Greg Dent: Group hosts third annual Autism Conference on Oct. 20

Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, October 11, 2017

More than one in every 100 children in Georgia is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disability that can cause behavioral, social and communication challenges.

Besides those who have one of the several conditions that comprise ASD, countless others — parents, teachers, extended family members and friends — are affected as well.

Two events, one on Friday, Oct. 20, and the other on Saturday, Nov. 11, will be taking place in our area to raise awareness about ASD and to provide resources for those in need of support.

The first is the third annual Autism Conference on Oct. 20 at the Dalton Convention Center, which will provide a forum for all of those affected — including young adults who have ASD — to learn more about the latest research findings on ASD and the latest methods for improving the quality of life for those who have the condition.

A diagnosis of ASD includes several conditions that were once diagnosed separately, conditions like Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

Some children who have ASD fall into the gifted category, while others face severe cognitive challenges that last for their entire lives. But no matter where an individual falls along the spectrum, having ASD creates challenges in terms of how those children, teens and adults are able to communicate, interact, behave and learn.

The Autism Conference is sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership, the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and Cohutta Banking Co.

Four sets of concurrent sessions in three separate tracks — for educators, for parents and for ASD youths transitioning to adulthood — begin at 8:10 a.m. and end by mid-afternoon. A keynote address will be given during the lunch hour, followed by the fourth session and then by breakout sessions. The conference adjourns at 4 p.m.

Educators, professionals and health and social workers are all eligible to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their participation when registering for the conference for an additional $25 fee. Certificates of attendance will be given to attendees at the end of the conference and can be used by teachers and other educators and staff as documentation for their hours toward CEU credits.

Exhibitors will be on hand representing autism-related resource providers, as will advocacy organizations from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Tenn., north Georgia and the surrounding region.

If you are interested in attending, please register in advance until Friday. Registration is also available on the day of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Lunch is included in the registration fee, and door prizes will be announced during the noon meal. If you’re interested in learning more about ASD or need CEUs for your professional development, we hope you will join us that day.

The second event is the All Autism Discovery Museum Event and is Nov. 11 at the Cross Plains Community Partner location in Dalton.

Sponsored by the Creative Discovery Museum of Chattanooga, the event is from 4 to 6 p.m. and will feature a “Science is Art” showcase. Children of all ages are invited to come and experience 10 stations of scientific discovery in a hands-on environment.

Advance registration for this event is limited to 50 children as space is limited. This event is made possible by funding from the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia.

Please feel free to call us at (706) 272-6662 for more information.

Greg Dent is the executive director of the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership.