The Ottawa Conference | Day One

Description

LIVE STREAM: May 28 – 30, 2025 from 8:30am – 4:00pm (Ottawa, ON) Please adjust your start time according to your specific time zone. 

ON-DEMAND: Recorded footage & course content (certificate, videos, quiz) will be available until July 4, 2025. Please allow 3 – 10 business days for footage to be processed. Extensions cannot be granted under any circumstances.

Registration will close May 27, 2025. 

Wednesday, May 28, 2025  |  Day One

Understanding Autism and Social Communication Disorder

PRESENTED BY Cara Daily, Ph.D.

In Part 1 of this one-day workshop, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD). Autism expert and author Cara Daily, PhD, BCBA will guide attendees through the diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and the brain function related to both disorders, providing participants with a strong foundation for working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

This session will focus on recognizing the unique behaviors and challenges individuals with ASD and SCD face. Participants will learn how to differentiate between autism and social communication disorder, as well as how to assess and diagnose these conditions using tools like the DSM-5® and ICD-11. Attendees will also explore the various comorbidities that may accompany these disorders, such as ADHD, learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Through hands-on activities, participants will experience firsthand what it’s like to live with ASD, examining the challenges their clients, students, or patients face. This workshop will also explore brain function in autism, allowing participants to grasp the neurological underpinnings that contribute to the social communication and behavioral difficulties seen in individuals with autism.

Managing Challenging Behaviours and Enhancing Social Communication: Evidence-Based Interventions and Practical Strategies for ASD and SCD

Part 2 of this one-day workshop will focus on evidence-based interventions and practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and enhancing social communication in children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD). Building on the foundational knowledge from Part 1, this session will focus on practical, hands-on tools to support behavior change, teach social communication skills, and create supportive environments in home, school, and community settings.

Dr. Cara Marker Daily will explore behavioral strategies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for promoting self-regulation and reducing anxiety. Participants will learn how to integrate social communication interventions such as PECS, turn-taking, and social skills training into their practices.

Additionally, participants will focus on modifying environmental factors (both home and classroom settings) to support the individual’s growth and behavior management. Emphasis will be placed on creating environments that promote social skills development and reduce triggers for challenging behaviors. Special attention will also be given to preparing children and young adults with ASD and SCD for independent living and adulthood, addressing topics like sex education, work readiness, and transitioning to the workforce.