Austism Disorder Workshop at SBU

Sheila Wagner, M.E.D., an internationally renowned lecturer, addressed nearly 100 people Thursday afternoon in the first of two workshops to be held at St. Bonaventure University on autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Wagner discussed inclusion, behavioral and social best practices interventions in dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Representatives from six school districts, several local agencies, parents with children on the autism spectrum, SBU faculty and students attended the luncheon presentation in the San Damiano Room of Francis Hall.

Participants also had access to a variety of information resource tables representing: The Autism Society of WNY, BOCES, Directions in Independent Living, Merrill Lynch, The ReHabilitation Center, Summit Educational Resources, and VESID.

Wagner is the assistant director at Atlanta’s Emory Autism Center and the program coordinator for the MONARCH School Age Program at the center, which is dedicated to providing information and resources to families and school systems throughout Georgia for the education of K-12 students with autism.

Wagner has more than 20 years’ experience in working with autism spectrum disorders as a teacher, consultant and evaluator. Wagner is also the author of many books that focus on inclusive programming for students with autism. Her first book concentrated on elementary students and was recognized with the ASA Literary Award in 2000.

Summit Education Resources will provide additional autism training from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, in Dresser Auditorium of the Murphy Professional Building.

Titled “Supporting Students with Asperger’s and High Functioning Autism in Educational Settings,” the workshop features a keynote talk focused on fostering independence, followed by a session choice: “Asperger’s and Social Strategy Development” or “Early Intervention and Applied Behavioral Analysis.”

The cost for the training is $10 for professionals, $5 for parents and students. Checks should be payable to St. Bonaventure University, and sent in care of: Dr. Barbara Trolley, St. Bonaventure University, School of Education, St Bonaventure, NY 14778. Include the attendees’ names and contact information.

The registration deadline is Thursday, April 16; space is limited. Questions may be directed to Trolley at btrolley@sbu.edu or 375-2537.

These workshops have been made possible by a Children’s Guild Foundation grant, and a St. Bonaventure University Keenan grant.

Photo courtesy of St. Bonaventure University