2008 Mid-Year Meeting
May 7-9, 2008
Hilton Nashville Downtown
Nashville, Tennessee

 

Beyond the Spectrum:
New Knowledge, Perspectives, and Strategies
to Support People with Autism and other Complex Needs

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Program content developed in collaboration with the Autism Society of America

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Meeting Program

Meeting Presentations

To go directly to specific meeting information, click on the appropriate link below:

Preliminary Schedule
Hotel Information
Transportation Information
Registration Information

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The dramatic increase in the number of children and adults diagnosed with autism in recent years has compelled a search for better understanding of autism spectrum disorder and how we can effectively support individuals with autism.

Autism has been typically characterized as a condition with impaired social interaction, delayed and disordered language, and isolated areas of interest. But new research and understanding about autism spectrum disorder is revealing that it is a full body disorder that's different for each person. Autism may also involve such conditions as chronic sleep problems, gastrointestinal disorders, dietary sensitivities and allergies, hormonal and metabolic imbalances, mental health issues, neurological disorders such as Tourette syndrome and seizures, or other medical conditions -- any of which can impact behavior. A person with autism might also have other developmental disabilities such as Fragile X, Down syndrome, and/or Rett syndrome. Autism is multi-dimensional.

Much of what is coming out of autism research and new interventions can also be applied to supporting individuals with intellectual and other disabilities.

NASDDDS is convening "Beyond the Spectrum" to help our members and others keep pace with the latest research and the most effective interventions for autism and other intensive needs.

Join us as we meet experts who are forming the cutting edge of autism understanding, research, service strategies, and policy, including:

• Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America

• Individuals on the Spectrum of Autism Advisors to the Autism Society of America and other self-advocates

• Cathy Pratt, PhD, Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University

• Michelle Garcia Winner, speech language pathologist and specialist for persons with social thinking challenges

• Rob Fletcher, Director of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) and

• State representatives with winning approaches to autism services.
  

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Reservations # is 800-447-9825
Group Name: NASDDDS
Rate - single: $159
Sheraton Nashville Downtown
623 Union Street
Nashville, TN 37219

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  From I-40E & I-24E exit #210/US-31 A South/US-41 South. Right on 2nd Avenue South, left on Gateway Blvd, Right on 4th Avenue- Hotel on left.
• From I-65S, exit #209A/Broadway - continue .7 miles, right on 4th Avenue, Hotel on right
• From I-40W, exit #209B/Broadway- continue .7 miles, right on 4th Avenue,Hotel on right