Understanding and Living with Developmental Disabilities June 20, 2009

Interested in knowing more about the world of developmental disabilities? Need an opportunity to talk with and learn from other families to promote further understanding and support? Join us for a morning with Joan C. Dasteel, MSW, Ph.D., as she discusses the impact of developmental disabilities on the special needs individual and his or her family and friends. Dr. Dasteel will talk about the shifting definitions of mental retardation and of autism, the discovery of the Asperger Syndrome, and new findings in neuropsychology that have all made significant changes in treatment.

Dr. Dasteel has an extensive background working with special needs individuals and their families. As the mother of a daughter with mental retardation and as a clinical consultant to a large organization offering psychotherapy and other services to this population (L.A. GOAL), she draws on her personal experiences in giving presentations such as this. Her professional experiences include conducting family support groups, teaching mental health professionals, supervising therapists working with special needs patients, and performing psychotherapy with them and their families.

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