DVD of Dr. Cowan’s lecture, titled Autism: A Tale of Two Children, is available from the Alaska Autism Resource Center. To request a copy of this DVD, click here.

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.”

The Fairbanks AARC office now has a Make and Take area set up for making visual supports.  Visit the office during business hours for a tutorial.  You will be able to access Boardmaker software and a color printer in order to develop visual schedules, communication boards, and visual rules.  Be as creative as you want, or feel free to utilize our templates.

On January 21st at 5:15 pm, the Fairbanks AARC office will be holding a Make and Take demonstration before the University of Washington video teleconference.  A short tutorial on utilizing Boardmaker software and other materials available in the Make and Take area will be offered, along with sample materials to browse.  Come join us!

Click here to download the AARC brochure,
Connecting Alaskans, Affecting Lives
You will need the latest version of Acrobat Reader. Download it here.

Autism Spectrum Information Packets
The following Autism Spectrum Information Packets are available at no cost to residents of the state of Alaska. Each packet includes a variety of documents related to the specific topics. To receive information packets, please call the resource center to order. Requested packets will be mailed to you as soon as possible. Note: we can only send packets to Alaskan addresses.

Download our brochures:

English	Yupiit

Download Adobe Reader

KTUU did a segment on how communication cards can help the police communicate with individuals on the autism spectrum. Please click the link to read their story and view their video. (NOTE: The video isn’t currently working on Macintosh computers. According to KTUU tech support, their service provider should have it working somewhere around June 1. If you are having problems after that date, please email me and I will contact them.)

Cards help police communicate with the autistic

Autism and Law Enforcement: This brochure has tips for law enforcement personnel.