Adult/Adolescence Track & Think Tank

As half a million young adults with autism pour out of the school system and onto the streets, governments are paralyzed. Parents are asking: where will my adult child with autism live, learn, work, play, heal, and find friends after the school bus stops coming? Join the discussion with a high-powered panel parents and professionals who are creating model homes, jobs, schools, and communities for a safe and productive future.

Dan E. Burns, PhD

Dan E. Burns, PhD, taught Communication courses ad an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Phoenix. In 1990 his third child, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism. Dr. Burns is Adult Issues Liaison for AutismOne. Burns chairs the board for The Autism Trust USA, focused on the creation of new communities to offer a future for the increasing number of children with autism.

David Larson Holmes, EdD, BCBS, B

Lessons Learned from Hosting, Adults on the Autism Spectrum TODAY! During this presentation we will review a broad range of topics related to adults with autism; their needs, their services, and the role of support from their families. These topics will be referenced by the radio show in 2010 and early 2011 that focused on the subject matter. Opportunities for reflecting on audience participation will be available and encouraged. References and recommendations will be offered for practical outcomes on issues that Adults with Autism face on a daily basis.

Dr. David L. Holmes is Board Certified in Forensic Science, Behavioral Science and Psychology. He is a certified/licensed Chief School Administrator/Supervisor/Principal and Teacher. He is immediate past president and founder of The Eden Family of Services and the longest standing Chairman of the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. He has served on the faculties of numerous universities and most recently [28 years] on the psychology faculty at Princeton University.

Ruth Snyder, RN

Autie Mom~Misunderstood

Parenting can be a challenging task, when a child is diagnosed with autism normal challenges can become so overwhelming that we may miss the many opportunities to learn and see the other side of the spectrum, the rainbow in your living room. As an autie mom I often see the world the same way my children see it creating years of misunderstood interactions. Sharing the adventure of parenting as an autie mom can help all of us create a better world for all.

Ruth E. Snyder, RN is a nurse specializing in high risk pregnancy and birth, and natural birthing choices. The mother of four children, two of whom were diagnosed with autism, Ruth became focused on learning more about neuroscience in regards to autism in order to meet the needs of her children. Institutionalized as a child, today Ruth is an advocate, author, and speaker dedicated to improving the lives of those diagnosed with autism.

Anna Penn Hundley, MEd

Dream to Reality for Bobby

Bobby was diagnosed with autism in 1972 when he was four. His family struggled with early treatment and spent many hours and dollars obtaining services. In 1981 he came to live at ATC because of some of his challenging behaviors. At ATC he has progressed from a teen who lived in a group home to an adult who lives in a semi-independent home with two other guys. He has a job at a local hospital, maintains a close relationship with his family and participates in his favorite activities.

Anna is the Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas, Vice Chair of the Texas Council on Autism, Past President of the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism and serves on the National Residential Committee for Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism. Anna started working with people with autism when the statistic was 1 in 10,000 births and has been on the front lines as the statistic changed to 1 in 110.

Stephen M. Shore, EdD, EdD

Success with Autism on a Budget: How to provide for your child's needs

For richer or poorer, autism takes no break during these difficult economic times. Employing both personal and experience of others on the autism spectrum as well as parents and educators, participants will come away with practical solutions for addressing the needs of the person with autism they support. Time will be provided for audience members to share their pearls of wisdom on providing for their individual(s) on the autism spectrum.

Diagnosed with "strong autistic tendencies," nonverbal until four and recommended for institutionalization, Stephen Shore is now a professor of special education at Adelphi University focusing on helping people with autism develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible. Presenting and consulting internationally, Stephen is an internationally known author, consultant, and educator on issues related to autism.