Brochures Mailed to Members, or by Request


Limited Partial Scholarships Available- Download a Form at this Link

Must be mailed along with registration
mail to: AHA Association, PO Box 916, Bethpage, NY 11714

Conference presented by:
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)
Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education
ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development
Compass Project
Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)
Spectrum Services

Conference registration includes a handbook containing materials from the two keynotes and 10 workshops. A continental breakfast and boxed lunch are also included. Agency, secondary school, camp, recreation and other service provider representatives will be available at our Resource Walkway with information. Books will be available for purchase at the conference bookstore. Presenting authors will be available to sign their books. Registrations postmarked by March 29 (or registered online by March 29) will receive a free MP3 audio CD of all conference presentations (a $50 value), which will be mailed four-to-six weeks post-conference.
Registration Information:
Each registration must be on a separate form. Registrants must be current members of AHA as of the day of the conference (4/20/2013).
Membership in the AHA eNews is not membership in AHA. Membership in the eNews is free and is a service to the autism community. You must be an AHA member in order to receive discounts at our conferences and the other benefits of membership. We welcome your support!

Register by March 29, 2013 and receive a free copy of an MP3 with Keynotes & Workshops.
Mail-in Registration for Members $140
Mail-in Registration for Non-Members includes 1-yr membership $180
Mail-in Registration for Not-for-Profit (member rate) $140
Mail-in Registration for Student, Adelphi Faculty, Individuals w/ASD $60
Please make sure to indicate the workshops each participant would like to attend.
All credit cards are accepted. Checks are accepted with mail-ins.

8:30 am – 9:15 am Registration, bookstore, Resource Walkway, Breakfast
9:15 am - Greetings from Adelphi and AHA
9:30 am Morning Keynote (for all)

Liane Holliday Willey Ed.D. Morning keynote
STAYING SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY – A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
Life with Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is filled with myriad challenges that can leave Aspies confused and uncertain of how to keep themselves safe from harm, both physically and emotionally. In her talk, Dr. Willey discusses difficult issues such as bullying, self-harm, depression and eating disorders. Positive and encouraging advice concludes the talk, aimed to help those with AS safeguard themselves and live happy and independent lives.
10:30 am – 10:45 Resource Walkway and Book Signings

Workshop Period A - 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Workshop A1
TRANSITIONING FROM PEDIATRIC TO ADULT HEALTHCARE
Jack Levine, M.D., and May-Lynn Andresen, R.N.
What do you do when you are too old for toys in the waiting room? Changing your healthcare from your trusted pediatrician to the unknowns of adult medicine can be challenging and anxiety provoking for people on the spectrum, family and doctors alike. The important aspects of transition to adult care will be discussed with the focus on individuals and families being prepared, proactive, and informed.

Workshop A2
Financial Literacy/Money Management
Mary Riggs Cohen, Ph.D.
An essential part of independence is the ability to manage money. This workshop will provide information on the importance of being financially savvy. The complexity of money management is a skill that should be taught early. Participants will acquire tools in order to gain a better understanding of wise spending and savings, as well as an awareness of the fraudulent scams that often prey on the social naiveté of those on the autism spectrum.  

Workshop A3
Effective Communication For Positive ASD Family Interactions
Tina Caterino
Family dynamics and interactions can be complicated. Add the nuances of the Autism Spectrum to the mix and the potential for misunderstandings, anxiety and emotional pain can be heightened. This workshop focuses on greater awareness of individual style and effective communication techniques as tools that help families transform their relationships from one of surviving to thriving.

Workshop A4
Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation
Lynda Geller, Ph.D., Robert L. Levy, Esq., and Stephen Shore, Ed.D.
A great majority of individuals on the autism spectrum have socially negative experiences at school, work, and in many of their personal interactions. This can result in lowered self-esteem, difficulties with relationships, unabated anxiety and depression. An employment attorney, a college professor who is also an Aspie, and a psychologist will discuss the ramifications and will identify strategies.

Workshop A5
The Decision To Drive
Jerry Newport
Driving is a complicated process. If you are wondering whether driving is in your future this workshop will discuss important things to think about before getting started. Featuring the groundbreaking video, "Autism and the Decision To Drive" from Debbault-Legacy Productions, our presenter, co-author of the video, will discuss the training and support needs of potential drivers.

1:00–2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Keynote:
Beyond the Best Practices
David Finch
A fulfilling life doesn't happen by accident, unless you're a Kardashian. David Finch, New York Times best-selling author of The Journal of Best Practices and non-Kardashian, relates his often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking quest to live his happiest life after being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Humorous and inspirational, this presentation is the perfect antidote for anyone who needs a healthy dose of motivation.

Resource Walkway and Book-Signing: 2:00p.m. – 2:15 p.m.


Workshop Period B: 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 pm.

Workshop B6
Aspies in the Workplace
Michael John Carley
Individuals with hidden disabilities, such as Asperger’s, are a growing segment of the workforce. With their strong capabilities and a supportive educational environment, individuals with AS are earning college and post-graduate degrees, yet still retain an 80-85% unemployment rate. In this presentation, ASTEP and GRASP Executive Director and author Michael John Carley will describe some of the challenges faced in attempts to include hidden disabilities in the diversity and inclusion strategies of major corporations.

Workshop B7

Current Trends in the Pharmacological Treatment of Autism Spectrum Conditions
Alex Kolevzon, M.D.
The objective of this workshop will be to discuss the changing conceptualization of the genetics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and how genetic discovery is leading to the development of novel therapeutics. This workshop will also discuss the shifting focus from treating associated symptoms of ASDs to targeting the core domain of social impairment.

Workshop B8
How to Survive and “Fit In”, or How to Not “Fit In” and Survive
Valerie Gaus, Ph.D., Karl Wittig, P.E., and others
One of the greatest challenges facing individuals on the autism spectrum is that of "fitting in" the various social environments of a predominantly neurotypical world. Panelists will share lessons from life about when it is useful to try and fit in and when it is not. Examples from life at work and in relationships will be used to show how it is important to balance the need to accommodate others with the need to maintain one's unique identity.

Workshop B9
Kiss Me, You Genius: Strategies for Thriving in Neurologically Mixed Relationships
David and Kristen Finch and Liane Holliday Willey
A seminar packed with relevant, actionable strategies for making neurologically mixed relationships thrive. Drawing on their own experiences, David and Kristen Finch lend a crucial perspective on working together to serve the needs of the partnership.

Workshop B10
Legal Hot Topics: Does My Child Really Need A Guardian? The Pros and Cons of Guardianship.
Beth Polner Abrahams, Esq.
Many parents of older adolescents with ASD are faced with the question of whether or not to seek legal guardianship. This workshop will provide information on the impact of the guardian appointment on your child’s right to marry, vote, obtain a drivers license, and build a personal credit history. It will also cover the impact on housing, creditor, and other legal rights. Updates will be provided on SSI and Medicaid.

MP3 Audio and Workbook Information from Prior Conferences

If you missed the 2012 spring conference or to purchase MP3’s and Workshops of Keynotes from 2012 or prior conferences go to our secure site at: Greater Giving

For further information:
conference@ahany.org
888.918.9198