Register for the 25TH ANNUAL MINNESOTA AUTISM CONFERENCEApril 29-May 2, 2020MINNEAPOLIS MARRIOTT SOUTHWEST

During Autism Awareness Month, join us for the Minnesota autism community’s event of the year featuring exhibitors, expert-led education sessions, keynote speakers, the AuSM Bookstore, and Autism Community Day.

Minnesota’s First Autism Resource®

www.ausm.org

NEW! Autism

Community Day

May 2, 2020

During the 25th Anniversary of AuSM’s Minnesota Autism Conference, we will join our voices as a passionate community to inspire learning, hope, and innovation. Experts, parents, caregivers, educators, paraprofessionals, mental health professionals, service providers, and individuals on the spectrum will have a platform to connect, collaborate, advocate, and educate. Be sure to visit our Steps of Possibilities Gallery, read positive stories, and gain advice from autistic adults in our community.

Register for the conference today at www.ausm.org.

Inclusivity and Access for Our Community AuSM strives to make its events inclusive and accessible to all in our community. We ask that to help us make this an accessible event all participants refrain from wearing scents and avoid flash photography.

The following accommodations will be available during the conference:

• Quiet room.• Sensory kits – sunglasses, headphones, and fidgets – for purchase at

the AuSM Bookstore.• Microphones and slideshows will be used in most sessions. • Scent-free table will be designated during lunches. • Accomodations for those observing Ramadan.

We recommend that participants make the following accommodations:

• Bring personal items to make their experience more comfortable (i.e., sunglasses, headphones, fidgets, etc.).

• Dress in layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures from heating/air conditioning systems.

Individuals requiring Sign-Language interpreters, dietary variations, or other accommodations should contact Olivia James, at 651.647.1083 ext. 23 or e-mail events@ausm.org at least two weeks prior to the conference.

Exhibitors and AuSM Bookstore

Exhibitors will offer products and services for individuals with autism, caregivers, educators, and other professionals.

The AuSM Bookstore will feature a wide selection of autism resources. Stop in and talk with AuSM’s Information and Resources experts. Private AuSM

Bookstore shopping will be available upon request.

Autism Community Day – Saturday, May 2As part of our anniversary celebration, we will open the exhibit hall and AuSM Bookstore to our community for FREE access on Saturday, May 2 from 7:30-11 a.m. At 9 a.m., we will recognize our retiring Camp Hand in Hand directors, Wendy McNeil and Todd Schwartzberg. Autism Community Day is free, but registration is required (does not include Saturday breakout sessions).

Registration Policy

Registrations will not be accepted without payment or purchase order. Registration confirmations will be sent via e-mail by April 15, 2020. Please include your e-mail address on the registration form. Refunds less a $15 processing fee will be given for cancellations received in writing to events@ausm.org seven business days prior to the conference. Following this date, no refunds will be given. Requests for transfers of registration to another individual will be considered.

HotelTo reserve a room at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest at $124 per night, call 1.888.887.1681. Mention Autism Society of Minnesota Conference. Rooms must be reserved by April 8, 2020 for this rate.

Supporting Organization

Minnesota LEND will host the keynote speaker and a track of breakout sessions on Friday, May 1. These sessions are geared toward MN LEND

Fellows, students, and community members who spend a year studying interdisciplinary approaches to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, and creating an overall project to improve their community. All conference participants are welcome to attend MN LEND-hosted sessions.

Sponsors

OVERALL CONFERENCE SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSORS Lifeworks Services, Inc.; Minnesota Independence College & Community; Minnesota LEND; St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development

LUNCH SPONSORSAccra; Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC

BREAK SPONSORSSchromen Law, LLC; Skills Autism Therapy and Parent Enrichment; UCare

Conference Handouts/Certificates of Attendance/Continuing Education Units

Speaker handouts will be available online at www.ausm.org only. Registrants will receive an e-mail with a passcode to access and print handouts prior to the conference. Conference participants will be issued certificates of attendance at the conference. AuSM is working with several licensing boards, including the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, the Minnesota Board of Social Work, and the Minnesota Board of Psychology, to secure Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for applicable sessions. Additional information will be available soon on www.ausm.org.

