MAY 16-17, 2023 • GREENVILLE, SC
You’re invited to attend the 5th annual Converge Autism Conference.
Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health invites professionals from across the nation to converge for two days of presentations and breakout discussions covering a wide range of topics related to Autism—from diagnosis, behavioral health, and treatment and therapy results.
Our A-list of speakers will represent a variety of fields including Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Analysis, Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, and Youth Psychiatry.
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Space is limited! Early Bird Registration is now open.
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THE NATIONAL CONVERGE AUTISM SUMMIT SCHEDULE 2023
Click the button below to download a copy of the schedule.
Day 1
7:30-8:30 – Registration/Refreshments
8:30-9:45 – Keynote I
Dr. William Killion, Ph.D., BCBA
The Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH) and Its Use in Developing Greater Adaptive Behaviors
9:45-10:15 – Break/Networking/Visit Vendors
10:15-11:30 – Keynote II
Dr. Tyler Whitney, Psy.D.
Short & Long-Term Cognitive and Emotional Consequences of COVID-19 on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD)
11:30-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-2:00 – Breakout Session 1
Family: Dr. Tyler Whitney, Psy.D. — DSM-IV (1994) To DSM-V-TR (2022): Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis and Beyond: Autism Spectrum Disorders from a Lifespan Perspective
Professional: Dr. W. Matthew Fisher, MD — Psychopharmacology and Autism
Educator: Dr. Brandon Clark, Psy.D., BCBA — Building Psychological Resilience Under Stressful Work Conditions
2:00-2:15 – Break/Networking/Visit Vendors
2:15-3:15 – Breakout Session 2
Family: Dr. Sergio Sanchez, MD — Reality in the Mind of Autism
Professional: Jill Jones, MSW, LISW-CP — The Art of Not Throwing the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Ethical Clinical Use of Polyvagal Theory for Autism
Educator: Kaelynn Partlow, RBT — Words Matter: Using Appropriate Language to Improve Outcomes in Treatment, Classrooms, and Life
3:15-3:30 – Break/Networking/Visit Vendors
3:30-4:30 – Breakout Session 3
Family: Jill Jones, MSW, LISW-CP — The Art of Not Throwing the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Practical Polyvagal Support for Families Living with Autism
Professional: Tosha Rollins, MA, LPC — Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Mental Health Clinician Should Know
Educator: Heidi Carico, MA, NCSP — Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Setting
Day 2
7:30-8:30 – Registration/Refreshments
8:30-9:45 – Keynote III
Dr. Karen Ratliff-Schaub, MD, MBOE
ASD and/or ?: Differentiating Autism Spectrum Disorder from Other Conditions
9:45-10:15 – Break/Networking/Visit Vendors
10:15-11:30 – Keynote IV
Alix Generous, MS, BCBA
Autism and Dual Diagnosis
11:30-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-2:00 – Breakout Session 4
Family: Alix Generous, MS, BCBA — The Autism Sensory Experience
Professional: Dr. Celine Saulnier, Ph.D. — Diagnostic Evaluations Throughout the Lifetime
Educator: Dr. James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D — Early Intervention and Autism; Real Life Questions, Real Life Answers
2:00-2:15 – Break/Networking/Visit Vendors
2:15-3:15 – Breakout Session 5
Family: Jessica Ragnio, MSW, LICSW — Play for Emotional Strength: Using Biofeedback Video Games to Build Emotional Regulation Skills
Professional: Dr. Celine Saulnier, Ph.D. — The Importance of Adaptive Functioning for Self-Sufficiency Throughout Life
Educator: Dr. James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D — 7 Core Strategies for Effective Program
CONTINUING EDUCATION
The following are agencies we have applied for Credit Hours from and are pending approval. This list will be updated for the 2023 Summit as approvals are received (Attendees must stay for the entirety of each session in order to receive credit. There will be a check-in and check-out station located at the door of the session.)
- National Converge Autism Summit 2023 has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Sessions approved for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4183.
- S.C. Board of Examiners for Counselors,
Therapists, & Psycho-Educational Specialists - *Greenville County School District
(*Teachers attending can submit for credit through the
county’s normal process) - SC Occupational Therapy Association - attendees will be able to receive up to 10 CEs total.
