The Matthew Reardon Center  Presents

Laurel Hoekman,Executive Director of The Gray Center www.thegraycenter.org

The Autistic Brain and the Neurotypical Brain: Bridging the Gap Toward Effective Social Interactions

And

Writing Social Stories™

Friday, February 13, 2009Armstrong Center
for Professional
& Continuing Education
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, Georgia 31419   social_stories_workshop 

The Autistic Brain and the Neurotypical Brain: Bridging the Gap Toward Effective Social Interactions

In this presentation, Laurel Hoekman examines current research and understanding of autism spectrum disorders(ASD), and compares that to neurotypical development. She also explains how social understanding—and a variety of current strategies—can lead toward effective social interactions between individuals with ASD and those who work with them in the home, school, workplace, and community.Attendees will be able to describe several differences between typical and autistic development, name several “red flags” which may indicate the presence of ASD, and demonstrate several strategies to help promote effective social interactions in the home, school, workplace, and community. This is a practical presentation that will provide a new understanding and appreciation for those with ASD, as well as tools to use immediately at home or in the classroom, with both children and adults!

Writing Social Stories™

Parents and professionals have used Social Stories™ for many years to effectively share social information with children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other social-communication delays and differences.  Using lecture, demonstration, case examples, and activities, this workshop: 1) describes the research-based rationale that supports the approach, 2) introduces each of the ten characteristics that define each Social Story™, and 3) shares strategies for introducing and implementing a Social Story™ at home or school.  In addition, participants will have opportunities to practice skills and concepts as they are introduced, and to write a Social Story™ for a child, adolescent, or adult currently in their care.  This is a fun and fast-paced, upbeat workshop that, in addition to teaching participants to write and implement a Social Story™, provides plenty of positive and practical new ideas along the way!  

 Agenda

 Registration Fees

$ 75 Early Bird Registration for professionals (Registration must be received by Jan. 16, 2009)    EXTENDED TO FEB. 1, 2009

$99 Registration after Jan. 16, 2009 and onsite  AFTER FEB. 1, 2009 AND ONSITE     

$10   CEUs (6 contact hours)

SPECIAL PARENT RATE!!!!!!!!!!!!  $50 PER PARENT!!!

**Limited scholarships available for parents (call Jennifer McGee 355-9098 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for information)

**Funded in part by the Georgia DHR, Office of MHDDAD