August 26 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
Sticks, Stones, and Other Things That Hurt
Presented by: Roger Dinwiddie, Executive Director
Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS)
Bullying is a common form of school violence and is often misidentified. Dealing
with bullying can be a traumatic experience for children and their families.
Research reveals that over 30% of students may be engaged in bullying, however,
too often, witnesses and bystanders do nothing to help those being bullied.
Mr. Dinwiddie will present the facts and myths about bullying. He will discuss
strategies for identifying and confronting those who are being bullied, those who
are bullying others, and the bystanders. He will also present information about
proven strategies for reducing bullying and empowering students impacted by
bullying. Special attention will be given to the needs of kids with Autism Spectrum
Disorders.
September - There will be no Workshop this month due to our Annual ASMT Conference
October 28 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
Sexuality & ASD
Presented by:
Amy G. Weeks, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Bev Adcock
Disability Advocate
Legal Aid Society
Ms. Adcock and Dr. Weeks will discuss the facts and issues regarding sexuality that face individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The presenters will address issues such as sexual vulnerability, puberty, sexual urges, selfdetermination, prevention of sexual assaults, and what to do if abuse has occurred. Dr. Weeks will describe birth-control methods (including stopping/delaying menstruation, hormone options, sterilization, etc.). Ms. Adcock will discuss what and when to tell your child about sexuality issues. The information presented in this workshop will be useful for individuals with an ASD as well as individuals with other disabilities.
November 11 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm. (This is the 2nd Thursday of November)
Self-Esteem in Children and Adolescents with an ASD
Presented by:
Arie L. Nettles, PhD, NCSP, HSP
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
This presentation is twofold: 1) to explore self-esteem in children and adolescents
complicated by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and 2) to present strategies
that bolster strengths and embrace individual differences. Dr. Nettles will
describe clinical and research based strategies regarding the development of selfesteem.
She will emphasize the importance of collaborations in developing social
relationships and effective communication behaviors so that all are on the same
page, as these children experience adolescence to young adulthood.
This presentation will focus on children in middle school through young
adulthood, however if you care for a young child, the information will be valuable
as you plan for the future. Families and professionals will fi nd that strategies apply
to a range of cognitive and verbal levels of individuals on the autism spectrum.
