October 22, 2009

Dr. Tony Attwood Provides Practical Solutions to Overcoming Barriers

Dr. Philip H. Levy, Chief Executive Officer and President of YAI Network welcomes Dr. Tony Attwood at YAI's Autism Conference.

Over 340 professionals and family members filled the McGraw-Hill auditorium on October 19 to attend a full-day conference, "The Complete Guide to High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Making Friends and Managing Feelings," with Dr. Tony Attwood, one of the world's top experts on Asperger's syndrome and high functioning autism. The event was sponsored by the YAI Autism Center and the YAI Network.

During the conference, Dr. Attwood shared practical solutions to help individuals overcome social and emotional barriers. He addressed a variety of issues, including relationships, encouraging parents to help their children build self-esteem and accept them for who they are. Employment was another key topic, as Dr. Attwood stressed that finding the right job is key to a happy adult life because it provides purpose and status.

Download Dr. Attwood's PowerPoint presentation

Here is what some conference attendees had to say:

• "I came here today with other parents in search of answers," said Rita Abraham, who has a child on the autism spectrum. "Dr. Attwood gave us more than answers; he provided ways to help our children with Asperger's syndrome gain freedom!"
• "This was a great workshop! It deepened my training and taught me real-life advice on how to help people with Asperger's and autism," said Jennifer Rosario a Medicaid Service Coordinator. "I'm thankful to YAI for bringing us all together from different agencies as a community for a common purpose: helping people with disabilities."
• "I learned lots of great insight to help my students who have Aspergers and autism address their emotional and social needs," said Juan Sosa, a special education teacher in the Bronx.
• "I've been to a lot of conferences but I knew Dr. Attwood would be the most knowledgeable. It's validating for me and my family to know that there are other people out there such as my son," said Raizel Friedman, who has a child with Asperger's syndrome.

In addition to providing outstanding services to individuals on the autism spectrum, the YAI Network is at the forefront of the field in promoting information, training, advocacy and public awareness related to autism spectrum disorders.

For more information on how the YAI Network provides cutting-edge autism services, visit the YAI Autism Center (yai.org/autism).