AUTISM SOCIETY OF VERMONT

S o c ie ty of Vermont
Au ti s m
U n iv e rs it y of Vermont
tion with on Sciences
In Collabora o m m u n ic a ti
of C
Department

Volume 11
P r esen t s t h e Summer Institute on ASD
11th Annual
2008 Summer Institute on Inside this issue:

Autism Spectrum Disorders Speakers 2

Speakers continued 3
June 23rd—June 27th, 2008 Speakers continued 4
DoubleTree Hotel, South Burlington, VT ASVT Registration for
Conference & Fees 5
8:15 AM—3:00 PM
UVM Course Credit Info 6
Scholarship Form &
Monday and Tuesday, Mark L Sundberg, PhD, BCBA Daily Agenda 7

The Application of Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior to Contact Information 8

the Treatment of Autism
Wednesday, Luke Tsai, MD
Target Audience
Evidence-Based Treatments of
Individuals with ASD and
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) their Family Members,
Thursday, Rhea Paul, PhD, CCC-SLP Speech-Language
Pathologists, General &
A Review of Evidence Practices for Children with ASD Special Educators,
Medical Professionals,
Friday, Pamela J. Wolfberg, PhD Administrators,
Peer Socialization, Imagination and the Child with Autism: Early Childhood
Educators, EEE, FITP,
Integrated Play Paraprofessionals,
School Personnel,
Occupational Therapists,
Hotel Rooms Available at the Conference Site Physical Therapists,
The DoubleTree Hotel will hold rooms for the Autism Conference until May 21, 2008. Psychologists,
Rates are $125 (plus tax/standard room) Limited Availability, Reserve Early. Community Support
Contact the DoubleTree at 1-800-222-8733 for reservations - ask for the Summer Staff,
Institute on ASD Group Rate or reserve online at: www.burlington.doubletree.com Case Managers,
(Group Code ASD) Standard rooms include one king or two double beds. Child Care Providers
1-4 person occupancy - June 22 - June 27. Add 9% tax. and others interested
All rooms have mini refrigerators. in the care of people
with ASD
IMPORTANT: 5 CONFERENCES IN BURLINGTON THIS WEEK,
RESERVE EARLY, NO MATTER WHERE YOU STAY!!
VOLUME 11
PAGE 2

M o n day a n d T u e s day June 23-24, 2008

Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D.,

The Application of Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior to the Treatment of Autism

B. F. Skinner is probably best known as the founder and most significant contributor to modern day
behavioral psychology. His theories and research provided the foundation for the human service
areas known as behavior modification, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and discrete trial training.
His work on language was published in 1957 in his book Verbal Behavior and has provided those
who work with children who have autism with a behaviorally sound approach to language
assessment and intervention that is consistent and compatible with other aspects of ABA.

Day 1 will begin with an overview of the basic components of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior,
followed by the presentation of a new system called, “The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment
and Placement Program (The VB-MAPP).” The VB-MAPP provides a thorough picture of an
individual child’s language and social needs, including potential barriers that may be
preventing a child from progressing in a language intervention program.

Day 2 will focus on how to set up an individualized language and social skills intervention program
based on the results of the VB-MAPP. Procedures for teaching mands, tacts, intraverbals,
matching-to-sample, listener skills, and social interaction will be presented. Additional topics
discussed over the course of the workshop will include how to set up a verbal behavior classroom,
writing IEPs, data collection, addressing behavior problems, vocal development, choosing
augmentative communication systems, transition to a less restrictive environment, peer interaction,
and self-stimulation.

Educational Objectives:
1. Define the basic elements of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior.
2. Explain how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can help children with autism.
3. Describe the basic features of the VB-MAPP.
4. Describe how to teach manding and intraverbal skills to children with autism.

About the Speaker

Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA received his doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western
Michigan University (1980), under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. Dr. Sundberg is the co-author of the
books The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills: The ABLLS, Teaching Language to Children
with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities, and A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior. He has
published over 45 professional papers, including a recent book chapter titled “Verbal Behavior” in the new
edition of Applied Behavior Analysis by Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007). He is the founder and past editor
of the journal The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, a twice past-president of The Northern California Association
for Behavior Analysis, a past-chair of the Publication Board of ABA: International, and was a member the
BACB committee that developed the BCBA and BCABA Task Lists. Dr. Sundberg has given over 450 national
and international conference presentations and workshops, and taught 80 college courses on behavior
analysis, verbal behavior, sign language, and child development. He is a licensed psychologist in private
practice who consults for programs and classrooms that serve children with autism in the San Francisco Bay
Area. Dr. Sundberg has received a number of awards, including the 2001 “Distinguished Psychology
Department Alumnus Award” from Western Michigan University.
VOLUME 11 PAGE 3

W e d n e s day, J u n e 2 5 , 2 0 0 8
Luke Tsai, M.D.
Evidence-Based Treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This presentation will review the literature regarding the dimension of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
including the subtypes and the co-existing neuro-psychiatric disorders. Based on extensive literature review
and the presenter’s more than 25 years of clinical experience, he will present evidence-based medical and
non-medical treatments/interventions of ASD.
Educational Objectives:
1. Identify co-existing neuro-psychiatric disorders of ASD and the neurochemical basis for using
medications in individuals with ASD.
2. Explain the medication treatment used for individuals with ASD.
3. Describe the role of parents and/or other caregivers in the medication treatment of ASD.
4. Describe the effectiveness of non-medical interventions of ASD.
About the Speaker
Dr. Luke Tsai is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. He is also a
Research Scientist at the Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts;
and an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in Ohio and at Beijing Medical
University in China. Dr. Tsai was named a Diplomat in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry and is certified by the American
Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and
Founder and Director of Developmental Disorders/Autism Program of University of Michigan Medical Center. He serves
as a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and is an Editorial Board member of the
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Tsai was a former Editorial Board member of Focus on Autistic Behavior.
He is a member of the Review Panel of the Journal of American Psychiatric Association and an Advisory Committee
Member of American Psychiatry Association DSM-IV Pervasive Developmental Disorder Subcommittee.
Dr. Tsai is a scholar, a researcher, a teacher, a father of a young man with autism, and a friend of individuals with
Autism and related disorders. He has received awards and honors for his work with individuals with neuro-psychiatric
disorders. He has been selected by his professional peers as one of the Best Doctors in America. He is much sought
after nationally and internationally as a speaker, consultant and researcher. He is widely published and his publications
include more than 80 articles and 35 books or chapters. Dr. Tsai is the author of Taking the Mystery out of Medication in
Autism/Asperger Syndromes. His research interests include: diagnosis and classification of Pervasive Developmental
Disorders, and genetic, neuro-imaging, and psycho-pharmacological studies of developmental disorders and ASD.

T h u r s day, J u n e 2 6 , 2 0 0 8
Rhea Paul, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
A Review of Evidence-Practices for Children with ASD
This presentation will review current findings in three areas crucial to working with children on the
autism spectrum. This includes the identification and differential diagnosis of ASD in young children,
evidence-based practices for teaching language to pre-linguistic children with ASD, and evidence
based practices for enhancing social skills in children with ASD. The presentation will review current
research, describe methods for critically appraising published research, and highlight research
studies that provide credible evidence on practices in the three areas described above.
Educational Objectives:
1. Critique research studies in communication treatment for children with ASD and assign levels of evidence
2. Discuss behavioral assessments and observations used to distinguish ASD from other communication
disorders in young children.
3. Integrate information from a review of evidence-based practices for pre-linguistic children with ASD to
identify practices likely to be effective for children at varying levels of pre-linguistic development.
4. List components of social skills training programs found to be most effective for increasing interactive
behaviors of children with ASD. (continued on the next page)
VOLUME 11 PAGE 4
About the Speaker (continued)
Rhea Paul, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is Professor of Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State
University and Lecturer, at the Yale Child Study Center. She received her Master’s degree in Reading and
Learning Disabilities from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1974 and her PhD. in Communication
Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981. She is author of over 70 journal articles,
30 book chapters and seven books. She has been Principal Investigator on research projects on
language disorders and autism funded by the National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders,
the National Institute of Child Health and Development, the National Alliance for Autism Research, the Meyer
Memorial Trust, and the Oregon Medical Foundation. She is currently engaged in a five-year research
program funded by a Mid-Career Development Award from the National Institute of Deafness and
Communication Disorders. Paul has participated in a variety of expert panels and boards for the Connecticut
and Oregon State Departments of Education, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the
Institute of Medicine, and the National Institutes of Health. She has served as Vice President of both the
Oregon and Connecticut State Speech-Language-Hearing Associations. Dr. Paul was the winner of the 1996
Editor’s Award for the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. She is also a Fellow of American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

