Previous Lectures
March 1, 2013
Moving into Adulthood for Individuals with Autism
Lisa Williams, MSW, Hope Network Behavioral Health Services
A panel discussion with our Puzzle Partners young adult group members. Included tips for navigating the community mental health system, utilizing community services for youth transitioning to adulthood, and how to create informal support systems.
February 1, 2013
Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior and its Relation to Treatment
Stephanie Peterson, PhD, BCBA-D, Western Michigan University
This talk defined functional analysis, how it is conducted, and how it is used to inform treatment of severe behavioral problems. Examples of treatments based on functional analyses were described.
January 23, 2013
Supporting Employment for Young Adults with Autism
Cynthia Alferink, Hope Network Rehabilitation Services
This presentation explained Project SEARCH and Employment Solutions Academy, internship programs for people with disabilities. We also discussed challenges that people with autism spectrum disorders face in transitioning to the workforce and solutions that can help make them successful.
January 4, 2013
Picky Eaters: Overcoming Feeding Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Abby Hess, RD, Hope Network Behavioral Health Services
December 7, 2012
Improving Social Communication in Children with ASD: Initial Efficacy of a Blended Intervention Model
Brook Ingersoll, PhD, BCBA-D, Michigan State University
Dr. Ingersoll will discuss a new intervention that melds behavioral and developmental philosophies to help young children with autism develop functional communication and other core skills. ImPACT has a flexible delivery model and can be delivered at high or low intensity, and parents can be trained to extend the intervention beyond the confines of the therapy session.
November 2, 2012
Autism in MI: New Opportunities and Challenges
Colleen Allen, PhD, Autism Alliance of Michigan
- Legislation and its impact on clinical practice
- The Medicaid Benefit
- Service Provider Shortage; options to service delivery before supply meets demand
- The new Autism Council and priorities for years 1-3.
October 5, 2012
Supporting Families Affected by Autism
Michael Jansen, PhD, Hope Network
A discussion of challenges faced by families of people with autism spectrum disorders, and tools they can use to maximize success of affected children and their siblings and optimize family well-being.
September 7, 2012
Statewide Autism Resources & Training Project
Amy Matthews, PhD, Grand Valley State University
An initiative to develop a statewide collaborative to spread best practices for educating children with autism and developing their educators, as well as updates on other GVSU autism projects.
August 3, 2012
Psychiatric Concerns Among International Adoptees
Emily Helder, PhD, Calvin College
A discussion of the most common emotional and behavioral difficulties that are seen in children who have been internationally adopted, with attention to the development of quasi-autistic patterns of behavior in children raised in orphanage settings and how this may differ from typical autism.
June 1, 2012
Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Elyse Wiseman, BCBA, Hope Network
An overview of Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based practice with strong support in reducing autism symptom severity and improving child outcomes, including ability to participate in mainstream education.
April 6, 2012
The Art & Science of Autism: An Update
Mohan Krishnan, PhD, Hope Network
A broad update on what autism is, what we know about its causes, diagnosis, and behavioral and pharmacological management, and an overview of active research into autism.