Workshops

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2007 Annual COSAC Conference

Keynote

The Issues in Autism portion of the COSAC Conference kicked off on May 18th with the keynote panel entitled, “Embracing and Including Individuals with Autism: Strategies for Success.” The distinguished panel, moderated by Dr. Deborah Spitalnik and including Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, Dr. Linda Meyer, and Dr. Peter Gerhardt, provided state-of-the-art strategies for assessment, intervention, and evaluation for inclusion as well as valuable examples of how to integrate individuals with autism of varying ability levels throughout their lifespan.
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, Dr. Linda Meyer, Dr. Deborah Spitalnik and Dr. Mary Jane Weiss

Poster Presentation

Our annual Poster Session immediately followed the keynote session. Poster Session Chairperson Dr. Linda Meyer was very pleased COSAC was able to offer professional development credit for poster session presenters.

The Quest Autism Foundation also presented Diana Zitelli and Lori Bechner of Educational Partnership for Instructing Children (EPIC) an award for the best poster addressing an adult issue. The poster was entitled "Reducing Rapid Food Consumption in and Adolescent with Autism."
COSAC's Annual Poster SessionLori Bechner of Educational Partnership for Instructing Children (EPIC)

Workshops

This year’s conference offered 77 workshops that covered the full age range and needs of people with autism and their families. In addition, COSAC offered Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) continuing education credits.  Attendees chose 7 from 20 BACB workshops and earned a maximum of 14.4 continuing education credits.
The Quest Autism Foundation presented Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Megan Atthowe with a Quest award for the best presentation addressing adult issues. The presentation was entitled, “Sexuality, Education and Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
Megan Atthowrn and Dr. Peter Gerhardt

Awards Ceremony

The 2007 Awards Presentation & Reception proved to be the highlight of the Conference, with more than 150 guests attending the uplifting presentation. Award winners were selected because of their caring, generosity and dedication to people with autism.
COSAC Board of Trustees President, Michael Aquion and family.Assembly Speaker Joesph Roberts and COSAC Executive Director Linda MeyerAwards-Dinner-Pix.gif

Click here to see photos of all 2007 COSAC Award Winners.

Gold Member Lunch

Our Gold Member Luncheon attracted more than 80 guests. During this invitational event, Dr. Linda S. Meyer was formally introduced as COSAC’s incoming Executive Director. Winners of COSAC's 2nd Annual Sibling Essay Contest, Erich Seeger, Morgan Sweeney and Sara Rich were also present to recite their winning submissions.
4th grade Sibling Essay Winner Erich Seegar with his two younger brothers Philipp (left) and Jacob (right).7th grade Sibling Essay Winner Morgan Sweeney with her brother Nicolas.