Autism changes the way families live.  AAC-VA is working to improve the quality of life of families affected by autism.  As part of that, AAC-VA brings to you a series of workshops.

Description of workshop series:  This workshop is the first of a series that teaches families how to cope with autism and discusses strategies that help in everyday living.  The series will discuss techniques on how to include individuals with autism in the daily routines of family life while teaching them life and learning skills.  The workshops in this series will be conducted by speakers from various backgrounds and will incorporate methodologies needed to help individuals with autism.

Description of this workshop:  Part 1 of this workshop series will focus on behavior management.   The speaker will discuss how to use behavior management strategies everyday while including individuals with autism in normal routines of family life.  Examples include – how to get through dinner, how to navigate going to the mall, how to manage the morning routine, how to do daily chores, how to negotiate crowded places, how to manage sleep issues etc. etc.

Speaker background: Amy McGinnis began providing direct ABA services teaching verbal behavior in 1998, working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has received extensive training and experience in implementing the procedures of applied behavior analysis (specifically Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior) to teach language, socialization, play skills, motor skills, academics, and the management of problem behaviors across all environments. Amy holds a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Alvernia College, and is a nationally registered occupational therapist. She also holds a masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She currently provides consultative services to families, clinics, and schools across the United States and abroad. 

Who should attend:  This workshop is geared mainly towards family members of individuals with autism.  Professionals are welcome as well to learn how to guide families to include family members with autism in their daily lives.

Workshop Fee:  AAC-VA Member - $20   

                        Not an AAC-VA Member - $30

 For questions, email:  events@aac-va.org