The Autism Society of Berks County presents our 11th Annual Conference on Autism!    “Bridges to Adulthood for Adolescents with Autism: Promoting Lives of Competence and Quality”   Presenter: Peter Gerhardt, Ph.D., Ed.D.                    Thursday, April 29, 2010 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Reading Country Club - Reading, PA (5.5) Act 48 Credits Available

Dr. Peter Gerhardt is a Consultant whose private practice is based in Baltimore, MD. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. He currently serves on numerous professional advisory boards, including the Autism Society of America, MAAP Services, NJ COSAC and ASPEN. In 2002 Dr Gerhardt became the Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research. Previous professional positions include serving as the Executive Director Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism and an appointment as Research Asst. Professor at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology where he served as the Director of the Division of Transition and Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. It was in this capacity the he co-founded the Douglass Group, a social skills and support service for adults with Aspergers Disorder or High Functioning Autism. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.

“Bridges to Adulthood for Adolescents with Autism: Promoting Lives of Competence and Quality”

Today, professionals, families and learners with ASD are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond simple job placement to focus on career development and measures of personal competence and life satisfaction. In place of residential placement, we are now beginning to talk about residential choices in support of quality of life.  This workshop will provide an overview and practical suggestions for transition planning for competent adulthood.  In addition to employment support, attention will be paid to instructional support in the areas of social skills, sexuality, and quality of life concerns.

Workshop Objectives:

After having attended this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the components of a comprehensive transition plan
• Describe the individually determined components of an assessment of quality of life
• Identify a minimum of 6 strategies for promoting greater social competence in learners with ASD
• Describe the three component of sexuality education and discuss how they might impact the learner with ASD
• Recognize the importance of including peer training as one component of successful transition planning

*FEE (includes program materials, continental breakfast, lunch)

$75 - Professional Certificate of attendance, 5.5 hours of Act 48 Credits

(must pay professional rate to receive ACT 48 credits)

$40 - Certificate of attendance for family and community members


*Registration fee or Purchase Order must be received by Monday April 26, 2009.
*Late or on-site registration will be an additional $10.00.