Press releases

Applied Research and Intervention Conference

September 10th, 2003

On Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, the Organization for Autism Research, with the support of the Autism Society of America Northern Virginia, will host its first Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference which will feature presentations by some of the field’s leading authors, researchers and practitioners. The theme for the two-day event is Education and Intervention across the Lifespan, with the principal emphasis on “enhancing the quality of life for all those living with autism spectrum disorders,” according to Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D, the head of OAR’s Scientific Council.

In addition to Gerhardt, presenters on the first day will include Edward Carr, Ph.D., Michael Fabrizio, MA, BCBA, Joanne Gerenser, MA, CCC-SLP, Suzanne Letso, MA, BCBA, James Mulick, Ph.D., Brenda Myles, Ph.D., Michael Londner, MD, and Robert Sprague, Ph.D. Several speakers, as well as some additional guests, will conduct workshops on the second day. Conference topics will include fluency-based instruction, educational strategies for students with Asperger Syndrome, ABA, positive behavior supports, and more. Attendees will be given time to question the presenters as well as discuss conference topics and related concerns.

The conference, which is supported by a grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, will take place at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, VA and is part of a three-day schedule of events culminating on October 26, 2003 with OAR’s first annual RUN FOR AUTISM, held in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon™. In preparation for the weekend’s events, the hotel is providing a block of rooms at a discounted rate for out-of-town attendees.

“We want to provide attendees with tools to help them address those issues that can be extremely difficult, like transitioning to inclusive environments and severe problem behaviors and we want to share our knowledge of those methods and practices that have been proven by research and application to be most effective,” said Gerhardt.

Conference cost is $75 for one day or $125 for two. For more information, or to register, please contact Michael V. Maloney, Executive Director or Nicole Fidler, Development Associate, at 703-351-5031 or nfidler@autismorg.com