Keynote Sessions
Challenging Behavior Management
Jacquelyn H. Fede, PhD
Amy C. Laurent, PhD, OTR/L
Autistic individuals often exhibit behaviors deemed to be problematic and challenging. This two-part keynote will reframe our understanding of challenging behaviors by examining how emotional regulation ability influences an individual’s capacity to navigate their day, particularly when difficulties are encountered. Factors influencing and means of supporting emotional regulation will be explored from both a first-person autistic perspective, as well as developmental perspective.
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The Big Four: A Novel Approach to Functional Assessment
Justin Leaf, PhD, BCBA-D
Current practice guidelines suggest that the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior should consist of conducting a functional behavior assessment following the onset of problem behavior. The purpose of this talk is to describe how functional assessment is conducted in a progressive behavior analytic approach. The speaker will outline how this approach will result in preventative treatment for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
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Making Your Learners Easy to Teach
Steve Ward, MA, BCBA
Instruction produces different results with different students. Students learn at different rates, and while instruction sometimes yields meaningful relationships, it sometimes yields problem behavior. We have long discussed preferred instructional strategies. We should also discuss what the learner “brings to the table”. The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires (Ward, 2008) assesses what a learner brings to the table. These “learner repertoires” are subject to improvement if we focus upon them.
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Breakout Sessions
2 Mistakes and 1 Solution: Taking the Mystery Out of Special Needs Planning
Riley Carbone Kern, Attorney, Founder and Partner of Tallgrass Estate Planning, LLP
Laurel Ann Carbone Kern, Attorney, Founder and Partner of Tallgrass Estate Planning, LLP
Tim Powell, Attorney, Partner of Tallgrass Estate Planning, LLP
You have a loved one with a special need. Now what? Let's discuss the worst and best ways to promote their independence, protect their benefits, and preserve assets.
AAC and Challenging Behavior
Delayna Gary, M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP
Many individuals with autism demonstrate challenging behaviors, which can be due to frustration and decreased communication skills. This session will review the ABC’s of behavior as well as discuss how utilizing an AAC device can serve as a replacement to these challenging behaviors.
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Assessing and Teaching Good Learner Repertoires
Steve Ward, MA, BCBA
The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires (Ward, 2008) assesses the ease with which a student can be taught. The results of this assessment can be used to identify target repertoires to make a student easier to teach. In this session, we will practice scoring sample items from the Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires and will discuss how to target learner repertoires.
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Beyond High School: Supported College Experiences for Students with Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kim Osmani, M.Ed., Facilitator
Julie Lackey, Founder, LeadLearnLive
Mindy Lingo, Program Coordinator for SoonerWorks
Kendra Williams-Diehm, PhD; Director, SoonerWorks
Justin Chase, B.A.,; RiverHawks Scholar Program
Panel participants will share information about inclusive college programs that provide a college experience for students with autism spectrum disorders, including those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Students in these programs live on campus, take traditional college classes, and participate in work and other experiences that prepare them for competitive employment and independent living.
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Caregiver Coaching: A Framework for Building the Capacity of the Adults in the Lives of Children with ASD
M’Lisa Shelden, PT, PhD
This 90 minute interactive session will engage participants in understanding an evidence-based framework for using a coaching interaction style to build the capacity of parents, teachers, and other care providers to support individuals with autism within the context of everyday routines and activities. The presenter will share the characteristics of coaching practices and discuss strategies that can be used by all practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and settings.
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Collaborative Teams in Schools: Promoting Success Through Student-Centered Collaboration
Doni Albright, OTR/L
Lacey Anderson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Emily Boyett, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATP
Teri Martin, Special Education Teacher
Participants in this session will learn research-based information regarding collaborative teams in schools. Presenters will promote discussion about potential barriers to the success of school collaboration efforts and will provide simple strategies to help you create collaboration opportunities with your school teams.
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Community Resources
Angela Donley, B.S., LEND Fellow
Kodey Toney, M.Ed.
Participants in this session will learn about different agencies, resources, and programs across the state that provide support to families and children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Earlier is Better: Getting Started with AAC
Delayna Gary, M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP
Despite an increasing number of individuals with autism using various AAC systems, many professionals aren’t sure where to start. This session will explore effective strategies for introduction and implementation of AAC devices as well as training for communication partners for young children in order to maximize their language exposure and development during the critical language acquisition period.
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In the Weeds: What We Know about Cannabis and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kelly Murray, PharmD, BCACP
In this presentation, Dr. Murray will discuss the science of marijuana and cannabidiol as well as the current benefits and harms we know about the drug in the general pediatric and adult populations. We will then explore the use of these products in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, uncovering ethical implications impacting providers, families and patients.
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Leveling UP! Comprehensive support for emotional regulation
Amy C. Laurent, PhD, OTR/L
Jacquelyn H. Fede, PhD
This 2-part breakout session will introduce a comprehensive suite of emotional regulation supports developed by Autism Level UP!, a collaboration between an autistic developmental psychologist and a neurotypical developmental psychologist/occupational therapist. Participants will have interactive opportunities to use the tools/strategies presented while considering an autistic individual in their lives. Modifications for the supports will be discussed for individuals at a variety of developmental levels (e.g., students who are not yet communicating using words, those who are emerging language learners, and those who are conversational).
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Progressive ABA as it Relates to Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recent Advancements in Research and Clinical Practice
Justin Leaf, PhD, BCBA-D
We will describe progressive ABA and provide rationales for both the substance and intent of ABA as a progressive scientific method for improving conditions of social relevance for individuals with ASD. We will provide the audience with data from recent studies on how Progressive ABA can be implemented to individuals diagnosed with ASD; as well as our findings in clinical practice.
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Psychiatry’s Role in Autism Management: Medicaiton Do’s and Don’ts
Whitney Nall, MD
In this presentation, Dr. Nall will discuss psychiatric management of problematic behaviors and comorbid disorders associated with autism. This will include discussion about the evidence base and special considerations for psychotropic medications commonly prescribed to people with autism.
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Treatment Considerations for Adults on the Spectrum: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Virginia Burk, Psy.D.
Emily Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP
Sonja Mangrum, MOT, OTR/L
This presentation will discuss important considerations in therapy (individual, occupational, and speech) with adults on the autism spectrum. The session focuses on how providers should consider approaching therapy, and also what individuals entering therapy may expect. This session will be beneficial for both potential clients and professionals.
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“Why Can’t You Just Go Back to Masking?” : The Mental Health Implications of Faking “Normal”
Jacquelyn H. Fede, PhD
In terms of Autism, masking is broadly defined as any effort to suppress our different traits, behaviors and actions in order to appear more like neurotypical peers. This presentation will blend current research findings with the autistic speaker’s personal experience to explore what it means to mask and ways to identify masking as well as associated mental health outcomes that stem from blending in to pass as “normal.”
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Writing Participation Based Outcomes for IFSPs and IEPs: Focusing on the Six “F-Words” for Childhood Disability – THE BASICS
M’Lisa Shelden, PT, PhD
Participants (ALL welcome) will engage in an applied learning session to learn about the CanChild Framework of Childhood Disability. Participants will practice identifying important information that leads to the development of participation-based outcomes that are meaningful in the lives of individuals with ASD. This session will use case-based instruction (as well as participants’ real-life experiences) to analyze and write outcomes that require evidence-based intervention.
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Keynote Speakers
Amy C. Laurent, PhD, OTR/L
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Amy Laurent, Ph.D., OTR/L is a developmental psychologist and a registered pediatric occupational therapist. Currently in private practice, Amy specializes in the education of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. The majority of Amy’s work involves collaborating with and supporting early intervention teams, school teams, and families. Her consultative services focus on the creation of educational programs and environments that facilitate children’s active engagement and learning at home, in schools, and throughout their communities. The SCERTS Model, of which she is a coauthor, along with differentiated instruction and developmental theory guide her practice.
Amy is an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI. She teaches courses focused on Developmental Psychology. Previously, she has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Communication Disorders Department at Emerson College and at the University of Rhode Island. In these roles, she developed graduate courses focused on preparing clinicians to meet the needs of children with autism, as well as the needs of their families.
Amy’s current research interests involve examining the relationship between characteristics of young children diagnosed with Autism and strategies used by parents to support them within the context of natural routines and play. Her publications focus on social communication and emotional regulation in individuals diagnosed with ASD. She frequently lectures and provides training throughout the United States and internationally on the SCERTS Model, and other topics related to therapeutic and educational intervention for children with ASD.
Jacquelyn H. Fede, PhD
Developmental Psychologist, Program Evaluator
Jacquelyn Fede, PhD is a super fun, Autistic Self-Advocate, developmental psychologist and program evaluator. Her research interests include immigration policy, autism, and community engagement. She uses her experience to help educate others about autism through lecturing, blogging and consulting on evaluation projects. A full scholarship Division 1 athlete in college, Dr. Fede continues to meet her sensory needs by seeking extreme physical activity. She also enjoys the use of creativity and art for expression.
Justin Leaf, PhD, BCBA-D
Director of Research, Autism Partnership Foundation
Dr. Justin Leaf is the Director of Research for the Autism Partnership Foundation. Justin received his master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and his doctorate degree in Behavioral Psychology in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Justin worked directly under the mentorship of Dr. James Sherman and Dr. Jan Sheldon. Justin has over ten years of clinical and research experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.His research interests include looking at ways to improve social skills for children and adolescents with autism, developing friendships, comparing different teaching methodologies, and evaluating long term outcomes for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism. Justin has taught graduate level courses in applied behavior analysis and research methodologies. Additionally, Justin has published several articles in peer reviewed journals; has presented at national, state conferences, and invited events; and has consulted on research projects nationally and internationally.
Steve Ward, MA, BCBA
Whole Child Consulting
Steve has been working in the field of Behavior Analysis since 1995, and is currently co-owner of Whole Child Consulting, LLC.