KARI DUNN BURON, PhDSponsored by St. David’s Center

for Child and Family Development

HALEY MOSSSponsored by Minnesota

Independence College & Community

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. | Haley MossAssembly RequiredAutism does not come with an instruction manual, but it does come with lots of magical parts and important tools to use to build the best life possible. Assembly Required is the story of Haley Moss, an autistic attorney who has gone from a nonverbal child diagnosed with autism at age 3, to an author, artist, attorney, and autism advocate. Explore Moss’s journey, the assembly of her village, finding her written and spoken voice, looking to the future full of hope, inspiration, and excitement as she writes the next, ongoing chapter in her life as a lawyer. Moss also will look at neurodiversity, acceptance, and perspectives of how society views autism and related disabilities.

Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Moss graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Criminology. Moss is a renowned visual pop artist and the author of Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About and A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About. She also was the illustrator of and a contributor for the Autism Women’s Network anthology, What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew. Her writing has been featured in HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Elite Daily, The Mighty, and other websites and publications.

Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Kari Dunn BuronSelf-Regulation: 25 years of Trying New Pieces of StringOver the past 25 years, our response to challenging behaviors in the school environment has evolved to include the recognition of what it means to be able to self-regulate one’s own emotions; to regulate one’s responses to the sensory environment; and to navigate one’s way through difficult social situations. We have moved from a culture of control to one of self-empowerment. From a culture of “normalizing” to one that appreciates neurodiversity. Learn about the quest to understand the nature of self-regulation, research to support this change in school culture, and ideas to make it happen.

Dunn Buron taught in the K-12 MN public school system with students on the autism spectrum for more than 30 years, is a past president of AuSM, was a founding member of the Minnesota Autism Project, and developed an ASD Certificate program for educators at Hamline University. In 2003, Dunn Buron received a self-designed fellowship that allowed her to spend a year interviewing and working internationally with a number of scientists and researchers in the areas of neuroscience, social cognition, education, and autism with a focus on challenging behaviors. Dunn Buron is the co-author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale (Revised Edition) and Social Behavior and Self-Management. She is the author of When My Worries Get Too Big (Revised Edition); A 5 Could Make Me Lose Control; and A 5 is Against the Law!. She is the co-editor of a textbook, Learners on the Autism Spectrum: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators, and a curriculum for teachers called Social Times Curriculum. She currently is re-launching her early chapter book, Adalyn’s Clare.

Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 7-9 p.m. | Dwayne BallenAutism: A Father’s PerspectiveLearn about Ballen’s journey as a father of a son with autism. He will discuss how he went from denial, ignorance, and distance to acceptance, understanding, and immersion into his son’s world. The journey has been filled with soaring highs and heart-aching lows. It has been one that has proven the strength of family and made him better.

Dwayne Ballen is an award-winning television journalist and sportscaster whose resume includes CBS Sports, The Golf Channel, Fox Sports Net, and the ESPN Networks. A highly regarded anchor and host, Ballen has earned industry-wide respect and honors for his interviews of with Dr. Condolezza Rice, Michelle Obama, Peyton Manning, Magic Johnson, and former U.S. Surgeon General VIvek Murtyh. Ballen is the author of the best-selling book, Journey with Julian, which provides an intimate look into his family’s life with eldest son Julian, who has autism. Ballen travels the country raising awareness about autism. His guest appearances include The Katie Couric Show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and NPR. He is co-founder of the University of North Carolina’s annual conference for fathers of persons with autism. Ballen resides in Durham, N.C. with his wife Marina and their two sons, Julian and Jared.

Friday, May 1, 2020 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Loui Lord Nelson, PhD What do you see? Lessons We Learn Through Universal Design for LearningWhen you envision instruction, what does it look like? How does that instruction shift when you think specifically about autism? Why? Using stories from the field, research, and her own experiences, along with guided discussions, Dr. Nelson will share how the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework encourages us to view teaching and learning through the lens of neurodiversity and how that impacts design and possibility.

