Elizabeth Neumann, MA, BCaBA
Autism New Jersey Education & Training Director
Come see why many professionals and caregivers return each year to Autism New Jersey’s conferences. This year, the 37th Annual Conference will be held on October 17th and 18th at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City. Since they can be confident that the workshops and exhibitors have been vetted for scientific support, 1,350 participants are expected again this year with 80 workshop choices, 100+ autism-specific exhibitors, a poster session exploring new research, and networking opportunities galore. With so many options, there is specialized material pertaining to individuals of all ages and support needs, with a focus on practical strategies.
Workshops range from basic to advanced, with topics applicable to family members as well as professionals from various fields and levels of experience. Presenters include expert clinicians, self-advocates sharing their experiences, teachers and therapists in both public and private arenas, attorneys and financial planners, and seasoned parents. No matter your role in the autism community, the conference experience can be customized to your unique needs; whether your goal is to focus on early intervention, educational strategies, transition, adult supports, financial and legal advocacy, professional skills, or caregiver support, you will find current and credible information and resources at this conference.
Meaningful Content
The conference will begin with the keynote address, A Respectful and Practical Approach to Addressing Challenging Behavior, from Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D (Western New England University). It will be followed by workshops explaining best practice for challenging behavior, communication, and social, vocational, and life skills as well as those offering family support. Examples include promoting generalization, teaching students who use AAC, addressing stereotypy, reducing restraint/seclusion, medication, residential treatment, public school strategies, and avoiding burnout/compassion fatigue. Examples of content specific to teens and adults are job/career training and transition options for varied support levels, housing, program evaluation, state services, legal issues, and financial planning. Quality of life is also a priority: independence, dating and relationships, emotional intelligence, selective eating, and anxiety are just a few of the issues which will be addressed.
Additional Highlights
- Discuss the latest findings with the researchers themselves at our poster session, sponsored by the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT).
- Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is sponsoring an Adult Autism Research Competition; the winner will be announced at the keynote and receive a $500 prize.
- Looking to advertise with 1,300+ professionals and caregivers? Promote your products/services or share job openings, or opt for a sponsorship for the greatest impact through extensive pre-event outreach. If you prefer to network in person, join more than 100 exhibitors who showcase their resources and programs. Apply at https://www.autismnj.org/education-training/annual-conference/ or contact conference@autismnj.org for more information.
- Continuing education credits are offered for behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and social workers. BCBAs will find four workshops offering ethics credits and two for supervision.
- A Parents-Only Networking Lunchroom will be available both days. One of the lunchrooms will involve facilitated discussions while the other will be open for more casual conversation Facilitators are also parents of adults with autism: Mark Reuter, Ph.D. on Thursday and Bobbie Gallagher, Ph.D., BCBA-D on Friday.
What Participants Say
- “I cannot imagine my family and my life without the knowledge and skills the conference has taught me!”
- “This conference is so inspiring and rejuvenating. I loved networking and hearing from experts in the field. I have practical strategies and helpful resources to bring back to my job. It’s one of my favorite conferences to attend.”
- “This conference offered different topics you don’t always see. The best part was the value of evidence-based practices to enhance the skills of our learners. I left with many new ideas and lots of questions to think about.”
- “We very much appreciated the opportunity to share our work at this great event! It was the best conference I have attended in the past few years.”
- “So professional, informative, educational, and inspirational! The positive energy is always felt throughout the venue. The day ran very smoothly and I left with valuable information, practical strategies, and wonderful new contacts. I left feeling hopeful for the first time in a very long time.”
Register Today
The registration deadline is October 1. Late registrations will be accepted until October 11th with a $50 late fee. Onsite registration also will be available with the late fee. Contact Elissa Kapp at 609.588.8200 x10013 or email conference@autismnj.org with any questions. Caregiver scholarships are available as funds allow; contact conference@autismnj.org to apply or consider donating if you are able. There are a limited number of discounted rooms available at Harrah’s. Complete details are available at www.autismnj.org/conference.
About Autism New Jersey
Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them. Through awareness, credible information, education, and public policy initiatives, Autism New Jersey leads the way to lifelong individualized services provided with skill and compassion. We are grounded in science, strengthened by knowledge, and devoted to creating a society of compassion and inclusion for all those touched by autism. Services are not exclusive to New Jersey residents; all are welcome to contact the Helpline at 800.4.AUTISM or information@autismnj.org, access free publications, and participate in our Autism Ambassador awareness campaign, Annual and Transition conferences, and other workshops.
Established by a group of parents more than 50 years ago, Autism New Jersey is proud to be a resource for individuals, families, professionals, government officials, the media, and concerned residents who all turn to Autism New Jersey for reliable information, compassionate support, and evidence-based training.
