18th Annual Autism Institute Conference

The 2025 Conference will offer close to 25 one and one-half hour workshops presented by highly respected professionals in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The content of the workshops is research-based best practices for working with individuals on the autism spectrum presented to an audience of professionals, preparing professionals, and family members. The event is free of charge and offers ACT48 credits. Please bring your ID numbers with you to the conference for acknowledgment. Complimentary breakfast and lunch is included. There will also be a kids club .

BREAKFAST AND REGISTRATION: 8:00 A.M.

WELCOME: 8:45 A.M-9:00 A.M

Dr. Deborah Schadler, Director, Autism Institute at Gwynedd Mercy University

SESSION I: 9-10:30 A.M.

Joseph Sulpizio: Navigating the Special Education System: The Evaluation and IEP Process

Joseph Sulpizio, special education attorney from the Cuddy Law Firm, will provide an overview of the legal rights of children with special education needs and a school district/charter school’s obligation to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This presentation will focus on the rights of students going through the special education process for the first time, such as students transferring to a school-aged program or those not previously identified as students in need of special education services. Some discussion topics will include a school district’s “child find” obligations, the special education evaluation process, and what one should expect at an IEP meeting.

Sean Romano: The ABCs of Behavior: Understanding and Managing Early Childhood Behaviors

Have you ever wondered why certain behaviors seem to escalate despite your best efforts to manage them? Or found yourself thinking, 'Why did I respond that way?' when reflecting on your own reactions? This interactive and practical presentation will explain behavior by breaking down the foundational principles of behavior theory in a clear and relatable way. Using engaging examples and hands-on activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Antecedents, Behaviors, Consequences, and the Functions of Behavior—key concepts for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in young children. Walk away with practical strategies that you can easily apply at home, in the classroom, or during therapy sessions.

Beth Tuseck-Napolitano: Supporting Structured Literacy to support progress for all students

Sandy & Ben Hartranft: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism: How Neurodiversity Affects the Family

Mike Mercadante: "The Keys To Independence: Understanding How Autism Impacts Learning to Drive"

Michael Mercadante, MS, specializes in teaching individuals with autism how to drive safely, and has taught well over a thousand people on the spectrum since 2011. He has a background in traffic safety research and educational psychology, and will be speaking about the unique challenges associated with learning to drive as well as how to overcome them.

Jennifer Murphy & Rachael Masters: Teamwork is key for AAC

We will be discussing ways to ensure carryover of AAC skills to various environments by using a comprehensive approach involving teachers, related service professionals, families and the individuals who use AAC. By adopting a collaborative team approach, consistent modeling, AAC training for everyone involved, integration into classrooms, real life practices and ongoing communication and support.

Tammy Bertel: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Educators: Maximizing Resources, Streamlining Workloads

Are you ready to revolutionize your teaching methods and skyrocket your productivity? Join us for an eye-opening session on AI-powered content creation tools that will transform your educational journey! From cutting-edge innovations to tried-and-true favorites, we'll explore a treasure trove of AI resources designed specifically for educators. Take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and learn tools for your learning experiences. Embrace the future of education – where AI becomes your ultimate teaching assistant!

Brian Kelnhofer: “Special Needs Financial Planning: Planning for a “3-Person Retirement”

JoAnn Rae: Language development for children at risk for autism and children who are diagnosed with autism.

This session will discuss language development and how to facilitate language comprehension and cognitive development using specific strategies beginning at birth for infants, toddlers, and children with autism.

Gwynedd Mercy Faculty: A Session for Kids

This session is for kids on the spectrum and kids not on the spectrum, ages PreK to 13 . We will provide activities full of fun to keep them occupied during the sessions.

Gwynedd Mercy Faculty: A Session for Teens and Young Adults

This is a session for teens and young adults on the spectrum, ages 14-25. We will engage in activities and provide them with learning opportunities while you attend the conference.

SESSION 2: 10:45 A.M-12:15 P.M

Jennifer McIlvaine & Yvonne D'Uva Howard: “Supporting First Words and Language Expansion in Autism: A Holistic Approach with Oral and AAC Strategies.”

Reiterate the importance of supporting first words, language expansion, and pragmatic communication through adolescence with a holistic and individualized approach. And offer practical strategies for clinicians, educators, and families to implement at each developmental stage

Amanda Cipolla, Ed.D. and Liz Serpentine, Ph.D., CCC-SLP: Positive Classroom Behavior Supports in AS Classrooms

Kelly Weiss: I became a statistic.