Dr. Nelson is an internationally recognized leader in UDL implementation. A former special education teacher, she held the first known UDL Coordinator position for a school district, has taught online courses about UDL, completed her UDL post-doctoral fellowship at CAST (the creators of UDL), is a member of the CAST Cadre, and is part of the UDL-Implementation and Research Network (IRN) leadership council. She has worked with educators across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Her publications include: Design and Deliver: Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning; The Role of Technology in Implementing Universal Design for Learning; Culturally Responsive Design for English Learners: The UDL Approach; and A Tree for All: Your Coloring Book of UDL Principles and Practice. She also hosts the popular podcast, UDL in 15 Minutes, accessed in more than 44 countries.

DWAYNE BALLENSponsored by Lifeworks Services, Inc.

LOUI LORD NELSON, PhDSponsored by Minnesota LEND

25th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference Keynote Speakers

Wednesday and Thursday Conference ScheduleWEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 29, 2020

5-8:30 p.m. Registration, AuSM Bookstore, and Exhibits Open

6-8 p.m. Keynote Presentation: Haley Moss Assembly Required THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 – WEAR RED FOR AUTISM ACCEPTANCE TODAY!

7:30-10:45 a.m. Registration, AuSM Bookstore, and Exhibits Open

8:30-10:30 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Kari Dunn Buron, PhD Self-Regulation: 25 years of Trying New Pieces of String

11 a.m.-12 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS I1. Navigating Minnesota’s Systems of Supports for People with ASD: Nicole Berning, MS; Erin

Farrell; Abbie Wells-Herzog MS, CRC, ACRE; Shawn Holmes2. Systematically Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with Autism: L. Lynn Stansberry

Brusnahan, PhD; Emily Bedford, MA3. Tools to Support Anxiety and Emotional Regulation: Kate Bartlein4. Cultural Journeys: How to Engage and Support East-African Families Who Have Children

with ASD: Leanna Kraemer, LMFT; Hamdi Ahmed; Aida Ibrahim

12-1 p.m. LUNCH SPONSORED BY

1-2 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS II1. Navigating Minnesota’s Systems of Supports for People with ASD: Nicole Berning, MS; Erin

Farrell; Abbie Wells-Herzog MS, CRC, ACRE; Shawn Holmes2. Sexuality for All Abilities: Best Practices in Teaching Sexuality Education for People with ASD:

Leah Bauman-Smith3. Using Person Centered Design to Improve Equity and Outcomes in Schools: Cindy Hillyer

BSN, RN, LSN; Mariam Warsame BA, MN LEND Fellow 4. Introduction to Autistic Culture: Jules Edwards

2-2:30 p.m. BREAK SPONSORED BY

2:30-3:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS III1. The Hidden Relationship Between Executive Function and Emotion Regulation: Olivia James2. Ten Tips For Teaching Young Children with Autism: Tara Tuchel, MS, CCC-SLP; Terri Swenson, M.A.3. Addressing Complex Behaviors Associated with ASD: L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan PhD;

Erin Farrell; James Williams4. Overcoming Obstacles: Accessing Services in Multicultural Communities: Fatima Molas; Delia

Samuel; Rufo Jiru; Jules Edwards; Maren Christenson Hofer

THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 2020 – WEAR RED FOR AUTISM ACCEPTANCE TODAY!

6-7 p.m. Registration, AuSM Bookstore, and Exhibits Open

7-9 p.m. Keynote Presentation: Dwayne Ballen Autism: A Father’s Perspective

Friday Conference Schedule and 6th Annual AuSM GalaFRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

7:30-10:45 a.m. Registration, AuSM Bookstore, and Exhibits Open

8:30-10:30 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Loui Lord Nelson, PhD What Do You See? Lessons We Learn Through Universal Design for Learning

11 a.m.-12 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS I1. Meltdowns and Shutdowns: Understanding Responses to Overwhelm: Robyn DeCourcy;

Jillian Nelson; Michael Etten2. Responding to Challenging Behavior: Eric Ringgenberg, BS, MA3. Presuming Competence in Individuals with High Support Needs: Sirad Shirdon MS

