Autism Conference - October 18, 2014
Loving, Living & Working with People on the Autism Spectrum
Plenary Speaker
Dr Michelle Garnett -
‘Latest Research in ASD—Implications and Applications’
Michelle is a Clinical Psychologist and Founder and Director of 'Minds & Hearts: A Specialist Clinic for Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.’ The clinic was born through her passion for understanding autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and her strong desire to be part of positive change for people who have ASC and their families. Michelle has specialized in autism spectrum conditions for the past 20 years, developing expertise in all subtypes of autism across all ages. Michelle created the first screening instrument for Asperger’s Syndrome, the Australian Scale for Asperger's Syndrome (ASAS) in 1993. She obtained a PhD for her research into the connection between ASC and psychological health in 2007 from the University of Queensland, Australia. She provides training in ASC for postgraduate clinical students for four Australian Universities. Michelle has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences and workshop events. She is a workshop presenter for entry to the Medicare PDD Provider List in Australia.
Dr John Meteyard - Social, Educational, Psychological and Spiritual Development for a Child or Young Person with Asperger’s Syndrome
Dr John Meteyard is currently the Postgraduate Studies Coordinator in the School of Social Sciences at Christian Heritage College. He has over 6000 hours of experience in individual, group and couples therapy and has published widely in the area of counselling related research. John is currently in the final semester of his Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) during which he has worked with a number of young people and families who have autism. He also has two close family members 'on the spectrum' and as such this presentation will combine both theoretical, professional and personal knowledge and experience.
Karenne Hills - Creative Family Considerations
Karenne originally trained as a Registered Nurse under the old hospital based training system in the early 80’s and since then has worked in various roles as a specialist nurse in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. She upgraded her nursing qualifications with a Bachelor of Nursing in the late 90’s, and then completed a Bachelor of Counselling in 2001. She has successfully combined her nursing and counselling backgrounds to create a private counselling and health service which primarily focuses on a holistic approach to the emotional and physical wellbeing of her clients. Karenne also provides various types of staff training within the disability sector. After completing a Master of Counselling at Christian Heritage College, Karenne now works for CHC as the Undergraduate Counselling Course Coordinator while she continues to maintain her private practice. She has recently commenced a research study as the first step towards a PhD exploring the spiritual experiences of people with profound disabilities, and is very interested in non-verbal narrative and alternative forms of communication. She is the proud mother of two amazing young men who have been the major joy and influence in her life, both of whom live with a significant disability. In her presentation Karenne will draw from her own life experience and learning, while providing practical solutions and information for families with a member on the Autism Spectrum.
Tina Wheldon - OT tips for the Classroom
Tina completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Occupational Therapy Studies, before establishing her business Ready, Set, Go! OT in 2007 which focusses on work with children who have ASD, as well as sensory processing difficulties. As well as her Masters, Tina has completed broader training in using the Wilbarger Therapressure technique, Therapeutic Listening and MORE programs, and often draw on strategies from the DIR Floortime model also. For Tina the thrill comes in meeting new families and helping them to work on whatever priorities they may have for their child. In this workshop Tina will explain common sensory processing differences and challenges experienced by children and young people on the autism spectrum, and explore how teachers and others involved in education can implement effective teaching and learning strategies that take into account the sensory needs of this student group.
Dr Michelle Garnett
Dr John Meteyard
Karenne Hills
Tina Wheldon