Mark Roth of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has published a new story taking a more in-depth look at the rise in autism diagnoses over the past two decades.  Some autism organizations claim that the United States is currently facing an autism epidemic.  Roth reports on a 2006 study by Paul Shattuck that looks at this dramatic rise in autism.  From the Roth story:

A 2006 study in the journal Pediatrics found, for instance, that the national increase in identified autism cases in elementary schoolchildren between 1984 and 2003 had been paralleled by a similar decrease in the number of children labeled as retarded or learning disabled

The entire Roth article can be found on the Post-Gazette website.  For another look at explanations for the rise in autism cases, read The Autism “Epidemic”.

Source:  Mark Roth - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Online

Autism Conference Presents Latest Treatments, Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home, School

Atlanta, GA ( PRWEB ) February 6, 2008 — Autism may affect as many as 1 in 150 children. This complex disorder is marked by impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most scientifically backed methods available for the treatment of autism. Leading ABA researchers will be gathering this week to present the latest developments in the application of this life-changing science.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), along with its Autism and Parent Professional Partnership Special Interest Groups, will be hosting its Second Annual Autism Conference from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10 in Atlanta.

This year’s conference, “Issues and Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism: Practical Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home and School,” will focus on home- and community-based interventions as well as curriculum and instruction in the classroom.

The three-day conference will bring together 10 distinguished experts on ABA presenting resources and information that teachers, therapists and parents can use to improve the lives of children with autism. Some of the presentation topics include:

“Teaching the Social Dance” — strategies to teach young people with autism the verbal and non-verbal components to conversation

“One Size Does Not Fit All” — ways to tailor treatments to individual needs to promise the best treatment outcome

“From DT to DI: Using Direct Instruction to Teach Students with ASD” — how Direct Instruction (DI) can address the unique needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while supporting the acquisition of academic skills

This year’s Autism Conference will be held at Atlanta’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. New additions include exhibitor booths, a bookstore and author book signing by the 10 presenters.

For more information visit the Association for Behavior Analysis International website or call (269) 492-4310. On-site registration is available at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8 at the Hyatt Regency, Exhibit Level in Grand Hall West. Credentialed members of the news media may attend free of charge with prior authorization.

About ABA International
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a nonprofit professional membership organization with the mission of developing, enhancing and supporting the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education and practice. Founded in 1974, the association has approximately 5,000 members worldwide. Its affiliated chapters have a total membership of 12,000 worldwide.

Complete Presentation List:

Teaching the Social Dance: Helping Children with Autism Engage in Social Interaction and Conversation
Patricia Krantz, Ph.D.
Executive Director Emeritus, Princeton Child Development Institute

“Evidence-Based Practice”: Improvement or Illusion?
Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA
Professor, San Diego State University

One Size Does Not Fit All: Individualizing Treatment Programs for Children with Autism
Laura Schreibman, Ph.D.
Professor, University of California, San Diego

Effective School-Based Program for Children with Autism
Ilene Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA
Professor, University of Washington

Because Our Kids Are Worth It: A Parent’s Perspective on Behavioral Interventions at Home and School
Mary Elizabeth Walsh, Ph.D.
Professor, Caldwell College

Using ABA to Improve the Lives of Adults with Autism in Work, Community and Residential Settings
Gregory MacDuff, Ph.D.
Director of Adult and Community-Living Programs, Princeton Child Development Institute

What’s My Motivation?: Encouraging Children with Autism to Develop Active Learner Participation
James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA
Director, Behavior Analysts, Inc.

Picking the Right ABA Program for Your Loved One: Matching Learner Needs with Instructional Strategies
Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA
Professor/Director of Research and Training, Rutgers University

One-on-One Programming: Using Direct Instruction to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Cathy L. Watkins, Ph.D., BCBA
Professor, California State University, Stanislaus

A Clear Picture: Using Images to Get What You Want
Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.

Source:  PRWeb

The annual Easter Seals Autism Symposium will be held on February 13 and 14 in Monterey, California.  The symposium is geared towards educators, parents, therapists, social works, case administrators, and psychologists.  The Monterey Conference Center will host the 2008 symposium.  Dr. Richard Solomon, a Michigan physician, will be the keynote speaker on day one speaking on the topic P.L.A.Y. Project Level 1 Workshop Introduction to Floortime and P.L.A.Y.  Floortime and the Developmental, Individualized, and Relationship Oriented (DIR) model are based on the works of noted author and physician Dr. Stanley Greenspan.  DIR is one of several key types of autism therapy.

 Source:  Monterey Easter Seals Autism Symposium