CCP-SLP; Jean Bender4. Redefining Advocacy: From Preparing to Battle to Coming Together as a Team: Wendy Andersen, MS5. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A Tool to Help Reduce Stress in Parents: Beth Dierker,

PhD; Jennifer Reiter; Kate Biederman OTR/L, NBC-HWC

12-1 p.m. LUNCH SPONSORED BY

1-2 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS II1. Overview of Minnesota Disability Policy: Current Climate, 2020 Legislative Activities,

and Election Overview: Jillian Nelson, Jean Bender2. Accommodations and Modifications: Equity for All: Samantha Jung3. Autism Prevalence in Minnesota: Amy Hewitt, PhD; Jennifer Hall-Lande, PhD, LP; Amy

Esler, PhD, LP4. Using Strategy Games to Improve Social and Academic Skills: Jill Pring, MEd; Darrell

Davey; Jeremy Scholer; Amiliya Calverley 5. A New Pair of Glasses: Mental Health and Neurodiversity: Tosin Alabi, PhD; Shavon Swain

2-2:30 p.m. BREAK SPONSORED BY

2:30-3:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS III1. Minnesota’s Youth Transition System: How Parents, Professionals, and Students Working

Together Can Create a Great Transition Experience: Alyssa Klein MS, CRC; Lindsey Horowitz BS, MA; Wendy Berghorst; Ryan Merz

2. Bullying Prevention, Intervention, and Tools for Parents, Educators, Professionals, and Individuals with Autism: Susan Einspar, MEd, JD; Danna Mirviss

3. Promoting a Quality Life: Carley Matsumoto; Lindsey Ryan; Camille Coughlin4. Accommodations, Interviewing, and Work Culture: Tips for Navigating the Neurotypical

Work World When You Are Neurodiverse: Ann Macheledt, MS, CRC; Margie Webb, MS, CRC, ACRE; Abbie Wells-Herzog, MS, CRC, ACRE

5. Supports for Minimally Verbal Individuals with ASD: Stacey Brandjord, MA, CCC-SLP; Kourtney Kromminga, BA; Whiteny Terrill, BA; Charlie Davis, BS; Madison Blair; Rebekah Hudock, PhD, LP, NCSP; Amy Esler, PhD, LP

6-10 p.m. 6TH ANNUAL AuSM GALA: IN OUR ELEMENT Separate ticket purchase required on www.ausm.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

7:30-11 a.m. Registration, AuSM Bookstore, and Exhibits Open Note: Autism Community Day includes access to exhibitors, the AuSM Bookstore, and the camp director recognition at 9 a.m. Participation is FREE; breakout sessions require a fee.

8:30-9:30 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS I1. Stories That Matter: Telling Our Stories for Maximum Impact: Elizabeth Scheel, PhD2. Stories of Employment: Using the New Employment Services: Larissa Beck, MA; Kevin

Marschel; Brian Begin3. My Child’s Journey: Things I Wish I Would Have Known: Abbie Wells-Herzog, MS, CRC;

Kimberly Hicks; Maychee Mua4. Navigating the World of Sensory Supports: Jenna Matteson-Laabs

9 a.m. RECOGNITION OF HAND IN HAND DIRECTORS Wish Wendy McNeil and Todd Schwartzberg well as they retire from their roles at AuSM’s Camp Hand in Hand. All are welcome!

9:30-9:45 a.m. BREAK

9:45-10:45 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS II

1. The Edge of the Spectrum: Autistic Traits Without a Diagnosis: Beth Pitchford, MA, LPCC2. Enhancing Therapeutic Relationships: Tiffany Tully3. How to Pay for It? Funding Options for Autism Services and Supports: Kimberly Hicks4. Overview of Guardianship Options and Supported Decision Making: Allycia Wolff; Jason Schellack, JD

11 a.m.-12 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS III1. Grieving As a Person with ASD: Br. Anselm Philip King-Lowe, OSB; Barb Luskin, PhD, LP2. Social Security Disability Benefits 101: Nate Gurol, JD 3. The Neuro-Gender Intersection: An Affirmative Approach to Therapy with Autistic

Gender-Expansive People: Rachel Becker-Warner, PsyD, LP4. Navigating Language Options for the Complex Communicator: Bobbi Rohwer M.S., CCC-SLP

Saturday–Autism Community Day and Conference Schedule

CONFERENCE HOTEL

Our second year at this venue, the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest allows more space for breakout sessions and exhibitors, the ability to locate all sessions on the same floor, and additional ways to support the sensory needs of our community, including a Quiet Room.

