Seminars Across the Spectrum

Seminars Across the Spectrum is our ongoing lecture series that spotlights important Autism related issues and topics to help educate the general public as well as provide support to members of the Autism community. Each presentation features a different guest lecturer or lecturers who has direct experience in a field related to their particular topic.

 2022 Presentations 

Preparing Tweens & Teens for Adulthood

Jan 12, 2022 | 7:30 pm

Watch Autism Society of Texas’ Seminar Across The Spectrum presentation, “Preparing Tweens & Teens for Adulthood”, presented by Jennifer Hines, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. Jennifer Hines discusses practical things you can do to prepare your adolescent for adulthood, ideas and strategies for learning needed independent living skills, and practical approaches that can be replicated at home and in the community. She also touches on cultivating simple pre-employment skills to prepare your tween or teen for employment.

 
 
 

 2021 Presentations 

Demystifying Girls & Women on the Spectrum
March 4, 2021 | 7:00 pm
Dr. Ruth Aspy & Dr. Barry Grossman from the Ziggurat Group will discuss recognizing & diagnosing Autism in women and girls, as well as why it’s often missed. They will also provide helpful information for women on the spectrum, and for parents/caregivers of girls on the spectrum.
 
Autism Acceptance: Talking With Your Child About Their Diagnosis
April 1, 2021 | 7:30 pm
Understanding and embracing an Autism diagnosis and receiving support from family and community members can lead to increased self-awareness and self-esteem for children, teens, and parents. During this seminar, Dr. Natalie Montfort will discuss strategies for talking with a child or teen about their Autism diagnosis. Dr. Montfort will also provide parents with tips on discussing and explaining an Autism diagnosis to their child, teen, family members as well as the community. 
 
Dr. Natalie Montfort has a Master of Arts Degree and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She completed her doctoral internship with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and her post-doctoral fellowship at The Stewart Center at The Westview School. Dr. Montfort has worked with children and young adults with ASD since 2002, and has experience and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (with children, adolescents, and adults), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, Social Thinking, behavior modification (including Applied Behavior Analysis), and education/ educational assessment. Her areas of interest include assessment of children, adolescents, and adults; cognitive and behavioral differences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders; treatment of adoption-related issues; treatment of childhood trauma; and animal-assisted therapy. 
 
Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities for Children on the Spectrum
May 13, 2021 | 7:30 pm
Dr. Sandy Magaña, PhD, MSW, will discuss racial and ethnic disparities in accessing an Autism diagnosis and therapy for families of color. She will suggest solutions providers can utilize to get evidence-based therapies to families, and how families can be involved in interventions.
 
Dr. Sandy Magaña is a Professor in Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at the University of Texas School of Social Work. Her current research includes investigating racial and ethnic disparities among children with Autism and developmental disabilities and developing culturally relevant interventions to address these disparities.
 
 
 

Education is one of the core services the Autism Society of Texas provides. Help us continue providing educational events like this series by making a donation today! 

Interested in sponsoring our Seminars Across the Spectrum series?
Email adriana@texasautismsociety.org