In Brief: May 22

Autism summit looks at ‘Social Stories’ technique

The 13th annual autism summit hosted by BGSU on June 6 will focus on “Social Stories™,” a widely used strategy for helping people with autism deal with social concepts as well as challenging life issues. Carol Gray, developer of the technique, will give the keynote address, “The Social Story Trunk in the Attic: Discovering Practical Strategies for Difficult Issues.”

The conference takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Ballroom. Continuing education credits and educator contact hours are available. Students, parents and educators are all welcome.

Attendees will also hear an update on “What’s Happening with Autism? Current Activities within Ohio.”

Gray is an internationally respected author and speaker with 30 years experience as a teacher and consultant working on behalf of children and adults with autism. In 1991, she developed Social Stories™, which is now used worldwide to help people with autism make sense of their environment and develop effective responses. Gray has published on a range of topics related to the education and welfare of people with autism and is the recipient of several awards for her international contributions.

Through the lectures, demonstrations, and activities, participants in the autism summit will learn how Social Stories may be used to support the development of self-esteem, emotion regulation and friendships, as well as how they may be used to explain difficult topics like natural disasters, unwelcome changes, peer-generated violence, divorce, and terminal illness.

The cost of the conference varies by participant. Visit the conference website to learn more and register, or call the Office of University Outreach at 419-372-8181.