6TH ANNUAL AUSM GALA

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

AuSM’s 6th Annual Gala (Separate ticket purchase required at www.ausm.org.)

Join us for the perfect mix of fun and games, food and drink, and silent and live auctions. We’ll also celebrate those who serve as inspirations to individuals affected by autism.

FULL CONFERENCE RATE (Best Value - Save $45!)(includes all keynote presentations, Thursday and Friday breakout sessions and lunches, and Saturday half-day breakout sessions)

AuSM Member o $320 Non-Member o $400 Person with ASD o $110

Wednesday, April 29 Evening Keynote Only AuSM Member o $55 Non-Member o $65 Person with ASD o $25

Thursday, April 30 Day Rate – WEAR RED TODAY! (morning keynote, breakout sessions, lunch)

AuSM Member o $120 Non-Member o $150 Person with ASD o $55

Thursday, April 30 Evening Keynote Only – WEAR RED TODAY!

AuSM Member o $55Non-Member o $65Person with ASD o $25

Friday, May 1 Day Rate (morning keynote, breakout sessions, lunch)

AuSM Member o $120 Non-Member o $150 Person with ASD o $55

Saturday, May 2 Half-Day Rate(includes breakout sessions, does NOT include lunch)

AuSM Member o $55 Non-Member o $65 Person with ASD o $25

Saturday, May 2 Autism Community Day(includes access to exhibitors, AuSM Bookstore, and AuSM Camp Celebration for Wendy McNeil and Todd Schwartzberg; DOES NOT include breakout sessions)

ALL ARE WELCOME! o FREE

Register online at www.ausm.org or complete and return the below form. AuSM, 2380 Wycliff St. #102, St. Paul, MN 55114 | phone: 651.647.1083 | fax: 651.642.1230 | e-mail: events@ausm.org

Name (First, Last) ___________________________________________________ Member # _____________________

Street Address ____________________________________ City ______________ State _______ Zip _______________

E-mail ____________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________

25th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference Registration Form

o Check here if you have special dietary requirements for lunch on Thursday and/or Friday. Please list: ______________________________________

_________________________________________________________

By registering for the conference, you give AuSM permission to publish photographs/video of you in promotional materials without incurring any liability to AuSM or any photographer/videographer hired on behalf of this event.

Scholarships for the conference are available. Visit www.ausm.org and click on “Scholarships and Waivers” in the Quick Links box for more information.

Join AuSM and SAVE!oYes! I want to join AuSM and receive the conference AuSM Member rate and AuSM Member benefits. Learn about AuSM Membership at www.ausm.org.

Membership Categorieso Household $60 (includes 2 adults and children or grandchildren, 21 and under). Please indicate age(s) of child(ren)._____________________o Educator/Professional $40 (individual membership for autism professionals)

o Person with ASD $20 (individual membership for adults over 21 with ASD diagnosis)

o Non-Profit $150 (includes memberships for employees)

o Corporation $350 (includes memberships for employees)

Total Enclosed $ _________

Payment Information

o Check (payable to AuSM) o PO (must accompany this form)

School District (if using agency membership rate or PO) ___________________

o Credit Card (complete info below)

Credit Card #________________________________________________

Expiration ______ CVV______Billing Zip Code_____________________

Signature____________________________________________________

Register at www.ausm.org.

2380 Wycliff St. #102St. Paul, MN 55114651.647.1083 • events@ausm.org www.ausm.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MNPermit No. 1062

Minnesota’s First Autism Resource®

Participate in the event of the year for the Minnesota autism community.

April 29-May 2, 2020Register online at www.ausm.org.

UPDATED DATES!