Adelphi University Co-Sponsors Conference On Autism

Adelphi University is pleased to host and co-sponsor with the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA), The Asperger Institute of the NYU Child Study Center, The Cody Center for Autism and Disabilities at Stony Brook University, Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism at North Shore-LIJ Health Systems, and The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP), the 7th annual conference "Issues in Independent Living for Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum," on Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Adelphi's Ruth S. Harley University Center, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and individuals on the autism spectrum to raise awareness about autism, identify the needs of adolescents and adults with autism, and offer solutions to the challenges of independent living for such individuals. Area professionals, family members, friends and individuals affected by the condition are invited to attend the conference.

Dr. Valerie Paradiz, author of Elijah's Cup, will deliver the keynote address. She will highlight the importance of fostering friendships and mentoring experiences in the lives of individuals with autism. She will share her professional knowledge and personal experiences, including those of her teenage son Elijah. The day's program includes 12 workshops, including The Four Stages of Disclosure: A Route to Self-Advocacy and Fulfillment to Coping with Characteristics of Autism in the Adult World, among many others. In addition, the conference will mark the American premiere of the documentary, On the Spectrum, by researcher Isabel Dziobek and her sister, filmmaker Nati Dziobek. The film features individuals who were panelists at previous AHA conferences.

Pre-registration is required. To register or download a brochure, please visit www.ahaNY.org. For more information regarding the conference, please contact Patricia R. Schissel, president AHA/Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, at PatS@ahaNY.org or (516) 470-0360.