Spaces Still Available for Autism Symposium Being Held in Monterey California

As a successful Realtor I find great satisfaction giving back to the community. What better way than to help children with autism, the epidemic of our time. But the good news is that as a Board Member of Easter Seals of Central California, I get to see success stories every day. Miracles happening through the programs that have just been introduced on our Peninsula.

I would like to tell you about our Easter Seals Annual Autism Symposium will be held on February 13 and 14, 2008 in Monterey, California at the Monterey Conference Center. This year's Symposium is presented by Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Children's Miracle Network.

Internationally respected physician, Dr. Richard Solomon, founder and Medical Director of the P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be on hand for one full day of training on February 13. Dr. Solomon has trained thousands of parents and professionals throughout the United States and internationally in P.L.A.Y. Project therapy.

The goal of the P.L.A.Y. Project is to help parents become their child's best play partner by providing effective, low cost, playful interventions right at home in the child's natural setting.

The P.L.A.Y. Project believes that young children with autism and their parents should have a close and interactive relationship. In Dr. Solomon's words, "It is heartbreaking for me to see children with autism who cannot relate well to their parents. It is the most rewarding experience to help parents connect with their child and to see them have fun together."

The P.L.A.Y. Project was published in the scientific journal AUTISM in May, 2007 and Dr. Solomon has received a prestigious National Institute of Mental Health grant to continue evaluating and researching the Project. During day one of the Symposium, Dr. Solomon will describe current trends and research in Autism Spectrum Disorders and describe strategies that promote two-way communication and social development.

On day two of the Symposium, National Director for Autism Services with Easter Seals National will teach, "Addressing Challenging Behaviors for Individuals with Autism" and "Promoting Social Skill Development for Children with Autism." Wright's expertise as an Autism Spectrum Disorder educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Assistive Technology Practitioner inform her individualized approach to creating effective treatment plans.

Also on the afternoon of day two, Kathryn Wage, MA, SLP-CCC, a practicing speech and language therapist for over 30 years, will teach "Everyday Applications of Neuroscience," where parents and professionals will gain practical understanding of neuroscience applications in life-long learning for individuals with autism. Participants will learn to evaluate reading and language interventions based on their potential to make lasting improvements in learning and quality of life.

Full scholarships for parents are still available along with discount rates for professionals such as educators, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists who would like to attend the Symposium.

If you know anyone who could benefit by attending, please contact Easter Seals Central California at 831-684-2166 ext. 109 to make your reservation today! The Symposium will be held at the Monterey Conference Center, One Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. Ticket prices begin at $180 per person. Any families wishing to enroll their child (ages 1-5) in the P.L.A.Y. Project, who has autism or is at risk for autism, should contact Easter Seals Central California at 831-684-2166.

Easter Seals mission is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs, and their families. The organization has been providing programs for people of all ages on the central coast since 1947.