CORA Services and Chestnut Hill College to Present Autism Conference Keynote Speech by Nina Wall-Cote, Director of the Bureau of Autism Services April 1, 2011

Chestnut Hill College and CORA Services will host the conference, “The Autistic Young Adult: Transitional Changes” on April 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the East Parlor, St. Joseph Hall.

This conference seeks to provide an overview of the developmental, legal, family and lifestyle challenges faced by individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as they transition out of school towards more independent lives in the community. The keynote will be given by Nina Wall-Cote, MSS, LSW, Director of the Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. State Representative Dennis O’Brien will also make brief remarks at the conference.

Participants at this one-day conference will be able to learn the important neurological aspects of ASD, and learn key developmental changes that occur when ASD individuals transition to young adulthood. There will be information on specific education options available, as well as important state/federal laws and legislation pertaining to ASD individuals. Professionals and caretakers will learn the important issues faced by families when an ASD individual enters adulthood, and ways that they can advocate for their needs.

This program will benefit parents and psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, educators, principals, teachers, graduate students and other practitioners within mental health and education who provide direct services. The workshop is approved for continuing education credits for psychologists from the American Psychological Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, Act 48, and the Pennsylvania Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

The workshop registration fee is $130.00, with reduced rates for students. Lunch will be available for purchase. For more information or to register, please contact Ceil Hanas at CORA Services at 215.701.2629.