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 2 of this workshop series will focus on creating social and relationship awareness.   The speakers will focus on the importance of developing meaningful relationships with individuals with autism and provide everyday strategies for incorporating social interaction into daily living.  Specifically, this workshop will discuss strategies to develop an interest in others; ways to develop leisure activities that focus on social interaction; how to build curiosity; and provide coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and obsessions that occur in social environments.  The workshop will also focus on the role of social awareness in language development and behavior management

Speakers background:

Kimberlee Ambach started her career working with children with autism at the Lovaas replication site, Wisconsin Early Autism Project. She has 7 years of experience as an ABA/VB therapist working with a variety of children on the autism spectrum. Since 2005 she has been providing consultation services and conducted several workshops in Maryland and Virginia. She has received extensive training from speakers Dr. Jack Michaels, Dr. Brain Iwata, Dr. Vincent Carbone, Dr. Mark Sundberg among others.  Kimberlee uses a developmental approach when developing programs that incorporates behavioral strategies as well as cognitive strategies which she has received extensive training. Kimberlee has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, attended the University of Maryland to obtain a Masters degree in Sports Psychology, and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts

Nadya M. Molina is the founder and director of Alternative Behaviors, LLC.  She has a Bachelor of Elementary Education in Special Education (Mental Retardation) from the University of Puerto Rico, 1990; and a Masters of Special Education in Severe and Profound Disabilities from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 1995.  Nadya holds a Commonwealth of Virginia, Postgraduate Professional License in the areas of Emotional Disturbance K-12, Specific Learning Disabilities K-12, Elementary Education PREK-6, Mental Retardation K-12, and Severe Disabilities K-12; and is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Nadya was also an adjunct professor at George Mason University for the ABA Certificate Program.

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 create social awareness among family members with autism in their daily lives.

Location:  Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311 (703) 845-1010

Workshop Fee:     AAC-VA Member - $20   Not an AAC-VA Member - $30

Registration 

For AAC-VA Members 

For non-members workshop registration only

For non-members workshop registration and membership  

For additional questions, contact:   events@aac-va.org

AAC-VA website:  http://aac-va.org