NSSLHA spring conference to focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Minot State University's chapter of the National Students Speech Language Hearing Association is holding its 2012 spring conference March 30 in the Conference Center (Student Center, third floor), from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The keynote speaker is educational psychologist Glenis Benson, an Autism Spectrum Disorder consultant, who trains nationally and internationally.
"The MSU chapter of NSSLHA has held conferences for the last 19 years. The students plan, organize and execute a nationally renowned conference, which is attended not only by MSU students, faculty and staff, but also by practicing speech-language pathologists from Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Saskatchewan and Manitoba," said Lesley Magnus, associate professor of communication disorders. "Practicing SLPs count on this conference as one of their continuing education opportunities for the year and have never been disappointed in the quality, content or skills. This year’s conference is no exception."
ASD includes a variety of developmental disorders such as Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Rett Syndrome. Benson’s presentation will focus on assessment and intervention techniques for individuals with ASD.
"It (ASD) is actually a brain difference ... what will be consistent across all the spectrum will be difficulty with age appropriate interaction," Benson, said.
Having supported persons with ASD for over 30 years, Benson began her career in autism teaching at the Edmonton School for Autistic Children. She taught for the Kentucky Autism Training Center with the University of Louisville as well as other Wisconsin universities and colleges. In 2001, she co-produced, wrote and narrated a video titled "Autism Spectrum Disorders," www.attainmentcompany.com.
Benson obtained her doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and conducted her doctoral and master’s research with persons with ASD.
This conference is intended for speech-language pathologists, educators, university faculty and students and others interested in ASD. The $50 early bird registration must be received by Monday (March 12). On-site registration is $75. All communication disorders majors and graduate students must attend the conference with pre-approval from all professors. The conference is free to all MSU faculty, staff and students.
For questions, contact Kristen Schneider, conference co-chair, at kristen.schneider@my.minotstateu.edu.
Event Brochure [pdf]
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Published: 03/08/12 |