Leaders in autism services will share the latest research and advancements at this year’s Princeton Lecture series, hosted by Eden Autism on Thursday, April 27. The event, with a focus on “Adolescents with Autism and the Transition to Adulthood,” takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Munich RE Conference Center — 665 College Road East. Virtual attendance is also available.
The series features Alyssa Siegel, MD, clinical director of CHOP’s NJ Transition to Adult Coordinated Care Program, who will present “Changes of Puberty in Individuals with I/DD: Body and Behavior.”
At CHOP, Dr. Siegel leads a multi-disciplinary team to provide direct patient care, coordination of complex medical care, and social support to a growing population of teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. Her presentation will cover the special considerations of puberty for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Alissa Brooke, director of employment research training at Virginia Commonwealth University, who will present “Strategies That Lead to the Hiring and Retention of Workers with Disabilities: The Role of the Employment Specialist.”
Brooke is devoted to developing and honing the skills and techniques required to build trusting relationships with employers and disseminating this information to others in the field.
Paul Wehman, director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, presents “Building a Neurodiverse Workforce: Employers and Educators Helping to Unlock the Work Potential of Youth with Autism.”
Wehman’s interdisciplinary background and work in the beginning of supported employment has facilitated thousands of persons with physical disabilities, mental health issues, developmental disabilities, brain injury, and spinal cord injury to enter competitive integrated employment.
Rounding out the lineup is Mary Jane Weiss, chief learning officer at Eden Autism Services and a professor at Endicott College, who will present “The Big Picture of Autism and Adulthood: Ensuring Dignity, Happiness, Meaningful Engagement, and Quality of Life.”
Admission for in-person attendance is $100 and includes breakfast and lunch. Virtual registration is $50. The event is free for students, and CEUs and Professional Development hours are also available. For more information or to register, visit edenautism.org/princeton-lecture-series.
