May 8, 2008 Press Release

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IOD to Offer Summer Conference on Autism

Durham, N.H. – The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire will be presenting the tenth annual Autism Summer Institute August 11-14 on the UNH campus in Durham. This year’s four-day Institute, “Emotion, Behavior, and Belonging,” is open to anyone interested in learning more about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from experts on the subject including persons living with ASD. Topics will include understanding the emotional experiences of living with ASD, interpreting the meaning of behavioral differences, and addressing confusion by teaching the unwritten rules of the social world.

The 10th Annual Autism Summer Institute: Emotion, Behavior, and Belonging
New Perspectives on Including Students with Autism Spectrum Differences in Schools and Communities
Dates: August 11-14, 2008
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: UNH Holloway Commons, Durham, NH
Registration Fee: $399 for professionals ($349 if registered by June 1, 2008); $299 for parents, full-time students, and self-advocates; $30 per keynote. Groups of three or more qualify for the discounted group rate of $349 (subject to verification).
For More Information and to Register: Visit http://www.iod.unh.edu or call 603.228.2084.

In keeping with the tradition and mission of the conference, this year’s Autism Summer Institute features keynote presentations by individuals who experience ASD. This year’s keynote presenters include Amanda Baggs, a college student recently featured on CNN who experiences autism and uses a computer to communicate; CarolAnn Edscorn, a Granite State mother and master of the arts with Asperger Syndrome; and Ros Blackburn, a lecturer from England living with autism.

In addition to the keynote presentations, participants will benefit from frequent opportunities to interact, discuss strategies, and develop specific action plans in smaller, more informal work group settings.

The goal of the Autism Summer Institute is to provide perspectives which focus on students’ strengths in order to improve the quality of education in inclusive settings. Participants will gain skills and knowledge that will help support the full participation of students with ASD in their schools and communities.

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The IOD advances policies and systems changes, promising practices, education and research that strengthen communities and ensure full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons.