This virtual event will be packed with great information for families who have a loved one with Down syndrome or Down syndrome and Autism.

Erika Perkins, Ed.D., LABA, BCBA has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2016. She has experience working in schools and in-home and has serviced individuals ranging from 3-22 with varying diagnoses. This includes Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, rare genetic diagnoses, and more. She is fluent in American Sign Language and holds a Doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction. As a BCBA, she hopes to provide individuals and their families strategies to work through and decrease challenging behaviors, and increase replacement behaviors, leisure skills, activities and daily living, social skills, and more.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapy that supports those with challenging behaviors. It is often used to treat those with Autism, but can be used with those diagnosed with a variety of disabilities. ABA can support those with aggression, self-injurious behavior, impulse challenges, transition challenges, and more. At the end of Erika's presentation, Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Corresponding Strategies, attendees will be able to understand Applied Behavior Analysis and identify strategies that can be used to support individuals with extra needs ages 3 and up.

Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L has worked as an occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center since 2016 and in the field of occupational therapy since 2001. She earned her degree in occupational therapy from Saint Louis University. She earned her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Most of her work has been with individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Dr. Frank’s experience includes treatment and evaluation as well as facilitating groups for people with Down syndrome, conducting trainings for staff, families, and caregivers, and offering a variety of other educational opportunities internationally. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is also the immediate past President of DSMIG-USA.

Problematic behaviors can impact the independence and community participation of individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Examples of these problematic behaviors may include difficulties with transitioning between activities or places, tolerating medical procedures or devices, staying on task, or completing self-care activities. It can be challenging to determine the reason for these actions. In her presentation, Is it Sensory or is it Behavior?, causes for behavior change and how to determine whether the change is a sensory need, or a behavior issue will be discussed. Additionally, practical strategies will be shared to address both sensory and behavioral needs of individuals with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Virtual Symposium ~ 8/17/24

By Down Syndrome - Autism Connection

Down Syndrome Virtual Symposium ~ 8/17/24