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
- SC Board of Social Workers
- SC Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
(May submit for national credit to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) - Pending: SC Board of Nursing
**BCBA CEs are not available for this conference. We apologize for any inconvenience.**
If you are interested in earning credit hours, make sure to download the Whova App as each session will have an in-app survey you must fill out. Please make sure to check in and check out of each session and submit your answers to the survey in order to receive credit. Approved credit hours will be emailed after the conference has ended.
AUTISM CONFERENCE SPEAKERS AND SESSIONS
Autism Advocates • Applied Behavior Analysis • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry • Clinical Genetics • Occupational Therapy • Family Therapy • Education
If you are interested in speaking at the 2024 Converge Summit, scheduled for May 23-24, 2024, please fill out the speaker application and e-mail your topic, abstract, learning objectives, and biography/resume to scott.compton@springbrookbhs.com or reach out to us via the contact form below to discuss speaking opportunities!
INTRODUCING OUR 2023 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DR. TYLER WHITNEY, PSY.D.
Dr. Whitney received his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2001 from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (FIPP). He interned at St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center (SUNY-Stony Brook Health Sciences System) in Port Jefferson, New York (Long Island). Dr. Whitney has conducted outcome research and published on ways families can help their children cope with medical and developmental differences. He has 16 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders, and 12 years experience working with families and children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Short & Long-Term Cognitive and Emotional Consequences of COVID-19 on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD)
This presentation will point out areas of socialization that may be marginalized for individuals with ASD. These areas may include things like race, gender, sexuality, class, and other factors. Suggestions will be given to lay the groundwork for “unmasking” individuals with ASD and offer ideas that encourage self-expression such as, celebrating special interests, cultivating autistic relationships (double empathy bind), reframing autism stereotypes, and discovering your values.
DSM-IV(1994) to DSM-V-TR(2022): Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) Diagnosis and Beyond: Autism Spectrum Disorders from a Lifespan Perspective
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped behaviors or interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). From the previous DSM (IV) until the current DSM-V-TR. Symptoms must cause clinically significant impairments in key functional domains such as social or occupational functioning. ASD has undergone several significant conceptual revisions over time, most recently between 1994 DSM-IV and 2022 DSM-V-TR, and these are reflected in the evolution of terminology and diagnostic criteria. In the most recent revision of diagnostic criteria DSM-V-TR, autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and PDD-NOS were merged under the umbrella term of an “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD). The division on the autism spectrum now broadly represents autism up to and including neurodiversity. Autism can now be more specifically defined as “early infantile autism,” first recognized by the Austrian American psychiatrist and physician Leo Kanner in 1943. In Kanner’s view, autistic children were socially cut off from the world and experienced trouble dealing with change to their environment. Neurodiversity more specifically is now described as neurodevelopmental differences present during childhood,including perceptual differences, that go unrecognized for various reasons, but these individuals with ASD were visibly awkward, but were mocked for their differences instead of given help. These stealthy individuals learned coping strategies to “blend in.” A lot of these neurodiverse people fell back on their intellect or other talents to gain acceptance. Prevalence has varied widely in the 20th Century, from between 4 to 12 per 10,000 to 9.8 per 1000. The widening of diagnostic criteria and the observed increase in prevalence suggests the possibility that a large number of autistic adults live without a formal diagnosis of ASD. The “hidden nature” of this population also presents challenges for research, especially when determining inclusion criteria for adults without an official diagnosis. High rates of psychopathology are well documented in autistic children. Available evidence from clinical studiesindicate anxiety and mood disorders to be the most common psychiatric disorders in autistic adults with lifetime rates reported at 50 % and 53 %, respectively. Also considerable are the reported lifetime rates of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (43 %) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (24 %). These statistics make sense, autistic children become autistic adults. It's time to reframe our perspective of autism and neurodiversity, to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of autistic people so that they no longer have to “mask” to fit in. It’s time for a greater public acceptance and accommodation of differences. This presentation will increase understanding of diagnosis and neurodiversity in the time of DSM-V so that we can all reap the benefits of nonconformity as we choose to and learn to live authentically. Autistic and neurotypical people alike.
