of Developmental Services at the DBHDS, we are offering 1:1 Waiver Mentor Meetings with our Information & Referral Specialist and Virginia Medicaid Waiver Mentor, Bradford Hulcher. This is great opportunity to get your questions answered by our local expert!

Upon registration, you will receive an email about how to sign up. If you do not receive one and/or have any questions, please email us at info@ascv.org.

Wednesday December 9, 2020 8:30am - 8:30pm EST

TBA

Meet PEATC - Exhibitor Fair

Meet PEATC! Click the link below or visit http://www.peatc.org/ for more information.

Sponsors

PEATC

Thursday December 10, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

TBA

Meet Spectrum Transformation Group - Exhibitor Fair

Meet Spectrum Transformation Group! Be sure to visit https://spectrumtgrp.com/ for more information.

Sponsors

Spectrum Transformation Group

Thursday December 10, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

TBA

Meet The Choice Group - Exhibitor Fair

Meet The Choice Group! Click the link below or visit https://www.thechoicegroup.com/ to learn more.

Sponsors

The Choice Group

Friday December 11, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

TBA

Meet AnswersNow - Exhibitor Fair

Meet AnswersNow! Be sure to visit https://www.getanswersnow.com/ for more information.

Sponsors

AnswersNow, Inc.

Saturday December 12, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

TBA

Meet Good Neighbor - Exhibitor Fair

Meet Good Neighbor! Be sure to visit them at https://www.goodneighbor.care/ for more information.

Sponsors

Good Neighbor

At Good Neighbor, our mission is to support individuals and families in achieving a life of opportunity, independence, and growth. We value creativity and innovation, and strive every day to challenge the status quo in order to bring the best possible care to the individuals we serve.Our... Read More →

Sunday December 13, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

TBA

Meet RCG - Exhibitor Fair

Meet Recognizing Children's Gifts Behavioral Health Network! Be sure to visit https://rcghealthnetwork.com/ for more information.

Sponsors

Recognizing Children's Gifts Behavioral Health Network

At RCG we value what we do. We offer Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy services. We service ages 2 to 21. It is our mission to CARE. We are compassionate, we advocate for our families and team members, we provide resolutions within a timely manner... Read More →

Monday December 14, 2020 TBA
Exhibitor Fair

Exhibitor Fair

6:30pm EST

Closing Keynote - Chaotic Yet Symbiotic: Finding, Embracing, and Being the Real You

Despite a number of shared characteristics, similar experiences, and common interests, there is a vast amount of diversity within the Autistic, neurodiversity, and disability communities. At the macro level, these different and sometimes conflicting aspects of our identities can produce opportunity AND obstacle; glee AND gloom; strength AND strife...sometimes simultaneously. A similar multichotomy often exists within the individual as well, complicating things even further.

As individuals and as a community, concepts such as acceptance, intersectionality, inclusion, autonomy, and respect are more than trendy terms. For us they are critical - but they can at times feel abstract. How can we live them out in practical, healthy ways and still be our unique, authentic selves? We will explore ideas for integrating them into our personal identities, workplaces, schools, and our overall lived experiences while striving for balance and acknowledging that our fallibility does not negate our value.

Speakers

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, MA

Educator, Public Speaker, Parent of Autistic children, and Advocate

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, MA, (she/they) is an Autistic woman of color, educator, public speaker, parent of Autistic children, and advocate. She is involved in various social justice activism endeavors and is a contributing author/editor of several publications, abstracts, and books... Read More →

Tuesday December 15, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Live Zoom Presentation

Live

Audience Caregivers, Self-Advocates, Professionals

Timezone
Filter By Date Building A Spectrum of Opportunity Oct 20 -Dec 15, 2020
October 2020
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

November 2020
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

December 2020
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31
Filter By Venue Venues
Sort schedule by Venue

Exhibitor Fair
Live Zoom Presentation
On-Demand
Filter By Type
Exhibitor Fair
Live
On-Demand
Audience
Caregivers
Professionals
Self-Advocates
Popular

October 2020
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

November 2020
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30

December 2020
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31