Leicestershire Aspergers Syndrome Support Group

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Events, Conferences and Seminars of interest are posted here.
 
CURRENT EVENTS
 

NAS - Seminars for Parents/Carers 
 
NAS regularly organise Parent/Carer Seminars as part of their help! Programme.

For details of ALL seminars and training on offer from NAS see their website www.nas.org.uk and follow the link from the TABS across the top to NEWS AND EVENTS.  Within this page look at the pink box TRAINING EVENTS FOR PARENTS.  The help! seminars are linked within this box.

The link below SHOULD be a direct link to all the help! seminars:-

www.autism.org.uk/our-services/residential-community-and-social-support/parent-and-family-training-and-support/help-seminars/find-help-seminars-for-parents-carers.aspx    
 

 
PAST EVENTS
 

www.jelibean.com on June 15th 2010 hosted an international conference on autism, at the University of Leicester.   See www.jelibean.com for details.

 

This was the first of a series of proposed annual conferences to be held in Leicester. The speakers were: 

Professor Paul Cooper of the School of Education, University of Leicester on AD/HD and autism, author of Understanding and Supporting Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties.

 

Professor Olga Bogdashina of the Ukraine on sensory issues in autism, author of Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism.

 

Emeritus Professor Rita Jordan of the University of Birmingham, whose subject is severe and profound autism, author of Autism with Severe Learning Difficulties.

 

Professor Tony Attwood, from Australia (although originally from Birmingham), on his first ever visit to Leicester, on cognition in Asperger's Syndrome. He is a clinical psychologist and world expert on Asperger's Syndrome and the author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome.

 
ONE DAY SEMINAR ON PDA, HELD FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2007:-
 
The Distinctive Clinical and Educational Needs of Children with PDA Syndrome : Guidelines to Good practice
A seminar led by

Phil Christie (Consultant Child Psychologist, The Elizabeth Newson Centre)
Ruth Fidler (Senior Teacher, Sutherland House School) and Margot Day (Parent)
 
Venue-
Park Hall Autism Resource Centre
Park Road
Bestwood Village
Nottingham NG6 8TQ 
Seminar Synopsis:-
 
Pathological Demand Avoidance : Approaches to Education, Handling and Therapy

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Good Practice Guidance (published by the Department for Education and Skills and Department of Health in 2002) points to ‘a number of sub-groups within the autistic spectrum. There are differences between the sub-groups and further work is required on defining the criteria …. It may be necessary to adopt specific strategies in relation to particular areas of difficulty in order to assist a child to maximise their potential and preserve their dignity’.

A group of children increasingly recognised are those with Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome (PDA). Parents, teachers and other professionals consistently report the need for different approaches with this complex group of children.

The day was aimed at those working with children with this profile, willing to develop their understanding and share their experiences. It was also for parents.

The day covered:

• An overview of the current understanding of PDA

• Issues in educational provision and support

• Discussion of constructive approaches to management

• Communication needs and support

• A Parental Perspective

• Case studies and examples

• An opportunity for participants to raise issues from their own circumstances.

Please click on each of the following documents for further information and contact/booking details:-
PAST CONFERENCES

 
International Online Autism Conference - 4-11 October 2006
 
See www.autism2006.org.  This stays online indefinitely post conference. You can also see the 2005 online conference papers and discussions.
 
A number of extremely prominent names joined the list of more than fifty world experts taking part in www.autism2006.org, Autism Cymru's second free international online autism conference. Among the new names are four of the world's leading autism authorities: Professor Jill Boucher (UK), Professor Isabelle Rapin (USA), Professor Robert DeLong (USA) and Professor Colwyn Trevarthen (UK).
 
Other important newcomers include: Dr Dinah Murray (UK), a worker, researcher, writer, campaigner and teacher in the field of autism; Merry Barua (India), director of Action for Autism, the primary organisation in South Asia specialising in autistic spectrum disorders and related pervasive developmental disabilities; Dr Ulla Holck (Denmark) and Dorita Berger (USA), two of the world's major specialists in music therapy for autism, and Chantal Sicile-Kira (USA), one of the leading experts on adolescence, who in her paper provides invaluable practical tips for teenagers with autism.
 
Everyone is invited to view the outcomes; people with autism, parents and professionals. No prior knowledge is necessary. Autism2006.org is the largest such conference of its kind ever to be held. To register for free, go to www.autism2006.org. 
 
Topics include brain research, biomedical approaches, education, Aspergers syndrome, autism and relationships, autism and computers, communication methods, first-hand experiences - voices from the spectrum, genetics, autism and the environment, the immunology of autism, diagnosis, music therapy, language and autism, autism in adolescents and adults with autism.
 

Hearts and Minds Conference - held 20 May 2006 in Leicester
 
A very successful event sponsored by JIGSAW with a focus on Diagnosis, Education and Support.
[The TOPIC is clickable if the paper has been attached.]
Session 1: Dr Tamhne - Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Child Development and Behaviour.
             Topic: Recognising Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.
 
Session 2: Charles Huddleston of CLASP and the Autism Reference Group.
             Topic: Diagnosis - the Final Piece or the Last Straw?
 
Session 3: Discussion Groups and Questions to Speakers.
 
Session 4: Anne Lewis - Family Support Worker.
 
Session 5: Emma Kehoe - Vale of Catmose School Rutland.
             Topic: Assessment and Diagnosis.
 
Session 6: Marie Allison - Leicester City Autism Outreach.
             Topic: Autism Provision within Leicester City.
 
Session 7: George Thomas - Leicestershire Autism Outreach.
 
Session 8: Keith Haywood - former Residential School Headteacher.
 
Session 9: Discussion Groups and Questions to Speakers.