In honor of Autism Awareness Month (April), Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay will be holding three informational sessions at local libraries. The sessions will focus on information about autism and treatment options. This talk is ideal for parents who are trying to learn more about autism and are trying to decide on the best treatment for their child. Here is a brief description of the talk:
Autism is a developmental disability, with neurological and biological components, that affects 1 out of every 150 children. It occurs across all racial, ethnic, and social groups, and is four times as likely to occur in boys than girls. Individuals with autism typically have deficits in communication and social skills. They may exhibit more concrete and rigid ways of thinking and interacting. They may exhibit repetitive or challenging behaviors, such as hand flapping, babbling or nonfunctional repeating of words, aggression, self-injury, or property destruction. Many times these behaviors occur either to provide mental or sensory self-stimulation or to gain access to something (such as attention, escape from demands, or access to desired items) if the individual is unable to communicate his/her wants and needs.
There has been much research into the causes and treatment of autism. This presentation will provide information about the symptoms and characteristics, possible causes (such as vaccines, genetics, and dietary causes), and treatment options for individuals with autism (such as Applied Behavior Analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, RDI, dietary/biomedical interventions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, etc.).
Each talk will last approximately 1 hour and will be followed by a question and answer session. The presenter is Jamie Granatino, MS, BCBA, the Program Director for Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay's new clinic in Wesley Chapel. Please see our website for more information about the presenter or our clinic, http://www.bcotb.com .
Info Session Date/Time   Location
4/3/09 10:30 AM         New River Branch Library, 34043 State Rd, Zephyrhills FL
4/9/09 10:00 AM       Land O'Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL
4/27/09 10:30 AM New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL
