2009 Symposia Sessions

The 33rd Annual Bresnahan-Halstead Symposia will consist of two concurrent sessions during the week of July 27 to 31, 2009, at the Lions Square Lodge in Vail, Colorado. 

Session 1 will focus on autism spectrum disorders and will be co-facilitated by Robin Brewer, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Special Education, and Tracy Mueller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.  Randi Hagerman, Medical Director at UC Davis Medical Center, will guide your understanding of autism from the medical professional's point of view.  Other members of the Session 1 team will provide positive and effective intervention strategies for promoting learning for students with autism spectrum disorders.  This will be an exciting week highlighting the most up-to-date information for parents and professionals who work with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

Session 2 will focus on response to intervention strategies and will be facilitated by Harvey Rude, Ed.D., and Diane Bassett, Ph.D., Professors of Special Education, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.  More specific details will be posted soon.

2009 SYMPOSIA SESSIONS

SESSION 1 – JULY 27 - 31
First Steps for Success – Identification and Interventions for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Facilitators:  Robin Brewer, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Special Education, and Tracy Mueller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado. 
This week is dedicated to learning evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies for young children who have autism. Participants will walk away with an understanding of cutting edge medical research, sensory interventions, screening tools, the ABLLS assessment, and the use of results to inform instruction.  This session will also be applicable to individuals working with elementary and intermediate students who have autism and cognitive delays. Key skills and strategies will be presented through a hands-on and interactive format. 
Monday, July 27
Randi Hagerman, M.D.
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
Medical Director, M.I.N.D. Institute
UC Davis Medical Center

“Advances in Autism and Fragile X Research”
Dr. Randi Hagerman will begin by reviewing the molecular and neurobiological advances in both autism and in fragile X syndrome.  She will also discuss the targeted treatment studies in fragile X syndrome that are related to the neurobiological advances and the benefits that this will have on the autism population. These targeted treatments, including mGluR5 antagonists, hopefully improve both cognition and behavior by improving synaptic connections.  However, to further improve synaptic connections at any age, they should be combined with innovative educational interventions which Dr. Hagerman will also review.

Tuesday, July 28
Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Professor and Chair
Department of Occupational Therapy Education
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas

Sensory Processing: Practical Tools for Supporting Children to Participate in Everyday Life”
In this session, participants will explore the core concepts of sensory processing and how young children's behaviors reflect these concepts during everyday life.  You will also examine how to use knowledge about children's sensory processing patterns to make adjustments in activities, environments, and expectations so that children can successfully participate.  Since adults, including professionals and parents, also have particular sensory processing patterns, Dr. Dunn will also discuss designing interactions with everyone's sensory processing needs in mind.

Wednesday, July 29
Robin Brewer, Ed.D.,
Associate Professor of Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado

Tracy Mueller, Ph.D.
 Assistant Professor of Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado.

“Putting the Puzzle Together—A Quick and Easy Screening Tool”

Drs. Brewer and Mueller, noted authors, scholars, and co-developers of the Strategies at Hand: Quick and Handy Strategies for Working with Students on the Autism Spectrum, will provide an overview of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers’ (STAT) then teach participants how to effectively administer the tool. The STAT is a 20-minute level-2 screen that provides teams an easy, yet effective, method for recognizing when further assessments may be warranted for children 14 -36 months who are exhibiting delays. Participants will be required to complete additional screening following the institute to be considered fully qualified to administer the STAT. 

Thursday, July 30
Brooke D. Young
Project Coordinator, TEACCH-LEAP Outcome Study
Lecturer, School of Education and Human Development
Consultant, Professional Development in Autism Center

“Learning to use the The Assessment of Basic language and Learning Skills (Revised).(ABLLS-R) for Assessment and Curriculum:  Incorporating Strategies into Teaching Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders”  Part 1

Brooke Young will spend two days teaching participants to use the ABLLS-R in assessing children with autism and then work with them to develop interventions based on the results of the ABLLS-R.
Friday, July 31
Brooke Young
Project Coordinator, TEACCH-LEAP Outcome Study
Lecturer, School of Education and Human Development
Consultant, Professional Development in Autism Center

“Learning to use the The Assessment of Basic language and Learning Skills (Revised).(ABLLS-R) for Assessment and Curriculum:  Incorporating Strategies into Teaching Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders”  Part 2

Brooke Young will wrap up the week’s symposium with her continuation of Thursday’s instruction on using the ABLLS-R.