Autism in the Early Years. A virtual symposium for parents & professionals

The Youth and Parents Agape Association

PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN REGISTERING FOR THIS TWO DAY EVENT, YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED FOR BOTH DAYS. THE ZOOM LINK IS THE SAME.

Welcome to the Autism in the Early Years: A Symposium for Parents and Professionals! This online event is designed to provide valuable insights and strategies for supporting children with autism during their early years. Whether you're a parent or a professional working with children on the spectrum, this symposium offers a wealth of information to help you navigate this journey. Join us for a day filled with informative sessions, expert speakers, and networking opportunities. Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and grow in your understanding of autism in the early years!NOTE: ALL PRESENTATIONS FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE IN ENGLISH ONLY Bienvenue au symposium « L'autisme dans la petite enfance » : un événement pour les parents et les professionnels !Cet événement en ligne a pour objectif de fournir des informations précieuses et des stratégies efficaces pour accompagner les jeunes enfants autistes. Que vous soyez parent ou professionnel travaillant avec des enfants sur le spectre, ce symposium vous offrira une mine de ressources pour mieux comprendre et soutenir leur développement.Rejoignez-nous pour une journée riche en sessions informatives, interventions d'experts et opportunités de réseautage. Ne manquez pas cette occasion d'apprendre, d'échanger et d'approfondir votre compréhension de l'autisme dans la petite enfance !NOTE : TOUTES LES PRÉSENTATIONS DE CET ÉVÉNEMENT SE FERONT EN ANGLAIS UNIQUEMENT

Friday, March 21st

Opening Remarks & Land Acknowledgement

True inclusion goes beyond integration and accomodation —it requires a 360-degree approach that embeds neurodiversity into every facet of society. This keynote will explore innovative initiatives that break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for autistic people of all ages across different sectors of community life that foster genuine belonging and unlock the full potential of neurodivergent individuals in every sector of society.


Igniting Neuro-Inclusion in the Community

Ann will explore the vital role of play in the lives of autistic individuals. This talk will challenge traditional notions of play, highlighting its unique forms in autistic children and adults and emphasizing its significance for development, communication, and well-being. Ann will discuss how honoring and supporting autistic play can foster inclusion, self-expression, and meaningful engagement and connection, offering insights for parents and educators.


Autistic Play… It’s Really Important!

Daria will introduce the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR®) model, or DIRFloortime®--otherwise referred to as "Floortime"--from a parent perspective and her experience being a Floortime parent for over 12 years. What is Floortime? How is it different from other approaches? Why did I choose Floortime? What does a parent or practitioner need to know to implement a Floortime approach? How is it different at home from at school? Let's dive into Floortime for two hours!


Why Floortime

Life is sensory. How the brain processes sensory information impacts engagement in all life areas and influences how safe one feels in their mind, body, environment, and interactions. Our senses give meaning to what we experience; it is a foundation to learning and social behaviors. Imagine life where faces look like animals, sounds cause excruciating pain, food textures change in different lighting, your body has no boundaries, and movements are unpredictable. Experiences like these are reality for those with sensory processing disorder (SPD). In this session attendees learn about sensory processing challenges from an inside perspective. With the help of her husband, an autistic occupational therapist shares her inner experiences while educating about sensory processing, and how SPD can manifest within the 8 senses. Creating sensory friendly environments, adapting activities, and making supports accessible are also explored.
 


My Sensory Life 

Bethany will be speaking about the unique challenges and experiences neurodivergent folks experience with their relationship with food, eating, and their bodies. She will explore topics relating to sensory needs, interoception, executive functioning, and support strategies for you and your children.


Picky Eaters

Closing remarks and Take Away from the day

Closing Remarks

Saturday, March 22nd

Opening Remarks & Welcome

This talk will introduce a collaborative ACT intervention for family caregivers of people with neurodevelopmental differences.
Learning objectives:
1. What is ACT?
2. How does ACT impact caregiver wellbeing?
3. Our co-developed & co-delivered ACT intervention
4. Brief Experience of ACT


Enhancing Caregiver Wellbeing : Acceptance and Commitment Training

In this talk, you'll learn strengths-based ways to support your Autistic child in their real daily routines. First we'll dive deep into what we know about how Autistic people think and experience the world, with a focus on lived experiences and input from Autistic adults. This will help you consider your child's perspective, strengths, and support needs in difficult routines or activities. Then you'll learn how to incorporate strengths-based visual supports into your child's daily activities. We'll go into supports that are meaningful for more concrete thinkers who aren't yet making much meaning from pictures, as well as kids who are strong readers

Strength-Based Supports for Daily Life

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Autism in the Early Years. A virtual symposium for parents & professionals

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Autism in the Early Years. A virtual symposium for parents & professionals

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