The Autism Seminar & Discussion (ASD) series – sponsored by UC Santa Barbara’s Koegel Autism Center and the Santa Barbara Public Library – will present three informative sessions this fall on October 8, November 12, and December 10. Each free evening runs from 6 – 7:30 pm in the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery, and features both a talk and Q&A.
Dr. Anna Krasno, Clinical Director of the Koegel Autism Center, will give the talk “Navigating Life as an Adult on the Autism Spectrum” on Tuesday, October 8. Adulthood brings increased independence, new relationships and responsibilities, and the need to adapt to new work and educational environments. The discussion will explore what it’s like to live as an adult with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The discussion will also include a panel of adults with autism who will share their experiences and insights. Dr. Krasno will also provide education and information on local resources.
Dr. Ty Vernon, the Director of the Koegel Autism Center and an assistant professor in UCSB’s Department of Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, will moderate the panel “Wisdom from Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum” on Tuesday, November 12. This panel discussion will focus on the experience of raising a child on the autism spectrum. Hear from parents as they describe their experiences on topics such as diagnosis, accessing treatment, supporting siblings, handling developmental transitions, and maintain their own self-care. Dr. Vernon will provide information on local resources for families with children with autism.
Emily Ferguson and Maria Jimenez, doctoral students in UCSB’s Department of Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology (clinical emphasis), will give the talk “Promoting Flexibility One Day at a Time” on Tuesday, December 10. Responding to transitions and unexpected changes in routine is part of daily life. This talk will focus on specific strategies to practice behavioral flexibility throughout the lifespan, including managing transitions and rigid patterns that could interfere with day-to-day activities of social exchanges. Along with Ferguson and Jimenez, a panel of parents will share their experiences practicing flexibility in daily life with their children.
The Koegel Autism Research and Training Center is dedicated to improving the lives and prognoses of children with autism, as well as the lives of their families. It has been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences for its innovative research and teaching methods in a variety of areas, including parent education, language development, and teacher education. It offers a state-of-the-art behavioral approach to autistic children. The Koegel Autism Center is part of The Gevirtz School at UC Santa Barbara.
The monthly Autism Seminar & Discussion (ASD) Program is made possible through collaboration between UCSB’s Koegel Autism Center and the Santa Barbara Library to bring highly engaging and informative content to the local community. It takes place the first Tuesday of each month during the academic school year. The Santa Barbara Public Library is at 40 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara.