Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services’ Julia Ann Singer Center is hosting an inspirational and informational conference devoted to autism. Entitled, “Innovation, Intervention, Inspiration—A Journey of Hope,” this daylong event will be held on Nov. 18, 2010, at Vista Del Mar’s West Los Angeles campus (3200 Motor Ave.). Highlights of the event include:
* Julia Ormond, Emmy-Winning Actress—Renowned British actress Julia Ormond will present the “Baron Inspiration Award” to autism activist and author Eustacia Cutler. The presentation completes a circle of sorts, as Ormond won a 2010 Emmy for her portrayal of Cutler in HBO’s Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin—who was diagnosed with autism in the 1950s and has gone on to become one of the world’s leading animal scientists and autism advocates—is Cutler’s real-life daughter.
* Eustacia Cutler—In her widely read book—A Thorn in My Pocket—Eustacia Cutler chronicles the challenges of raising a child with autism in the conservative era of the 1950s. Cutler will make a conference presentation entitled, “Impact on the Family: A Mother’s Journey.”
* Stephen Shore, Ed.D—Diagnosed with “strong autistic tendencies, “Stephen Shore is the acclaimed author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and, Understanding Autism for Dummies. Dr. Shore’s conference presentation is titled, “Self Advocacy: Finding Your Ability Within the Disability.” Dr. Shore also will discuss autism from the perspective of transitioning to adulthood.
* Teen Panel—A panel of teens with autism will share their experiences. Participants will include teen Wyatt Isaacs and moderator Elaine Hall—both of whom starred in the HBO Emmy-Awarding-winning documentary, Autism: The Musical.
This highly informative conference, for which C.E.U. credits are available, will additionally feature several breakout sessions, including: “Top 10 Tips for Creating the Team for Your Child;” “Personalized Lifetime Support: Transitioning Teens to Adults;” “Therapeutic Approaches for Families with Kids in the Autism Spectrum;” and, “Finding Strength for the Journey.”
For more information or to purchase tickets—(lunch provided: $100 professional registration, including five to six hours of CEU credit; $85 general admission; $50 student rate) for this invaluable event, which begins with registration at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., followed by a meet and greet/book signings with conference speakers—call (310) 836-1223 ext. 369 or visit vistadelmar.org/conference.