F r i day, J u n e 2 7 , 2 0 0 8
Pamela J. Wolfberg, PhD
Peer Socialization, Imagination and the Child with Autism: Integrated Play

This presentation describes the unique and complex challenges children on the autism spectrum encounter in
peer relations and play. Participants will become familiar with the principles and practices comprising
Integrated Play Groups, a model designed to support children with autism (novice players) in mutually
enjoyed play experiences with typical peers/siblings (expert players) within home, school, community and
therapy settings. Based on award-winning research, the IPG model has been found to be effective in
enhancing reciprocal social interaction, communication, play and imagination in children of diverse ages and
abilities with autism, Asperger’s and related social-communicative needs.

Educational Objectives:
1. Explain the nature of autism spectrum disorders, peer relations and play.
2. List the principles of the Integrated Play Groups model.
3. Describe methods for assessing social and symbolic play variations in children on the autism spectrum.
4. Describe methods to guide children’s peer socialization, communication, play and imagination.
5. Explain supportive play environments.
6. Identify ways to design quality peer play programs.

About the Speaker

Pamela Wolfberg, PhD is associate professor of special education and director of the Autism Spectrum
Program (Project Mosaic) at San Francisco State University. She received her doctorate from the University
of California, Berkeley with SFSU in 1994. Her research and practice focus on peer relations, play and
childhood culture as related to the social inclusion of children on the autism spectrum. As originator of the
Integrated Play Groups model, she leads widespread efforts to develop inclusive peer play programs
worldwide. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, books and chapters. She co-edited a
special issue on play in Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice (2003) and a new academic
text: Learners on the Autism Spectrum: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators (in press). Her books include
Play and Imagination in Children with Autism (1999/2nd revised edition in press) and Peer Play and the
Autism Spectrum: The Art of Guiding Children's Socialization and Imagination (2003). She is the recipient of
several distinguished awards for her scholarship, research and service to the community.
VOLUME 11 PAGE 5

C o n f e r e n c e r e g i s t r at i o n
Conference Fees:
_____ Monday and Tuesday (No one day rate): $300.00 Subtotal:
BCBA/BCABA Continuing Educations Credits are available at the conference.
_____ Wednesday: Conference Fee $150.00 Subtotal:
_____ Thursday: Conference Fee $150.00 Subtotal:
Friday: Conference Fee $150.00 Subtotal:
ASHA CEUs ($15.00 per day) Days Subtotal:
Total Due:
_____ Parent/Individual with ASD: Please check day/days you wish to attend
(Please fill out questionnaire on Page 7 you do not need to send any fees at this time)

REGISTRATION FORM
Confirmation will be MAILED to all participants.
Name: Day Phone:
Organization:
Address:
Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Fax Number: Email:
Payment by: Check #
Purchase Order # (Please attach Purchase Order to registration)
Credit Card Visa Mastercard Exp Date /
Card Number
Signature
MAIL REGISTRATION TO: ASVT PO BOX 978
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT 05001
FAX REGISTRATIONS TO: 802-457-3126

QUESTIONS? Call Jen Thody at 1-802-457-3764 or 1-800-559-7398

OR email LWL321@AOL.COM

Leslie Ann Ring Memorial Scholarship Fund

Limited Scholarships are available to Personal Care Attendants, Community Support Workers,
Paraprofessionals, Developmental Service Home Providers or Foster Parents
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please fill out registration form and
send a letter that includes the following :
• Biographical information (Please include evening email and phone contact)
• Why you would like to attend the conference and
• A letter of support from the parent of the individual you work with or
agency/school where you are employed.
Mail to: ASVT PO Box 978 White River Junction VT 05001 Attn: Leslie Ann Ring Fund
VOLUME 11 PAGE 6

