Spectrum Center Schools and Programs will host the 2012 STAR Parent Conference and Resource Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at the Spectrum Center Tara Hills Campus in San Pablo, Calif. Families in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties who have young children on the autism spectrum are invited to attend and learn more about local services, treatment, advocacy and research.
2012 STAR Parent Conference on Autism is April 21
Families in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties can Register Now
For Immediate Release
San Pablo, Calif. (April 13, 2012) – Spectrum Center Schools and Programs will host the 2012 STAR Parent Conference and Resource Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at the Spectrum Center Tara Hills Campus in San Pablo, Calif. Families in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties who have young children on the autism spectrum are invited to attend and learn more about local services, treatment, advocacy and research.
“The STAR Conference provides convenient access to medical, educational and social resources for parents whose children have an autism spectrum disorder,” said Amy Crye, Conference Chair and Assistant Vice President of Autism Services at Spectrum Center.
“The conference brings together physicians, specialists and knowledgeable caregivers to share expertise about key issues impacting families living with autism, such as parenting challenges, treatment options, education and planning for their child’s future. It also provides parents an opportunity to share daily joys and challenges while building a network of help and understanding.”
Workshop sessions will include “The Brain, the Immune System, and Autism,” presented by David Amaral, Ph.D., Research Director, UC Davis MIND Institute; “Autism and Parenting: Making the Most of a Quirky Family,” presented by Laura Shumaker, parent, advocate and author; and “Understanding Treatment Approaches: Choosing for Your Child,” presented by Mimi Lou, Ph.D., Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland and Andrew Shahan, Easter Seals East Bay. Conference presentations will be followed by lunch and the Resource Fair.
The STAR Conference registration fee is $35.00 per person and $50.00 per family; breakfast and lunch are included. Registration is open until April 16, and a limited number of scholarships and childcare stipends are available. To register, visit www.SpectrumSchools.com or www.wecarechildren.org/AFSP. For more information, please contact Amy Crye at (510) 741-5440 or acrye@spectrumschools.com.
About the STAR Conference
The first Services, Treatment, Advocacy and Research (STAR) Conference for parents and care providers was held in 2002, and the event is held biannually during Autism Awareness Month. Presenting Sponsors of the 2012 event are Area Board 5 of The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Alameda Department of Developmental Disabilities, Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, VistAbility, Contra Costa Department of Developmental Disabilities, Easter Seals East Bay, Family Resource Network, Regional Center of the East Bay, Spectrum Center Schools and Programs and We Care Services for Children..
About Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
For more than 35 years, Spectrum Center has served children with challenging educational and behavioral needs and helped them advance educationally and behaviorally. Spectrum Center collaborates with more than 110 public school district special education departments to operate nonpublic schools for students ages five to 22 who have a wide variety of special needs and disabilities. Its schools and programs have the highest rating given by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the organization that accredits California schools. Spectrum Center is a division of Educational Services of America (ESA), the nation’s leading provider of special and alternative education.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Amy Crye
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
(510) 741-5440
acrye@spectrumschools.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Robin Embry
Lovell Communications Inc.
(615) 297-7766
robin@lovell.com