ALIX GENEROUS, MS, BCBA
Alix Generous is an autistic behavior analyst with 5 years of clinical experience and a master’s from Pepperdine University in behavioral psychology. She lives in Los Angeles, CA. where she works as a remote clinical supervisor for with families in southeast region of Washington State. She is the founder of Global Behavior Consultants, LLC, an international behavior analysis company that supports families and individuals receive affordable care. She also provides consultation with Diversity Crew, which helps large scale businesses increase the neurodiversity of staff. Over the past decade she has spoken professionally at conferences all around the world, including multiple TED talks, and All About Woman at the Sydney Opera House.
Autism and Dual Diagnosis
Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum will receive another diagnosis at some point in their life. These additional diagnoses can be challenging and debilitating for those who experience them. In recent years, there have been extraordinary advances in the assessment of comorbid conditions of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Careful evaluation of different diagnosis’s and their symptom overlap is critical for accurate clinical decisions. In this presentation, dual diagnosis findings are discussed as they relate to clinical practice and future research.
The Autism Sensory Experience
Living with sensory integration challenges is a daily reality for those on the spectrum. As such, it is important to educate oneself how to best understand and help those who struggle with these sorts of difficulties.
DR. WILLIAM K. KILLION, PH.D., BCBA
Dr. Killion possesses 40 plus years of direct experience with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. He possesses a B.S. in Speech Pathology with a minor in Psychology, a M.Ed. in Special Education and a PhD in Developmental Psychology. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), license #1107105, which also endorses him to supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). He has been employed at Springbrook Behavioral Health for over 10 years as a Behavioral Psychologist. He is the author of the Functional Independence Skills Handbook or F.I.S.H. developmental program, published by Pro-Ed Inc.
The Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH) and Its Use in Developing Greater Adaptive Behaviors
The Functional Independence Skills Handbook or FISH program is an assessment and curriculum across seven domains of learning including 422 lesson plans. It is designed to improve functional skills in the areas of adaptive behavior, affective (behavioral) skills, cognitive skills, sensory, socialization, communication, and prevocational skills for people with disabilities. The program can be used in a variety settings and is designed to show, via graphs, progress from using the program. The program is in use for all clients of the Springbrook Behavioral program.
DR. KAREN RATLIFF-SCHAUB, MD
Dr. Ratliff-Schaub is the Medical Director of Developmental Pediatrics and Program Director of the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship at Prisma Health Upstate Children’s Hospital. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine. Prior to coming to Greenville in 2018, Dr. Ratliff-Schaub was faculty at The Ohio State University and The University of Toledo. She graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University, did her Pediatric Residency at Medical College of Ohio and Developmental Behavioral Pediatric fellowship at University of Maryland. She has extensive experience in Autism and quality improvement and is passionate about improving access to care for children with autism.
ASD Or/And?: Differentiating Autism Spectrum Disorder from Other Conditions
This presentation will provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric perspective including typical signs and symptoms, and what other conditions are considered when making the diagnosis. Commonly use screening tools and assessment strategies will be discussed. The approach to frequently seen co-occurring difficulties including sleeping and feeding concerns, ADHD and anxiety will be reviewed. Prisma Health Developmental Pediatrics is a member of the Autism Care Network, a collaboration of more than 20 clinics across North America, so some highlights of that initiative will be shared.
INTRODUCING OUR 2023 BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS
DR. CELINE SAULNIER, PH.D.
Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program from 2011 to 2018. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published numerous articles, she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition, and she has written two books, Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment and Essentials of Adaptive Behavior Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Diagnostic Evaluations for ASD Throughout the Lifetime
With the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on the rise, accurate detection, assessment, and diagnosis is critical. This workshop will help practitioners identify, assess, and diagnose symptoms of ASD from infancy through adulthood using a comprehensive developmental approach to evaluation, focusing on state of the art measures and standards of best practice in the field. It will also incorporate how to assess the more complex cases, including female presentations and individuals with subtler symptoms due to high cognition, language, and camouflaging behaviors.
