Attwood to Speak at Autism Conference

Pictured are Raymond Lewandowski, executive director of Madison Cortland ARC; Angela VanDerhoof, Executive Director of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis and Kevin Crosley, Executive Director of Herkimer ARC.

(Verona, NY) The Madison Cortland ARC, Arc Oneida Lewis, and Herkimer ARC are pleased to be working together to offer a conference on autism this fall.

The conference, “A Complete Guide to Autism / Aspergers Syndrome, From relationships and making friends to emotional management and social skills,” will be offered Nov. 1 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, featuring Dr. Tony Attwood, a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia.

“There are many families who are desperate for information on autism and we are pleased that we can provide this conference for them,” Lewandowski said. “The ARCs have provided hope and supports to thousands of families for many decades. No longer does an individual or a family need to feel isolated and alone. We are here to help. Together, we can unravel the mysteries of autism. I encourage everyone to attend this conference.”

“More and more children today are diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum,” said Angela Z. VanDerhoof, executive director, The Arc, Oneida Lewis. “There are also many adults who were not diagnosed in their youth but who are now recognized as being on the Spectrum. Consequently there is a great need and desire for information so we can understand and interact positively with these individuals. We are indeed fortunate to have the esteemed Dr. Tony Atwood at our conference as we seek such knowledge.”

Attwood has more than 30 years’ experience with individuals with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). He has worked with several thousand individuals, from infants to octogenarians, people with profound disabilities to university professors.

Attwood works in private practice in Brisbane, but is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland. He presents workshops and training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with autism all over the world.

“Having Dr. Attwood, an internationally recognized expert in the field, is truly a great opportunity for individuals to learn from the very best,” said Kevin Crosley, executive director of Herkimer ARC. “The collaboration of the three agencies has opened the door for this incredible one day event. This seminar should not be missed by anyone interested in developing the tools to more adequately manage the difficulty of working, living, and caring for individuals with Autism/Asperger Syndrome. We look forward to his message and are glad that collectively we have been able to bring him to Upstate New York for the benefit of many.”

For more information, contact the Herkimer ARC at 315-574-7812.