Postponement of Autism Open Day scheduled for Sunday 29 March 2020
Dear autism community
The Curtin Autism Research Group regrets to advise that we have decided to postpone our annual Autism Open Day in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of our keynote speakers, Professor Sven Bölte, is no longer able to travel from Stockholm to join us and we are also concerned that the event could pose a risk for members of our autism community who have health conditions that may make them more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
We know how valued this event is by the autism community, so will keep you abreast of any plans to reschedule this event at a later date.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Event details
Date: Postponed
Autism workshop on 13th Nov, 4th and 11th Dec
Please see information regarding a professional development opportunity for anyone who works with autistic individuals of any age. This short course consists of a series of 3 workshops and an interactive excursion providing valuable information for teachers, health care professionals and social work professionals. You will also have an opportunity as part of the short course, if you wish, to design an educational/support plan for a particular individual which you are currently working with. Questions? Email cindy.smith1@curtin.edu.au for more information.
Free Lecture for Health Professionals, 30 August 2019
The Curtin University Autism Research Group (CARG) and Telethon Kids Institute Autism Research Team are pleased to invite you to a free lecture “Minimally verbal children with ASD: Assessment and intervention” presented by Professor Connie Kasari from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Event details
Location: Tim Winton Lecture Theatre, Building 213 Curtin University, Bentley
Date: Friday, 30 August, 2019
Registration and Refreshments: 4.00pm to 4.30pm
Presentation: 4.30pm to 6.00pm
Please RSVP, places are limited and for catering purposes.
Registration starts 5pm 31 July 2019
About the lecture
About 30 to 50% of children with ASD are not verbally fluent by age 6 years, according to estimates based in the US. Nearly all children in the US have access to early intervention, so these percentages remain a concern. Minimally verbal children are also not often involved in research studies, so we have less information on how best to assess and intervene on communication and language goals for optimal outcomes. This talk will describe efforts to involve minimally verbal younger and older children in research studies. Assessments and intervention approaches will be described, as well as the inclusion of assistive technology (alternative and augmentative communication devices) for the promotion of communication and spoken language. the lecture
About the speaker
Connie Kasari is a Professor of Human Development and Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Since 1990 she has been on the faculty at UCLA where she teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, and has been the primary advisor to more than 60 PhD students. She is a founding member of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA. Her research aims to development novel, evidence-tested interventions implemented in community settings. She leads several large multi-site studies including a network on interventions for minimally verbal school aged children with ASD, and a network that aims to decrease disparities in interventions for children with ASD who are under-represented in research trials. She is on the science advisory board of the Autism Speaks Foundation, and regularly presents to both academic and practitioner audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
Free Public Lecture for Parents, 29 August 2019
The Curtin University Autism Research Group (CARG) and Telethon Kids Institute Autism Research Team are pleased to invite you to a free public lecture “Children with ASD at school: Inclusion, integration, and improvement” presented by Professor Connie Kasari from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Event details
Location: Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre, Building 213 Curtin University, Bentley
Date: Thursday, 29 August 2019
Registration and Refreshments: 5.30pm to 6.00pm
Presentation: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Please RSVP, places are limited and for catering purposes.
Registration starts 5.00pm 31 July 2019
About the lecture
Behavioral interventions have been critical for improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Notable achievements include the improved numbers of children with optimal outcomes, and the larger number of children accessing the regular curriculum. Despite these gains, our school programs often fall short of achieving complete social integration and optimal outcomes of many children with ASD. This talk will discuss several studies of interventions aimed at helping children to become more socially included at school. While studies take place at school with the goal of having the teaching staff implement the interventions, suggestions for what parents can do to help their children will be highlighted.
About the speaker
Connie Kasari is a Professor of Human Development and Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Since 1990 she has been on the faculty at UCLA where she teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, and has been the primary advisor to more than 60 PhD students. She is a founding member of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA. Her research aims to development novel, evidence-tested interventions implemented in community settings. She leads several large multi-site studies including a network on interventions for minimally verbal school aged children with ASD, and a network that aims to decrease disparities in interventions for children with ASD who are under-represented in research trials. She is on the science advisory board of the Autism Speaks Foundation, and regularly presents to both academic and practitioner audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
Free Public Lecture for Parents, 6 March 2019
The Curtin University Autism Research Group (CARG) and Telethon Kids Institute (TKI) Autism Research Team have pleasure in inviting you to a free public lecture ‘Talking about Functioning and Autism’ by Professor Sven Bölte, Director Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Dr Ben Milbourn from Curtin University. Due to the overwhelming response, we have had to move the event from Curtin St Georges Terrace to Technology Park Function Centre at Bentley to take in more parents.