How I became part of the growing statistic of a parent being diagnosed after their children. I'll share some of the things that I've learned along the way, some of the things that are downright and ridiculously funny, some of the things that we are still trying to figure out like if I may have a co-diagnosis

Meredith Penner, M.Ed., and Bria Hoey, Ed.D., BCBA: Shifting from Inclusive Placements to Inclusive Practices

Shariffah Azzaam, M.Ed, BCBA: Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Families (45 minutes)

To develop a comprehensive emergency plan for homes with individuals who have developmental disabilities and/or autism. This session will cover the identification of resources, the incorporation of unconventional tactics, and the rationale behind these measures.

During this session, we'll delve into creating a comprehensive emergency plan tailored for homes with individuals who have developmental disabilities or autism. This interactive session aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge to develop a customized emergency plan, highlighting the importance of specialized communication strategies, evacuation routes, and safe spaces. We'll explore essential resources, introduce unconventional yet necessary tactics, and explain their significance in ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved ones during emergencies.

Transitioning Services from Childhood to Adulthood (45 minutes)

Navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a complex journey, particularly when it comes to accessing essential services. This session focuses on transitioning services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering comprehensive insights into critical topics such as financial planning, housing options, guardianship, assent, consent, and relationships. Participants will gain practical strategies to support individuals and families through this life stage. During this session, we will explore actionable steps for effective planning, discuss legal and financial considerations, and provide guidance on fostering independence and healthy relationships. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or service provider, this session intends to help facilitate a smooth transition into adulthood.

Jackie Breault: Holistic Behavioral Modification

This presentation will introduce you to a variety of approaches for modifying behavior.

Kathy Hooven: Interactions with Law Enforcement: Keeping Everyone SAFER

More and more individuals with autism are having interactions with law enforcement and first responders and due to the lack of education and awareness, sometimes these interaction do not go well. Knowing how to support our autistic loved ones and accessing valuable resources for both autistic individuals and our law enforcement community can help keep everyone SAFER. In this session, learn how to implement various strategies in order to increase awareness and safety for individuals with autism and members of the law enforcement community who interact with them. Attendees will also learn how and where to locate the various resources through ASERT for individuals with autism and their families.

Gwynedd Mercy Faculty: A Session for Kids

This session is for kids on the spectrum and kids not on the spectrum, ages PreK to 13 . We will provide activities full of fun to keep them occupied during the sessions.

Gwynedd Mercy Faculty: A Session for Teens and Young Adults

This is a session for teens and young adults on the spectrum, ages 14-25. We will engage in activities and provide them with learning opportunities while you attend the conference.

SESSION 3: 1:30 P.M.-3 P.M.

Michelle Simms: "When AI Met Storytelling: Exploring Narrative-Based Learning for the Digital Age"

In this session, we'll explore the power of combining narrative-based learning with artificial intelligence (AI)-infused tools in the classroom. Narrative-based learning is rooted in the idea that storytelling helps us make sense of the world - particularly effective in building and retaining information through personal connection, emotional engagement, and cognitive processing. Research shows that stories can create emotional connections that improve memory, understanding, and empathy. By combining storytelling with AI-infused tools, educators can also tailor narratives to meet individual learning needs and design sense-making strategies like gaming, co-creation, and immersive perspectives.

Aramark Thrive

This session will be geared towards young adults.

Aramark Thrive will conduct training on Interviewing Skills called the Information Station. This will include a comprehensive review of how to look for a job, how to prepare for a job interview, and how to follow-up to improve chances of employment. We will also assist attendees in creating their own interview kits with materials provided by Aramark. Attendees will walk away with a plan and strategy to help them on the path to entering the job market.

Aramark Thrive

This session will be geared towards parents/caregivers.

Aramark Thrive will conduct training specific to parents/caregivers on how to prepare their children for the job market. This will be a comprehensive review of what to expect in the seeking of employment and just as importantly how to maintain employment. There will be a review of how to capitalize on social skills for interviewing that everyone has regardless of where they fall into the spectrum. There will also be a candid discussion of obstacles faced for both employee and employer when hiring Neurodiverse Candidates.

Josh Fields: Effective Support

DSPs provide essential everyday services to people with IDD and autism. Here from some of our young staff about the strategies and tools they use to help people with autism and IDD lead everyday lives

Sara Harrington: "The First Autism Inclusive Zoo: How Elmwood Park Zoo Supports Autistic Guests, Students, Staff & Volunteers"

Discover how Elmwood Park Zoo incorporates inclusive practices at every level, supporting autistic individuals from guests through staff. Hear about some of the challenges faced implementing and supporting these practices, as well as the successes! Learn ways to support and effectively manage autistic individuals for success in any professional setting.

Chris Hanesbury: "The Benefits of Horse/Human interactions"

This session will show how the implementation of a non-traditional riding program can influence our riders, including achieving physical development, socialization and learning through fun activities. We build balance and symmetry, increase reach and range of motion, develop speech and language, thought processes, planning and sequencing.