Wednesday,
February 4, 2009: 6:00-8:00PM
"Autism Spectrum Disorders: Best Practices in Assessment and Intervention"
Peter DOEHRING, Ph.D.
Director of Regional Programs at the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Former Delaware Autism Program Director
Description of the Program:
Interest in ASD has grown tremendously over the past 15 years, fueled by questions regarding its increased prevalence, dramatic claims of success from controversial treatments, and a growing body of research describing its course and possible causes. Nonetheless, there is an emerging consensus among researchers, and practitioners regarding recommended assessment and intervention practices. We discuss local and national efforts to set standards for evaluation and evidence-based intervention, and examples of programs designed to build capacity and expertise.
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
1. Identify some of the challenges to the assessment of individuals with ASD
2. Describe assessment standards recommended by state and national review panels
3. Outline approaches to determining whether an intervention is evidence-based
4. Present examples of evidence-based interventions for ASD
5. Discuss barriers to building capacity in assessment and intervention for ASD
Dr. Peter Doehring is currently the director of regional programs at the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he works to describe, implement, and research programs for training and intervention related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). He is interested in how we might build capacity for evidence-based assessment, education, and treatment in community-based settings that are accessible to a broad and diverse population. Dr. Doehring was originally trained in Canada as clinical-research psychologist, where he worked for 7 years to develop research and early intervention programs for children with ASD at the local and regional level. From 1999 until 2008, he served as Statewide Director for the Delaware Autism Program (DAP), one of the largest public school programs specializing in ASD in the USA. DAP continues to provide comprehensive educational and related services to more than 700 children 2-21 years of age across 35 community-based sites with the support of 400 staff.
PHILADELPHIA BEHAVIOR THERAPY ASSOCIATION