The Importance of Adaptive Functioning in ASD for Self-Sufficiency Throughout Life
Adaptive behavior is generally defined as the independent performance of daily activities that are required for personal and social self-sufficiency. Deficits in adaptive behavior are, by definition, criteria for Intellectual Disability. Yet, adaptive delays are also common in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), especially in individuals without cognitive or language impairment. Research has shown an increasing association between adaptive behavior delays and poor adult outcome. This presentation will outline these profiles of adaptive behavior and discuss the importance of assessing for and teaching adaptive skills throughout the lifespan.
DR. JAMES BALL, ED.D., BCBA-D
Dr. James Ball, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, is the President/Chief Executive Officer of JB Autism Consulting. He has been in the field of autism for over thirty-five years providing behavioral, educational, residential, and employment services to children and adults affected by autism. He provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, functional behavior assessment and behavior management.
Early Intervention and Autism: Real Life Questions; Real Life Answers
This presentation will discuss behavioral strategies and how it relates to teaching students with a behavioral disorder in Early Intervention. It will focus on teaching specific skills, enhancing motivation, positive behavior supports, social skills development and generalization training. Specific evidence based strategies will be explored and demonstrated. A step by step demonstration will be presented using real life examples. Modifications will be explored that allow this particular program to be effective with students significantly challenged with behavior issues, as well as those students with Aspergers Syndrome. Because of the nature of this presentation, a question and answer period will be provided.
KAELYNN PARTLOW, RBT
Kaelynn Partlow is 25 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 10. She lives in Greenville SC and has been employed at Project Hope Foundation as a Registered Behavior Technician for the last 7 years where she works with middle and high school-aged clients. Kaelynn has published several autism advocacy articles and was a recent participant in the Netflix series Love On The Spectrum. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts are nearing 200,000 followers, with multiple videos reaching millions of views. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and working with her dog to do competitive obedience shows with the American Kennel Club.
Words Matter: Using Appropriate Language To Improve Outcomes in Treatment, Classrooms, and Life
With large shifts being made in our community towards progressive language and ethical treatment, it is important to stay up to date on best practices in how we talk to, and about, the people we serve. We will cover how to be well received and understood in a variety of spaces, including among other professionals, people on the autism spectrum, stakeholders, and online communities. We will also discuss how to use updated terminology to better describe behaviors, experiences, and barriers faced by those in our community. These language shifts are not only important in our demonstration of ongoing improvement as providers, but they also serve a purpose in being more effective in describing people, behaviors and events in ways that are universally understood and accepted. Using inclusive, appropriate language can improve skill acquisition and behavior plans, classroom objectives, and overall relationships.
JILL JONES, MSW, LISW-CP
Jill Jones, LISW-CP, grew up in a neuro-divergent household and taught in public schools for 14 years before getting her MSW degree in 2002. Since then, Jill has been a clinical social worker for various agencies, including lead therapist on the team that developed the autism services at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. Jill has been has been serving individuals, families, and groups in private practice at Bay Laurel Center for Psychotherapy in Greenville SC, since 2014, with neurodiversity still being a major practice focus. Jill sponsored and supported autistic adults to develop the Upstate Adult Aspies Meetup social group which now has over 200 members. Over the years, she has also led autism education workshops, study groups, and trainings for therapists, mental health workers, parents, autistic adults, and law enforcement. She is also a Certified Safe and Sound Protocol Provider.
The Art of Not Throwing the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Ethical Clinical Use of Polyvagal Theory for Autism
The controversial Polyvagal Theory is currently gaining popularity in the autism community as a way for autistic individuals and their families to better understand and respond to some of the challenges with emotional regulation, processing, anxiety, mood, trauma and associated behaviors. Polyvagal therapies have also resulted in some hopeful and positive outcomes for autistic individuals, their families, and the educators and clinicians who work with them. What is the controversy then? What is science and what is not? What is useful and what is potentially harmful? Are there any parts of this newer, murky, questionable science that can still improve wellness and relieve suffering? Come join this explore of Polyvagal Theory and its interventions for better living with autism.