Event details
Location: Seminar 1 & 2, Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley WA 6102
Date: Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Registration starts 6 Feb 2019
About the lecture
In understanding the experience of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it is important to consider functioning and challenges beyond those captured within the diagnosis. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) developed by the World Health Organization provides a framework supporting the comprehensive description of the lived experience of people with ASD. The ICF Core Sets for ASD (i.e. a shortlist of ICF categories most relevant for people with ASD), developed by Karolinska Institute and the ICF Research Branch, provides a tool for describing functioning and the support needs of people with ASD and their families. In this talk Prof Sven Bölte will discuss functioning in autism, present the ICF core sets for ASD and discuss how they might support communication between those living with autism, service providers and funders.
This talk will help you to better understand and frame functioning in autism, supporting your communication with service providers and disability funders.
About the speakers
Professor Sven Bölte is a Professor and Director of the Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institute in Sweden – a competence centre focusing on research development and education about neurodevelopmental disorders. Sven is a senior clinical psychologist with many years’ experience researching autism and providing clinical services to children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. He leads autism related research within the World Health Organisation. Sven collaborates extensively with researchers in Western Australia including the Curtin Autism Research Group, the Telethon Kids Institute and the Autism Association of Western Australia.
Dr Ben Milbourn is a Senior Teaching and Research Academic at the School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University. Ben is an early career researcher and a member of the Curtin Autism Research Group. Ben will be sharing his experiences as a parent supporting a child with autism to transition into the National Disability Insurance Scheme and plan early intervention supports using the language of participation and functioning.
Autism Open Day, 24 March 2019
The Curtin Autism Research Group, Telethon Kids Institute Autism Research Team and Autism CRC are pleased to invite you to our annual Autism Open Day. This year, the Rotary Club of Scarborough will co-host the event as we have amalgamated the annual Autism Open Day with the Autism Awareness Morning Tea. This event is part of Curtin’s Research Rumble (24 – 27 March 2019).
Event details
Location: Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley, WA 6102
Date: Sunday, 24 March 2019
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Join us in an exchange of knowledge and experiences. The program includes a range of topics including presentations from autistic adults and parents, as well as information from researchers on current research and programs aiming to support people with autism.
There are also stalls with information on key areas such as:
• Quality of life of adults with autism
• Medication use amongst adults with autism
• Transition to school
• Peer mentoring program for university students with autism
• Getting around the community
• Early identification and early intervention
• Diagnosis
Autism Open Day 2019 flyer (pdf)
Autism Open Day 2019 Information Package (pdf)
A big thank you to Scarborough Rotary for sponsoring all the free coffee at the Autism Open Day. To receive a free coffee voucher for use on the day, please RSVP via this link: Free Coffee
Autism Open Day Program – Sunday 24 March 2019
10.00am – 3.00pm: Exhibition area open
10.30am – 10.35am: Welcome to country and Research Rumble video presentation
10.35am – 10.45am: Official Welcome by Professor John Cordery, Provost, Curtin University
10.45am – 11.00am: Event open and speech by the Honourable Stephen Dawson, MLC, Minister for Environment; Disability Services; Electoral Affairs
11.00am – 11.05am: Video presentation from the Autism CRC
11.05am – 11.15am: Speech by Rotarian Jim Joseph from the Rotary Club of Scarborough
11.15am – 11.30am: “An Aspie family – Our perspectives” – presented by Oliver, Virginia and Aaron Sta Maria
11.30am – 12.30pm: “Sleep in autism: What do we know and what can we do about it “- Keynote by Professor Peter Eastwood, School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, and Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Head of Autism Research, Telethon Kids Institute
12.30pm – 2.15pm: Break
2.15pm – 2.35pm: “Talking about functioning and autism” presented by Professor Sonya Girdler, Director of Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin University, and Dr Ben Milbourn, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University
2.35pm – 2.55pm: “Finding a voice – Empowering youth with autism” presented by the Youth Advisory Council, Autism West
3.00pm: Event close
Autism Open Day 2018
The Curtin Autism Research Group and Telethon Kids Institute Autism Research Team are pleased to invite you to our annual Autism Open Day.
