Autism expert at Telluride's Palm Theatre Tuesday, 10-5

03 Oct Autism expert at Telluride's Palm Theatre Tuesday, 10-5

[click “Play”, Dr. Richard Simpson speaks about autism]

On Tuesday, October 5, the Palm Theatre in Telluride plays host to Dr. Richard L. Simpson, Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas and an internationally known expert on the subject of autism.
 
Autism is general term used to describe a group of complex spectrum of developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Autism produces significant impairment in social, communicative, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, typically lasting a person’s lifetime. The syndrome may affect as many as 1 in every 100 children (estimates differ, but they all are sobering), making it a more common condition than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually.
 
Dr. Simpson’s talk, 8 – 11:30 a.m., addresses the following key questions about Austism: What exactly is is it? How do we recognize the symptoms? What about the child with high functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome? What interventions are available to address the child’s relative lack of/very different social skills? What protocols are available to schools to deal with these special needs young people?
 
Break out sessions follow Dr. Simpson’s talk: 12:15 – 2 p.m. targets teachers/providers dealing with 6 – 12th graders to discuss strategies for working with kids in this range both in and out of the classroom. What exactly are the unique social and job challenges? College issues? After a 15-minute break, Dr Simpson works with caregivers for pre K-5th grade.
 
Dr. Simpson is former editor of the leading journal in the field of autism, Focus on Autism and other Developmental Disabilities and is one of the leading experts in evidence-based practices focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Simpson is also a key advisor to event organizer, Brooke D. Young, Autism Specialist/Senior Consultant, Colorado Department of Education, Denver. Young in turn mentors the Telluride region’s Autism and Behavioral Consultation Team, headed by Occupational Therapist and yoga instructor Annie Clark and school psychologist, Sharon Krupa-Sirotek- PhD.
 
Additional parent chats with Dr. Simpson available on Thursday, October 7. Telluride, 8 – 10 a.m. at the Palm, Ridgway, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Elementary School.
 
To preview Dr. Simpson’s talk, click the “play” button and listen to his interview.