JESSICA RAGNIO, MSW, LICSW
Jessica Ragnio holds a Masters of Social Work from Boston College, and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of MA. She is the Associate Clinical Director at Mightier, a company that created a biofeedback videogame that helps children develop emotional regulation skills. Jessica has additional field experience in inpatient psychiatry settings working with both children and adults, maintained an outpatient therapy caseload for a number of years, and has worked in both school and group settings with neurodiverse populations. Jessica is mother to twin toddlers and lives with her family in Puerto Rico.
Play for Emotional Strength: Using Biofeedback Video Games to Build Emotional Regulation Skills
“Emotional regulation,” “behavior management,” and “coping skills” are terms often applied to the intentional and cognitive side of controlling one’s emotions and reactions. These are concepts that suggest that self-awareness, oftentimes built through a process of talking and thinking about emotions, will translate to an ability to choose how to manage one’s emotions and behavioral reactions in real life scenarios. Research on how the brain and body function during elevated emotional states, however, suggests that developing true, meaningful, and lasting emotional regulation abilities requires a specific type of practice. Training the brain and body to respond differently under stress is a necessary and foundational piece of improving one’s emotional regulation abilities.
This talk explores how biofeedback video games help children develop lasting emotional regulation abilities by creating a space for them to (1) build emotional awareness on their terms, and (2) practice calming strategies and emotional control, while (3) simultaneously attending to a demanding task. Through use of a heart rate monitor, biofeedback games make emotions visible and part of children’s gameplay. This allows children to feel a sense of agency over their body and emotions as they explore, experiment, practice, and develop stronger emotional regulation abilities on their terms.
DR. BRANDON CLARK, PSY.D., BCBA
Brandon Clark is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has a doctorate degree in psychology. Brandon began his career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2010. Since then, he has worked in treatment schools, private settings, crisis intervention settings, day program facilities, and owned a private practice for several years. He is the Clinical Director for Springbrook Behavior Hospital where he focuses on making organizational improvements using psychology-based interventions with data driven approaches.
Building Psychological Resilience Under Stressful Work Conditions
This session will cover what environmental variables may contribute to increased resilience for those who work with the special needs population. Attendees may expect to learn a brief overview of relevant literature, how their perception of organizational support influences resilience, as well as implications for longer tenure, better teamwork, and higher-quality treatment outcomes.
DR. W. MATTHEW FISHER, MD
Dr. Fisher completed his General Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Galveston and a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University of South Carolina. He serves as Medical leader of Springbrook Autism’s Residential and Outpatient Treatment Program (specializing in treating Autism Spectrum Disorders) and is an authority in minimal medical management of ASD and ASD with comorbidities. Dr. Fisher speaks at Autism Conferences on Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medication Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Myths and Misconceptions in Autism, Autism and Co-Morbid Conditions, and Helping Siblings and Other Children Understand Autism.
Psychopharmacology and Autism
This presentation will teach professionals, parents, and educators about current trends in the prescribing of medications for individuals with a diagnosis of autism. As new medications enter the marketplace, it is important for consumers and their caregivers to be aware of the intended benefits of each medication. It is also important to acknowledge potential side effects, as well as possible negative interactions that may occur when these medications are prescribed alongside other medications. This session will be presented from the perspective of a prescribing physician who works in an inpatient environment where children and adolescents often arrive with an assortment of prescribed medications that may not correctly meet their needs as a person affected by autism.
TOSHA ROLLINS, MA, LPC, ASDCS
Tosha Rollins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, owner of Rollins Counseling, LLC, autism advocate, public speaker, published author, and podcaster. She is dedicated to serving the autism community and teaching others how to navigate through the world of autism with ongoing education, collaboration, and consultation. She is wife to Travis and momma to three sons Jason, Jacob, & Konnor, ages 9-23, and stepmom to Kaylee, who is now in college. She has two sons on the autism spectrum. She loves adventures, traveling, nature, and spending time with her family. Tosha also enjoys serving the community as a Lead with Love Safety Plan Coordinator. She started the Autism in Action Podcast to help families connect with autism resources, services, and support. When she is not working, she is spending quality time with her family and planning her next adventure.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Mental Health Clinician Should Know
Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum encounter barriers to accessible mental health services due to clinician bias about autism and barriers to treatment. Research shows that 2 out of 44 clinicians feel competent working with someone that has a diagnosis of autism. Individuals with autism are often referred out to other clinicians and told that they are too complicated to treat. The autism diagnosis can present certain therapeutic barriers in regard to challenging behaviors and communication. It is possible to overcome these barriers in the therapy room by learning additional knowledge and cultivating a compassionate understanding about autism, as well as learning new skillsets to improve client centered therapeutic interventions and positive treatment outcomes. Treatment goals and objectives should be personalized, and client centered to help clients overcome presenting problems interfering with work, home, school, and interpersonal relationships. This presentation will offer insights on adapting therapeutic interventions with modifications to meet communication needs while keeping developmental age and cognitive needs in mind, as well as understanding how overall executive functioning can inform treatment planning with individualized goals and objectives. This presentation will also help clinicians create an informed mental health ecosystem that will assist in continuity of care through the client’s adult lifespan with knowledge of additional resources, services, and support.
HEIDI CARICO, MA, NCSP
Heidi received a BA in Psychology from The University of NC at Wilmington in 2001 and a MA in School Psychology from Western Carolina University in 2005. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, TEACCH Certified Advanced Consultant and founding member of the National Autism Network of Statewide Implementers. She worked as a school psychologist in Burke County Public Schools, in NC for 10 years. In 2015 she began work at the NC Department of Public Instruction as a consultant for autism and charter schools where her main professional role is to support educators across the state in understanding autism, implementing evidence-based practices when working with students with autism, and in building capacity within their autism program.
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Setting
This professional learning is intended for professionals working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the general education setting. Participants will be provided with an overview of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder to support the planning and provision of specially designed instruction. Particular attention will be given to the use of visual supports and material structure to increase student engagement in and completion of standards-aligned tasks and assignments.
DR. SERGIO SANCHEZ, MD
Dr. Sanchez is a psychiatrist that has worked in the medical field for over thirty years. He was born in Bolivia, South America, graduated from medical school from the Federal University of Maranhao in Brazil and has lived in the United States on and off since his early years. He participated in residencies of internal medicine at Berkshire Medical Center, and at the Medical Center of Central Georgia – Mercer University. He completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in 2001. He has worked in third world, second world and first world countries, is fluent in three languages and is aware of the trials and tribulations of these cultures. Since he moved to the Greenville area in 2006, he has worked with The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health, Charles Lea Center, Care Focus, Excalibur and is working with Springbrook Behavioral Health, Havenwood Behavioral Health, Thrive Upstate, The Gateway House, Broadstep, has a private practice in Greer, SC and is now undertaking the challenge of raising a teen, which is a category of its own! He has traveled the country speaking to the medical community promoting new methods of mental health treatments and has spoken to the health care field with regards to addictions, the use of pharmacological agents and other themes. He believes in family values, the golden rule, and that we should all work together as a team in order to promote the well-being of all.
Reality in the Mind of Autism
“Reality is not what’s outside your mind, it’s what’s inside of your mind,” quote from Carl Jung. Your truth, my truth, and the truth. This sounds simple yet it can be as complex as reality itself. During this presentation, you will learn how our senses, perceptions, and experiences show different realities to our minds, a child’s mind, and the mind of a person with autism. We will also discuss how we can participate in pharmacological, behavioral and educational treatments in autism.
MAKE YOUR PLANS TO JOIN US AT THIS YEAR’S CONVERGE NATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE.
Converge 2023 is geared towards professionals in all fields relating to Autism.
However, we invite parents and students to attend as well. Attendees may include Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Independent Therapists, Certified Counselors, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Occupational Therapists, Board Certified Behavioral Therapists, and Speech and Language Pathologists, and Nurses. Attendance is limited to 600.
FINANCIAL AID
Mecklenburg County, NC Residents may submit an application for financial assistance to First in Families.
