Autism Across the Lifespan
Alma College Integrated Health Studies Institute
Annual Health Symposium
Saturday March 8, 2014
Presbyterian Hall, Alma College Heritage Center
Community Need: Historically, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were misunderstood
and rarely diagnosed, yet recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
labeled ASD an “urgent public health concern” as the prevalence rate increased across the
country to one in 88 children. As the number of people being diagnosed with ASD in
Michigan continues to grow at rates consistent with national data, it is now essential that
the medical, educational, and human services communities rethink and transform the way
we serve this increasing population.
One challenge is the degree to which treatment and support of those with ASD cuts across
numerous service delivery systems, including health care, early intervention, education,
vocational rehabilitation, and community services. In seeking services for individuals with
ASD, families experience problems with access to services, including inconsistent
coordination of services across systems of care. This is especially true during times of
major transition across the lifespan, specifically the transition from early childhood to
adolescence and adolescence to adulthood. As a result there are significant gaps in service,
these gaps often the greatest in rural and/or socioeconomically depressed regions.
Objective: To provide an educational forum on autism, addressing critical issues of
relevance to all stakeholders in the local community. Specifically, the speakers will address
issues of importance across the lifespan. In addition to those impacted by autism, the
target audience includes current and future health care providers, educators (K-12 and
post-secondary), law enforcement officials, legal professionals, and members of autism
advocacy organizations. It is intended that the symposium will serve as a catalyst for
future community conversations regarding coordination of services and effective
integration of those with ASD as full and productive members of our community.
Speakers and Lecture Topics:
Chantal Sicile-Kira
Title: Living with Autism: Our Challenges, Our Strengths, and Our Dreams
Abstract: With advice and reflections from adults on the autism spectrum, as well as her
personal experience as an advocate and parent of a young adult with an ASD, the challenges
and strengths, of those living with autism will be discussed. Challenge areas such as
sensory processing, social relationships and safety will be explained. How building on a
person's strength or special interest can create community connections and/or possible
employment will be explored. Finally, the dreams and hopes of those with autism and their
families will be discussed, providing a greater understanding of neighbors who may be
different...not less.
Bio: Chantal Sicile-Kira is an award-winning author and leader in the field of autism. She is
the founder of AutismCollge.com which provides practical information on-line. Her first
practical experience with autism was at Fairview State Hospital, teaching self-help and
community living skills to adolescents with developmental disabilities in preparation for
their de-institutionalization.
More recently she has served on and chaired regional taskforces giving input to the CA
Senate Committee on Autism. Her son Jeremy, severely impacted with autism,
graduated from high school with a full academic diploma in June 2010 and is currently a
volunteer with ARI and AGI, and does presentations. Chantal and Jeremy co-authored A Full
Life with Autism From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence
(Macmillan 2012). For more information, go to AutismCollege.com.
Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Title: Visual Strategies for Autism Success: 3 Keys for Overcoming Communication,
Behavior, & Social Challenges
Abstract: Most students with Autism are visual learners! Capitalizing on their strengths,
the use of visual strategies alters many social, communication, and educational challenges.
In this program, Linda will share 3 important keys for achieving success with visual
strategies.
Bio: Linda Hodgdon is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is internationally known as a
pioneer in developing the use of visual strategies for students on the autism spectrum. She
is a strong believer that easy-to-use visual tools have great value for students and their
communication partners. Linda’s programs share practical, effective ideas that reflect
“best-practices.” She loves to explore how both low tech and high tech tools can meet a
wide range of student needs. Linda is the author of the best-seller, Visual Strategies for
Improving Communication.
Dan Blauw, PLC
Title: Legal Planning for People with Autism
Abstract: Young people with autism and their families need legal information as they
navigate Special Education, Community Mental Health or estate planning. This session will
provide helpful planning tips on many legal issues of relevance to those impacted by
autism. Specific questions to be addressed include:

What public benefits are available , and how should I apply?

How should I arrange my family estate planning so that any inheritance my
child may receive some day does not disqualify him or her from public
benefits?

Should I seek legal Guardianship or Powers of Attorney?
Bio: Daniel Blauw is a lawyer with Daniel Blauw PLC in Grand Rapids. He has been licensed
to practice in Michigan since 1985. He helps families set up special needs trusts and
arrange for services when they have a family member with life-long disabilities. He has
served as Director of Creative Housing Services at Hope Network, and, before that as
Executive Director of the ARC of Kent County, an advocacy group for people with
disabilities. He is a graduate of Hope College in Holland Michigan and Valparaiso
University School of Law in Indiana.
Gloria M. Satriale, JD, M.Ed., LBS
Title: Intensive and Effective Community Based Transition Programming for
Individuals with ASD
Abstract: The past decade has seen reports citing the dramatic increase in the prevalence of
autism and related disorders (ASD) to the current 1 case per 88 births. While the reasons
behind this increase remain unclear what is clear is that there are greater numbers of
individuals being diagnosed with ASD than ever before and subsequently there exists
steadily growing numbers of adolescent and young adults on the autism spectrum.
Consequently, this increase in prevalence has created an increased demand for appropriate
and effective services for adolescents and young adults with ASD. Unfortunately, the need
for such services continues to far exceed the available resources leaving a generation of
individuals with autism and their families in a programmatic, financial, and personal limbo.
This presentation will provide an overview of effective, intensive community based
transition programming -- at any age – with the ultimate goal being a life of dignity,
competence, and quality. To this end, an overview and practical suggestions for transition
planning (with an emphasis on the use of existing technology) will be presented along with
issues related to community based instruction, social competence, sexuality and sexual
safety, and quality of life concerns.
Bio: Gloria Satriale is the Executive Director of the PAAL Program. The PAAL program is a
nationally recognized program serving adolescents through educational transition
programming and adults through day habilitation and residential programming. The PAAL
Program is known for its research and use of unique applications of readily available
technology to foster independence and support community integration. Ms. Satriale
presents and trains nationally and internationally on the use of technology, transition and
adult issues. Gloria has served as a consultant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's
Department of Education and Office of Dispute Resolution, to the Chester County
Intermediate Unit, and to many advocacy and educational programs. She has chaired the
Chester County Advisory Board to the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Mental
Retardation and is a former member of the Board of Directors of Autism Living and
Working (ALAW); The Autism Society of America Philadelphia Chapter; and Organization
for Autism Research (OAR). She holds a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Advisory
Committee to the Governor's Cabinet on Disabilities for Pennsylvania and was an
appointed participant the White House Summit on Autism under President Obama. She
current;y serves on the Board of Directors for AT&T as the Representative for Technology
for the Disabled and Aging.
Ms. Satriale is a practicing attorney who has served as a Special Education Due Process
Hearing Officer. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Autism
and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College and is a Licensed Behavior Specialist.
Ms. Satriale’s second of her five children, Nick, is profoundly affected with autism.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, March 7: President’s Reception with Speakers and Select Guests
Saturday, March 8:
8:00-8:40:
Registration
8:40-8:45:
Welcome
8:45-9:30:
Living With Autism: Our Challenges, Our Strengths, and Our Dreams
Chantal Sicile-Kira
9:30-10:15:
Visual Strategies for Autism: 3 Keys for Overcoming Communication,
Behavioral & Social Challenges
Linda Hodgdon
10:15-10:30: Break
10:30-11:15: Intensive & Effective Community Based Transition Programming for
Individuals with ASD
Gloria Striale
11:15-12:00: Legal Planning for People with Autism
Daniel Blauw
12:00-12:45: Panel Q & A
12:45:
Wrap-up