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Lightening the Load: Promoting Relational and Sensory Safety in Schools Time PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Presenter/Facilitator Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider and Kathryn Benson, MPA Back to Course List < Back About the Course This session aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of sensory processing and its crucial role in integrated child development within a school and classroom setting. Using current research, the course will explain the science behind sensory processing and sensory overload. Participants will learn to address individual student needs while creating a neurodiversity-affirming classroom environment by focusing on a common sensory experience for all learners. Leaders will discuss how a proactive approach to meeting sensory needs and creating a relationally and sensory safe space promotes prosocial behaviors in students and enhances overall classroom management. Objectives Participants will explain sensory processing and its role in child development, including the effect of sensory dysregulation on peer relationships and the importance of sensory integration. Participants will identify and address individual and group sensory needs in the school setting, including sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviors, signs of a sensory-based "meltdown," the use of sensory supports to promote peer interactions and relational bandwidth. Participants will differentiate between co- and self- regulation in the school setting and implement strategies for calming an overloaded child. About your Instructors Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider Adrienne Gaither, OTR, has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She received her degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and began her pediatric therapy career, eventually gaining experience in every setting available for the provision of children’s occupational therapy services. Adrienne has had the opportunity to serve as a member of ACN’s team since 2009. She holds specialty pediatric certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has completed advanced training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children as well as in the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) feeding approach. Locally, Adrienne had the privilege of serving on the planning team for the development of Morgan’s Wonderland; in particular, contributing recommendations for the Sensory Village portion of the park. In addition to her work with ACN, Adrienne is a part-time Program Director and Sensory Consultant with Kinetic Kids, Inc., a local non-profit agency providing sports and recreation activities for children and teenagers with special needs. When she is not working, Adrienne enjoys life with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs, running, singing, and traveling. Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Gaither receives a salary from Autism Community Network. Kathryn Benson, MPA Kathryn “Katie'' Benson has a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in NonProfit Management from the University of Texas Arlington. She spent 14 years total in the public education setting as a special educator and district leader. While with the public school system, Katie specialized in working with neurodivergent students, and opened two new autism units, including one focused on addressing neurodiverse needs in a general education setting. In the past, she has worked with other nonprofits in San Antonio to create and improve programming for neurodiverse populations and children and adolescents with other developmental differences. Katie joined the programs team at Autism Community Network (ACN) in the summer of 2023. Since that time, her role has grown to include hands-on involvement in ACN educational and camp programs, as well as planning and executing ACN’s quarterly family events. She enjoys working with the incredible staff at ACN to create a relational and sensory safe “home away from home” for the autism community in San Antonio. Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Benson receives a salary from Autism Community Network.

Nurturing Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strategies for Teachers and Administrators Time AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Presenter/Facilitator Dr. Jennifer Cleveland, PhD and Nicolle Reyna, MS, CCC-SLP Back to Course List < Back About the Course Nurturing neurodiversity in the classroom is essential for fostering inclusive and effective educational environments. This session explores the strategies and practices that support neurodivergent students. This lecture focuses on evidence based practices that enhance learning experiences and outcomes for these students while promoting their unique strengths. Key findings reveal that personalized learning plans, flexible teaching methods, and an empathetic classroom culture significantly benefit neurodivergent students. The results underscore the importance of tailored educational strategies and advocate for broader adoption of neurodiversity-affirming practices. These insights provide valuable guidance for educators and administrators seeking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. Objectives Participants will list specific areas of support for the differing sensory, communication and social needs of neurodivergent students. Participants will summarize how school administrators and teachers can cultivate a neurodiversity affirming environment in schools. About your Instructors Jennifer Cleveland, PhD Dr. Jennifer Cleveland received her PhD from the University of North Texas. She has worked in various settings throughout her career including community mental health, the pediatrics department at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and the school health program of Hospital. She has a special passion for evaluations and neuropsychological testing. Dr. Cleveland also spent four years working as a faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in New Jersey, where she served as the administrator for a program providing support for autistic college students. She worked for UTSA’s former Counseling and Mental Health Services from 2019 – 2021 when she left to begin private practice. She currently sees adults (including neurodivergent individuals) for therapy in her practice, Sun Psychological. Jennifer served on the executive committee of the Bexar County Psychological Association as their Early Career Psychologist representative in 2021 and 2022, and wrote her first book chapter in 2022 in the book titled, Postsecondary Transition for College- or Career-bound Autistic Students. She joined ACN's clinical team in August of 2023 and has enjoyed serving as a diagnostic team lead since that time. Speaker Disclosure: Dr. Cleveland receives a salary from Autism Community Network. Nicolle Reyna, MS, CCC-SLP Nicolle Reyna received her BA in Psychology from the University of Incarnate Word and her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman’s University. Nicolle also received her Texas teaching certificate in Special Education in partnership between Region 20 Education Service Center and The University of Texas-San Antonio. She spent 13 years as a special education teacher working with students at the elementary and middle school levels in various classroom settings. After completing her masters in Communication Disorders, Nicolle worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the elementary setting for three years where she worked closely with teachers to create a supportive and safe learning environment within the school as well as the classroom. Nicolle joined the clinical team at Autism Community Network in August of 2023 where she is part of the diagnostic team as well as serving as Director of Therapy. Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Reyna receives a salary from Autism Community Network.

