Presented by Elsa Abele, CCC, SLP
Speech pathologist, trainer in pragmatic language groups for social interaction, Antioch University New England, Keene, NH.

Children and adults with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Non-verbal Learning Disabilities, and Language Learning Disabilities are often in need of services to increase their skills in social communication or pragmatic language so that they can succeed in both school and workplace settings. They typically have deficits in Theory of Mind, Central Coherence, and Executive Function that keep them from developing the skills of social interaction. However, the skills can be taught explicitly. This course will focus on treatment for the learning of conversation and listening skills, personal narrative skills, and verbally mediated problem solving using “self-talk.”

Workshop Objectives

Participants will learn:

to define the educational implication of Theory of Mind, Central Coherence Deficit, and Executive Function for these persons.
to list conversational and listening hierarchies and their relationship to the treatment paradigm.
the goals for mastering the language of social interaction (words, intonation, and body language) through explicit teaching.
to summarize the behavioral consequences of the rumbling stage, the meltdown or neurological storm, and the recovery stage. (BS Myles)
to apply personal event narratives in conversation.

Schedule

Day 1
9:00–10:15		Theoretical Foundations for Social Interaction: Theory of Mind, Central Coherence, Executive Function
10:30–12:00		Continued with educational implications
12:00–1:00		Lunch
1:00–2:15		Assessment of strengths and penalizing behaviors Pragmatic Checklist and Prutting Kirshner Protocol
2:30–3:30		Analysis of videotape for identification of penalizing behaviors
Day 2
9:00–10:15		Treatment Groups: goal setting
10:30–12:00		Treatment Groups: organization and content
12:00–1:00		Lunch
1:00–2:15		Infusion of social skills into the school or work community
2:30–3:30		More hands-on ideas for Monday morning. Questions

Continuing Education

Learn more about Continuing Education contact hours and credit.

Registration Information

Registration fees include all materials, a certificate of attendance/continuing education and continental breakfast. Registration deadline is 14 days prior to each event. A late fee will be applied for registrations received following the deadline. Cancellations received in writing fourteen working days prior to the event will be refunded minus a 20 percent administrative fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations within 14 days prior to a scheduled event. Early registration is highly recommended.

Download the Registration Form.

Professional fee: $299
Family member: $259
Late registration fee, within 14 days of the event: $329

For additional information and registration materials, please contact:
Shelley Viles
Director of Continuing Education
603.283.2145

Last Updated: 11/10/08

What Can I Say? What Did You Say?

Developing Pragmatic Language Skills for Social Interaction

A 2-day workshop for informed parents and professionals

Workshop Objectives

Schedule

Day 1

Day 2

Continuing Education

Registration Information