John M. Ortiz, Ph.D., Director and Founder
The Asperger’s Syndrome Institute
Special Education Service Agency (SESA) Presentation

Anchorage, Alaska – February 12th, 2010

Program Description
Asperger, High-Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder: Personalizing Strength-Based Strategies to each Individual

The purpose of this short workshop is to introduce a number of strength-based, practical strategies that have proven effective in addressing some of the more typical concerns presented by children, adolescents and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and High-Functioning Autism. Participants will learn a number of universal interventions and five “umbrella strategies” that they will be able to use as a blueprint for personalizing strategies according to the goals, needs and/or concerns presented by each individual.

Topics:

• Asperger vs. High Functioning Autism vs. Nonverbal Learning Disorder: a very brief overview
• Three Essentials
• Five Universal Strategies
• Theory of Mind
• Central Coherence
• Executive Dysfunction
• The “Five Umbrellas”

Presenter’s Bio:

John M. Ortiz, Ph.D. is the director and founder of The Asperger’s Syndrome Institute, and The Institute of Applied Psychomusicology[SM] A licensed psychologist, consultant, musician, composer, certified clinical hypnotist and psychoeducational trainer, he is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.  His publications include “Asperger, Autism and Non-Verbal Learning Disorders: Screening, Assessing and Diagnosing (2008),” “The Gifts of Asperger (2006),” “My Kitty Catsberger (2006),” the best-selling, “The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology,” winner of the 1998 Small Press Book Award in Psychology/Self-Help, and “Nurturing Your Child with Music.”