Event details
Location: Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley, WA 6102
Date: Sunday, 9 September 2018
Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Join us for discussions on programs that support people with autism and booths that provide information on autism. There will be discussions on programs that support people with autism, focusing on ‘tapping their talents’. We welcome all adults and children with autism, their families and anyone who is interested in autism research.
The exhibition area will have stalls with information on key areas such as:
• Pathway planning for school leavers with autism
• Social skills training for teenagers with autism
• Emotion recognition training computer games
• Peer mentoring program for university students with autism
• Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance
• Getting around the community
• National guideline for autism assessment and diagnosis
• Autism Register
Autism Open Day Program – Sunday 9 September 2018
10.00am – 3.00pm: Exhibition area open
10.30am: Official Welcome by Professor Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University
10.40am – 10.50am: “The launch of Neurodiversity Hub” by Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Environment and Disability Services
10.50am – 11.20am: “Tapping the talents of people with autism” Keynote by Professor Lyn Beazley AO, Ambassador of the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) and past Chief Scientist of Western Australia
11.20am – 11.40am: “A strength based IT-program for adolescents with autism, what works?” presented by Matthew Jones, PhD Candidate, Curtin University
11.40pm – 12.40pm: Break
12.40pm – 12.55pm: “Kontakt” presented by Professor Sonya Girdler, Director of Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin University, and Ms Filipa Scott, parent of a child with autism.
12.55pm – 1.25pm: “Consensus-based recommendations for assessing and diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in Australia” presented by Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Head of Autism Research, Telethon Kids Institute, and Dr Kiah Evans, Program Manager – Autism & Related Disorders Team, Telethon Kids Institute
1.25pm – 1.35pm: “The misnomer of ‘high-functioning autism’: IQ is a weak predictor of functional abilities in autism spectrum disorder“ presented by Dr Gail Alvares, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Telethon Kids Institute
1.35pm – 2.05pm: Break
2.05pm – 2.35pm: “Determining neurotypical knowledge about attitudes towards autism through co-production” presented by Mr Joel Wilson, Research Assistant, Curtin University, and Ms Rebecca Kuzminski, PhD candidate, Curtin University
2.35pm – 2.55pm: 3-minute PhD presentations
- “Promoting social interactions in newborn babies at risk of autism” – Dominique Cleary, UWA and Telethon Kids Institute
- “Developing and evaluating an assessment of functioning tool for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders” – Maya Hayden-Evans, Curtin University and Telethon Kids Institute
- “Beyond childhood: Understanding autism in adolescence and adulthood” – Kendra Dommisse, UWA and Telethon Kids Institute
- “Developing an autism specific quality of life assessment for autistic adults” – Rebecca Kuzminski, Curtin University
- “Barriers and facilitators impacting clinician uptake of guideline recommendations” – Anindita Karajagi, UWA and Telethon Kids Institute
3.00pm: Event close
Strengths of Autism: Free public lecture for parents
The Curtin University Autism Research Group (CARG) and the Autism Association of Western Australia have pleasure in inviting you to ‘Tapping the Talent’, a free public lecture by Professor Sven Bölte, Director Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Karolinska Institute and Professor Sonya Girdler, Director of CARG.
Event details
Location: Curtin University, 139 St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD
Date: Tuesday, 20 March 2018
Time: 6 – 8.30 pm
About the lecture
While people with autism are often described in terms of their difficulties and challenges, there is increasing recognition that they have many strengths and abilities. These strengths and abilities are progressively becoming the focus of innovative approaches to improving outcomes for young people living with autism. This joint lecture will present research on these new frameworks and approaches.
This workshop for parents and carers will provide information on the latest research and best practice strategies on Autism. Key points will include:
- cognitive strengths of people with autism including attention to detail
- strengths and abilities of people with autism
- using a strengths based framework
- employment pathways based on strengths
- creating the right opportunities for skill development
- supporting social skills through group programs (Social Adventurer Program)
- Kontakt Social Skills Program for Teenagers.
About the speakers
Professor Sven Bölte is the Director of the Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institute in Sweden and is leading work in a partnership with the World Health Organisation aimed at developing a framework to describe disability and functioning in autism. This framework also highlights the unique talents and strengths of people living on the autism spectrum.
Professor Sonya Girdler is the Director of CARG, a research group focused on developing interventions which leverage the strengths and talents of people with autism with the goal of improving pathways to adulthood.
Kelly Milne is an Occupational Therapist who has several years experience working with children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum in early intervention, school age services and adult services. Kelly is passionate about using a strengths based approach in all clinical settings and will discuss how the Autism Association are currently using this approach in practice.