Autism Workshop At Bancroft

The Haddonfield Patch announced that Bancroft will hold a free workshop called "Planning For The Needs Of Adults With Autism."  For those who may not be from the Southern New Jersey area or other areas Bancroft serves, Bancroft is a non-profit organization that provides services for people with acquired brain injuries and developmental disabilities.  

This workshop is a free educational program designed to assist parents and professionals working with the adults with autism. Sessions will be held at Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Farrington building on Bancroft’s Haddonfield Campus at 425 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. 

"The February workshop will focus on the social, emotional, clinical, medical, vocational and financial needs of the rapidly expanding population of adults with autism spectrum disorders. Discussion will include the needs for ongoing supports in community and residential settings, adult day services, supported employment and the right of decision-making for families and individuals."

"Geared toward family members, educators and other professionals in disabilities-related fields, the session will be presented by Karen Parenti, MS, PsyD, and Victoria Sweeney. Parenti is senior clinical director of Bancroft’s New Jersey Adult Developmental Disabilities Services. Sweeney is senior program director of Bancroft Community Vocational Services for Adults."

Bancroft, Based in Haddonfield, serves 1,300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually, including autism and acquired brain injuries through a wide range of programs. Bancroft was founded in 1883, the nonprofit organization has sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their include "early childhood, education, vocational, supported employment, structured day programs, rehabilitation, community living, behavioral treatment, and in-home and outpatient services."

Autism Lecture at CHOP

I just received this email from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia about a presentation by Dr. Timothy Roberts, holder of the Oberkircher Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology at CHOP, Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. 

 

CHOP is presenting a lecture titled "Electrophysiological Signatures of Language Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Trajectory and Correlation with Clinical Indices" This lecture is open to families of individuals on the autism spectrum, individuals interested in ASD, and professionals supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Act 48 credits are available for attendance. Although the title may seem intimidating to the non-medical professional don't let that dissuade you from going.  As the saying goes "Knowledge is Power."  The more you know the better you can advocate for your child.

 

As a member of a family with a child on the autism spectrum, these lectures go a long way toward helping increase your understanding of the autism spectrum.  You also have a chance to meet other individuals involved in the lives of your child. Register early.

 

RSVP required.  See contact information below.

 

Parking is available in the Wood Center Garage for $4. To access this garage, travel south (away from the Penn campus) on 34th St. past the main Hospital building. Make a right onto Osler Circle at the second light and proceed to the security booth. A ramp entrance to the underground Wood Center garage is on your right. Once you exit the Wood Center garage, you will see Abramson Research Center (large glass building) in front of you.

Please allow yourself 10 minutes to park and walk to the building.

 

When:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where:

Abramson Research Center

Room 123 ABC

3615 Civic Center Blvd

Philadelphia, PA

 

Contact and RSVP for reservations:

 

 

 

Sohee Kim

267-425-3135

autism@email.chop.edu

www.centerforautismresearch.com

 

"Electrophysiological Signatures of Language Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Trajectory and Correlation with Clinical Indices"

Dr. Timothy Roberts is the holder of the Oberkircher Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology and the Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. His research studies focus on how the brain of a person with autism processes sounds, words and pictures. He uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to "map" the brains of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by measuring the brain's electrical activity in space and time. He is also interested in ways to improve techniques and methods in neuroradiology that enhance scientists' ability to look at the brain.

In this lecture, Dr. Roberts will present cutting edge approaches to brain imaging in ASD research. He will introduce novel technologies used in his lab, such as MEG for "brainwave scanning", and variations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for investigating the integrity of brain white matter and its underlying neurochemistry. The goal of this research is to use the differing sensitivities of these imaging and electrophysiologic techniques to understand the neurobiological basis of ASD. These findings will help develop biomarkers to quantify the brain traits of ASD for improved diagnosis, prognosis, future differentiation of potential therapies, and monitoring treatment efficacy. Implications for future treatment tailoring and pharmaceutical evaluation will be discussed.

This lecture is intended for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and professionals supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. We also invite anyone who is interested in learning more about ASD.

Upon completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the novel brain imaging technology (MEG) for assessing brain dynamics.
2. Explain the role of objective biomarkers of ASD - diagnosis, prognosis, stratification, and treatment monitoring.
3. Describe the approach to neurobiological basis of ASD through multimodal imaging and electrophysiology.

Everyday Lives Committee Meeting Announcements

Are you a member of the Everyday Lives Committee? Everyday Lives is a Committee made up of parents, consumers and community representatives who have a vested interest in being sure individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities lives lives of self-determination. 

Although the committee usually meets mid-month to discuss topics of interest to these individuals there is no regular meeting in January.

The next meeting will be a business meeting to discuss the upcoming year.  It will be held on February 15 at noon until 2 PM.  Bring your ideas and willingness to work.

If your son or daughter is one of the members of the community who uses community provided services for the intellectually disabled come and bring them along.  This committee isn't just about parents, it's about anyone who uses or needs state, city, county or community services.

Self determination is an important aspect of adulthood for differently able individuals.  Learning to navigate the system is critical.  Knowing the players in the game can help them when they need assistance. 

Not every meeting is for every member, just come and take part in the future of your child with different abilities or your own future.  Your input is what makes this committee work for you.