The blog. All Posts Search Feb 9 1 min ACN is Hiring: Join our Amazing Team! Autism Community Network is looking for a confident, mature, smart individual for our very fast paced insurance and billing position. We... 261 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jan 26 3 min Co-Regulation and How it can Help Your Child The holidays are over and you’re trying to get your family back into a routine, but your child has been struggling these last few weeks.... 147 views 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Mar 26, 2023 7 min The ACN logo story. How the elephants became our mascots. The elephant is a remarkable animal that is often associated with strength, intelligence, and a... 146 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

Autism Community Network N Annual Fall Summit Toward Neuroharmony Building a Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Care Pathway October 4, 2024 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Please find more information on ACN Summit 2024, Toward Neuroharmony below. To register for the event, click below. REGISTER Agenda 7:30 - 8:15 AM Registration, Breakfast, and Resource Fair 8:15 - 9:45 AM Opening Ceremony / Keynote Address 10:00 - 11: 15 AM Morning Breakout Sessions Caregiver, Educator, and Clinician Tracks 11:30 - 12: 30 PM Stakeholders Lunch / Networking Lunch 12:45 - 2:00 PM Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel 2:15 - 3:30 PM Afternoon Breakout Sessions Caregiver, Educator, and Clinician Tracks 3:45 - 4:30 PM Closing Ceremony Autism Community Network is a registered CPE provider for the Texas Education Agency. TOTAL CME Credits: 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Accreditation Statement for PhysiciansActivity Title: Autism Community Network Fall Summit 2024 – Toward Neuroharmony: Building a Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Care PathwayThis live activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essentials and Standards of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through a joint providership between the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and Autism Community Health Network. TAFP is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. TAFP designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures Summit Courses. A Pathway for Early Identification and Neuroaffirmative Support within Autism and Neurodiverse Development: Background Evidence and Implementation Practice Time Presenter/Facilitator Keynote Address - 8:15 AM Professor Jonathan Green Read More Letting Love Lead: Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Strategies for Parents Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, PACT Accredited Provider Read More Nurturing Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strategies for Teachers and Administrators Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Dr. Jennifer Cleveland, PhD and Nicolle Reyna, MS, CCC-SLP Read More Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy: An Innovative and Impactful Therapeutic Support for Empowering Families to Empower Their Children Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Dr. Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR, PACT Accredited Provider and PACT UK Associate Read More Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Presenter/Facilitator Afternoon Address - 12:45 PM Shay-Lyn Porter, MA, LPC Read More Renewing the Autism Concept in an Age of Neurodiversity; The Role of Participatory Work and Phenomenology Time Presenter/Facilitator PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Professor Jonathan Green Read More Lightening the Load: Promoting Relational and Sensory Safety in Schools Time Presenter/Facilitator PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider and Kathryn Benson, MPA Read More PACT Parent Panel: The Secret Ingredient was ME! Time Presenter/Facilitator PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, PACT Accredited Provider Read More Fees. Availability based on venue capacity. Packages are sold on a first come first served basis. Early Bird Registration (August 19 - August 31) $125 Regular Registration (September 1 - September 25) $150 Late Registration (September 26 - October 4) $175 Caregivers / Adult Autists Scholarships Available $100 Group Rate Email katie@acn-sa.org Students Email katie@acn-sa.org Polices & Procedures. Accommodations Search Find the full policy here. We strive to create a conference experience that is accessible to all. Our goal is to identify and address any barriers that may prevent full participation, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant legislation. Refunds Search Find the full policy here. We understand that circumstances may change, and you may need to cancel your registration for our conference. Our refund policy is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that attendees can plan with confidence. Complaint Policy Search Find the full policy here. We are dedicated to maintaining a high standard of service and support. We encourage attendees to provide feedback and report any concerns or complaints. All complaints will be treated with respect and confidentiality. Sponsors For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to join our supporters, click below. Star Additional Information. For questions related to credentialing information and receiving CEUs, scholarships, or any other information not included on this page or the registration website, please reach out to info@acn-sa.org .

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