There are First in Families assistance centers in each NC County, so please contact your individual center for assistance in NC outside of Mecklenburg County.
First In Families of North Carolina: Programs (fifnc.org)
info@fifnc.org
(919) 251-8368
DON’T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE APP
The National Converge Autism Summit will be using an electronic check-in system. Attendees can utilize their smart phones to check in to the conference, have all conference information at your fingertips (session times, room locations, speaker information, etc.), and if you are a professional wishing to receive CEs, you can check into sessions and answer the required survey from the convenience of your phone!
Download the Whova App below.
Location
The Greenville Convention Center (formerly the TD Convention Center) will be hosting the National Converge Autism Summit. They are located near downtown Greenville at 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville, SC 29601.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Looking for accommodations near the convention center? We are pleased to partner with the following hotels in order to give our guests a discounted rate during the summit:
Crown Plaza Greenville
851 Congaree Road
Greenville, SC 29681
(864) 297-6300
Crown plaza is offering attendees of The National Converge Summit a special rate of $129.00/deluxe run of house (king or double) room per night, plus taxes.
Rate is only applicable for the dates of Monday, May 15, 2023 – Thursday, May 18, 2023.
Deadline to book is 05/01/2023.
This is what you get when staying @ Crowne Plaza Greenville:
• Complimentary Breakfast for up to 2 guests per room, per day.
• Complimentary on-site parking.
• Complimentary shuttle within a 5-mile radius.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hilton Greenville
45 West Orchard Park Drive
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 282-8820
greenvillesc.hilton.com
Or if you prefer a different location, click below to search a map of nearby hotels!
2023 SPONSORSHIPS AND VENDORS
Interested in vending for Converge 2023? Would you or your company like to be a sponsor for our summit? Contact us via the form below. If you are interested in vending or being a sponsor for the summit, please download the vendor/sponsorship packet below.
VENDOR BOOTH GIVEAWAY
This year at the National Converge Autism Conference on May 16-17, 2023 , we will be giving out one (1) free vendor booth to someone who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure as over 400 conference attendees are expected! If you would like to be entered into the booth giveaway, fill out the vendor packet provided in the link above and email the form along with your contact information, product/service information you wish to promote or sell, and supporting documentation of ASD diagnosis that is of public knowledge (DO NOT SEND PERSONAL MEDICAL RECORDS) to FREE VENDOR BOOTH GIVEAWAY. Vendor submissions can be for-profit and non-profit vendors. We will be drawing the winner on March 1, 2023. This opportunity is limited to vendors who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Good luck on your entry, we look forward to seeing you there!
VENDORS
Converge Autism Family Enrichment - CAFE
Each month, a team of our professionals will produce an informational video geared toward specific topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between our patients' stay with us and the transition back into the home environment. Also, we hope to empower families and our patients, and to provide tools that makes that transition successful. We encourage all family members and other natural support individuals to view these monthly presentations to become more in tune with how children and adolescents with autism relate and function in our world.
Look for our educational videos on the 2nd Saturday of each month. After you view the video, we will then give you the opportunity to ask questions specific to the presentation via email with each month’s presenter and the topic.
Topic for mAy 2023
Communication & Autism
The month of May features one of Springbrook's RTF Therapist, Lily Howard, MA. After viewing the video below, you are welcome to submit any questions you may have regarding this month's topic to Lily until May 30, 2023.
Submit questions to: cafe@springbrookbhs.com
Please put May Family Enrichment Questions in the subject line of your email.
We hope you enjoy the video!
ABOUT SPRINGBROOK
The Springbrook Autism Program grew out of three decades of experience in behavioral and mental health care. We founded the program after recognizing a need in our region for greater support and professional treatments and therapies for families struggling with the behaviors associated with autism.
Our staff strives to create a solid foundation for long-term wellbeing and success outside of the program. We emphasize evidence-based treatments and therapies, such as Occupational Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis, that have far-reaching benefits beyond the classroom. All of our services are tailored to meet the needs of individual students and their families, and are provided with our client's dignity, respect, and confidentiality in mind.
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