Steve has been consulting to individuals, teams, schools and companies around the world. As the consultant and Lead Behavior Analyst for a center school, Steve conducted functional assessments, wrote behavior plans, and trained staff to address a wide range of behaviors. He has also designed programming for a wide variety of repertoires, including verbal behavior, daily living skills, and academics, and a host of others.
Steve authored What You Need to Know about Motivation and Teaching Games: An In-depth Analysis, The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires, and Teaching Good Learner Repertoires, and Teaching Advanced Learner Repertoires. These publications reflect Steve’s passion not only for what students learn, but also for the manner in which they learn it. Steve specializes in teaching social behaviors, incorporating knowledge from a variety of perspectives and remaining at all times behavioral in his own perspective.
Other Distinguished Speakers
Virginia Burk, Psy.D.
Virginia is a licensed psychologist specializing with adults on the spectrum. She has been working specifically with adults on the spectrum since graduate school. Dr. Burk is invested in making sure her sessions are collaborative, client-focused, and non-judgmental. Her goal is to listen to what the client wants to improve upon, and give them the skills to use, when they want to use them. Many of her sessions focus on building social skills, assisting with coping and emotional regulation, and helping strengthen independent living skills (when necessary). Dr. Burk also works with a variety of comorbid diagnoses that can coexist with autism spectrum disorder, such as anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, and trauma. She attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for graduate school, and currently works at the Moore Autism Center providing evaluations and therapy for teens and adults. She’s also a giant nerd and loves it when her clients’ interests and hers intermingle.
Riley Carbone Kern, Attorney
Laurel Carbone Kern, Attorney
Riley and Laurel Carbone Kern are spouses, attorneys, and the founders of Tallgrass Estate Planning, LLP, a home-based, family-oriented law firm that focuses exclusively on estate planning. They have three children, Norah, Bruno, and Prairie, and a fluffy goldendoodle named Luna. Riley and Laurel started Tallgrass as a way to reach out to and work with people who are routinely overlooked by traditional law firms or who are hesitant to work with traditional firms. Their goal is to create an estate planning process that prioritizes hospitality, education, and inclusion.
Delayna Gary, M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP
Delayna is a speech language pathologist and assistive technology professional with extensive experience working with children and adults with autism and other complex communication needs. Delayna received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Central Oklahoma. Since then, Delayna has worked in a variety of settings including the public schools, private practice, in homes, and as an AAC consultant. Delayna enjoys working closely with families to educate, train, and support implementation of AAC in all environments.
Sonja Mangrum, MOT, OTR/L
Sonja graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2004 with a Master’s in occupational therapy. She began her career working at The Children’s Center in Bethany, OK and enjoyed working with children who had experienced traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions. In 2007 she joined the team at Today’s Therapy Solutions and began a career focused on working with children and families of children with autism spectrum diagnoses. In that time, she worked in home and clinic based services as well as school-based services. She also served on training teams with Project PEAK, University Continuing Education, and the Oklahoma STAR program through University of Oklahoma to provide statewide trainings to educators, para-educators, therapists, and families on various continuing education topics related to autism, sensory processing, developmental disabilities, and team collaboration. In 2015, Sonja’s career path shifted toward that of education. She became the program director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Brown Mackie College in Oklahoma City. In 2018, she moved back into the clinic and is currently the Occupational Therapy Director at Moore Autism Center. Sonja has been a fieldwork educator for the University of Oklahoma since 2005 and enjoys mentoring and teaching OT students about practical and evidence based practice. Sonja is married and has three children who keep her very busy. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, embroidery, and other crafts.
Tim Powell, Attorney
Tim Powell is an Attorney and Partner at Tallgrass. He and his wife, Erin, have one daughter, Gracie. Tim joined Tallgrass' Tulsa team in 2017. His straightforward and educational approach helps make estate planning accessible to everyone.
Emily Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP
Emily is a licensed Speech- Language Pathologist who has been in practice since graduating with her Master’s in Speech Pathology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2009. Upon graduating, Emily completed her Clinical Fellowship year at a private practice that promoted the Greenspan Floor Time Approach and autism based services. It was there that Emily developed a passion for working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2018, Emily became part of the faculty at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders where she teaches classes on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Articulation Disorder, and Foundations to Speech Pathology, as well as providing clinical supervision to graduate clinicians. Emily has worked in a variety of settings including the public school system, skilled nursing facility and additional private practice work. In her spare time, Emily volunteers for Autism Oklahoma, a non-profit organization, where she is on the committee for the annual Piecewalk Fundraiser. She is also the leader of the Heroes Team of Autism Edmond, a support group for adults over the age of 25 who have a diagnosis of ASD.
Emily has experience in evaluation and treatment of the following: receptive/ expressive language, articulation, apraxia, augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) devices, dysphagia/swallow function, aphasia, dysarthria, fluency, voice, and cognitive rehabilitation for neurogenic communication disorders such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. Emily has experience in hosting social skills groups for both children and adults. Emily is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Other speaker details coming soon!