WNYRCASD Annual Conference

The WNYRCASD Annual Conference includes presentations by experts in the field of autism spectrum disorder on evidence-based interventions and practices shown to improve educational outcomes.


Virtual Conference – Strategies for Helping Children with ASD: Exploring Various Applications of Behavioral Interventions

  • March 23, 2023 (7:50 am – 3:15 pm)
  • Registration: $25
  • Continuing Education Units Available: $15
  • Sponsored by The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • View the flyer here.

To register for the conference, visit https://nysrcasd.org/events/1077/registrations/new 

Click here to view speaker presentations, the conference schedule, and CEU procedure information.

This conference is sponsored by The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for parents, teachers, therapists, and other helping professionals. There continues to be considerable controversy regarding the best approach to ensure that autistic children are learning in school. Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by significant impairments in communication, socialization, and interests. These deficits mean that some learning readiness skills are absent. The field is associated with a great number of instructional / treatment movements to overcome these challenges, but most have not been subjected to objective evaluation. At the same time, evidence-based approaches, are often rejected as too rigid and removed from the natural environment. However, there are a broad range of empirically validated techniques that can be applied in many ways and conditions. This conference will present some of those approaches.

Download flyer for additional information including presenter bios, abstract, learning objectives, and speaker disclosures.

Presentation 1: 8:00 – 9:00 AM

Cultural Responsiveness in Professional Practice: A Commitment to Collective Empowerment
Presented by Margaret Uwayo, Ph.D., BCBA
Kalamazoo Academy for Behavioral & Academic Success (KABAS) and YWCA of Kalamazoo, MI

Presentation 2: 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Progressive ABA with Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recent Advancements in Research and Clinical Practice
Presented by Justin Leaf, Ph.D., CPBA-AP, BCBA-D
Autism Partnership Foundation & Endicott College

Presentation 3: 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM

Increasing Play Complexity in Young Children with Autism and Other Disabilities
Presented by Erin Barton, Ph.D., BCBA,  Associate Professor
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Presentation 4: 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presented by Danny Openden, Ph.D., BCBA
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ

ASHA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA, PSY (Pending) CEUs will be available for a fee of $15.00 each. Please see flyer for additional details.

Please call 716-629-3417 or email wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org with any questions.