U V M C our se C r edit R egi st rati on Op ti on s

Please choose one of the two registration options below in order to enroll in the Summer Institute on Autism
Spectrum Disorders and receive UVM credit. If at any time during the registration process you
2. Pay your bill
experience difficulty or have questions please contact CMSI Program Assistant at 802-656-3861 or
802-656-0201.
Please Note: We encourage all students to register for courses online. This will ensure immediate
enrollment in the courses selected.
The course information you need to register is: UVM Course Title: Summer Autism Institute

1 . You May Reg i st er O nli ne

Returning Students—If you have registered for a UVM course in the last ten years. Please fill out the online
registration form found on the Registrar’s website at https://www.uvm.edu/~rgweb/
Please verify your address and phone number for accuracy.
New Students— If you have never enrolled in a UVM course or not in the last ten years. Please fill out the
online registration form found on Continuing Education’s website at https://learn.uvm.edu/

2. You May Mail/Fax in your Credit Registration Form

You may use the paper form found in the back of the Summer FOCUS catalog, or you may use the following
link to access and print out a hard copy registration form at: https://learn.uvm.edu/ After entering all
information requested, sign and date the form.
Mail your registration form to: Registrars Office Summer University
University of Vermont Waterman Building
85 South Prospect St
Burlington VT 05405-0160
Or Fax to the Registrar at 802-656-8230

UVM Students—What to do Before your First Class

Make sure you are ready for class. Here’s a list of important things to do after you are registered and before
you attend your first class. The information below pertains to credit courses.

1. Activate your net id

UVM creates an email account for all students. Important messages from UVM, such as course syllabi,
messages from your instructor and other important university information, including billing, will only be sent to
this email address. So please take a minute to activate your account.
Go to https://www.uvm.edu/account to activate your official email account, Net ID, and learn about the
different options for reading and forwarding your mail, accessing online courses. You will be able to read
your email via the web at https://webmail.uvm.edu, or you can set up your account to automatically forward
your UVM email to another account you may already be using.

UVM only sends electronic bills to students through their UVM email address . It’s important to activate your
account right away! Summer session bills are subject to a $200 late fee if the payment is not received by the
due date. Consult https://www.uvm.edu/sfs or call 802-656-5700 to learn about your options for paying
your bill and viewing your student account. All account balances must be paid prior to future course registra-
tion and receipt of grades, transcript or diploma.
DO NOT CONTACT THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF VERMONT—THEY CANNOT ASSIST YOU
 VOLUME 11 SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST FORM PAGE 7
The following information is confidential.
Number of Individuals in your family diagnosed with ASD: Ages:
When did you/your child receive the diagnosis? Do you suspect ASD but have not yet received
diagnosis? How long after you suspected ASD did receive the diagnosis? Months Years
If you have not heard of any of the services/supports and/or information listed below put a “?” in the
box next to the service. We will have information available at the conference.
Are you enrolled in: (Check all that apply) Family Infant and Toddler Project:
Essential Early Education: Children with Special Health Needs:
Developmental Services: ____________ Mental Health Services: _______________________
Is your child on the waiting list for any of the above?: Yes _____ No: _____ How long? ______
Does the child receive personal care services? Yes _____ No _____ Number of Hours: _____
Do you have a copy of The Agency of Human Services System of Care Plan?: Yes ____ No ____
Do you have a copy of Parental Rights? Yes: _____ No: _____ Do you home school?: Yes _____
Is your child on an IFSP: IEP: 504 Plan: Other: _____
Has the individual graduated from high school? _____ Please check current services:
Adult Services for support in community and/or on job site: ______ Mental Health: ______
Vocational Rehabilitation: _____ Respite: _____ Case Management: _____
Developmental Home Provider: _____ Other (Please List) _______________________________
County of Residence:
Are you in need of full financial assistance to be able to attend? Yes: No:
Are you able to pay a portion of the registration? If so, how much? We will be in touch!

Daily Agenda
7:30-8:15 AM Registration—Please arrive before 8:00 AM if it is your first day.
8:15-8:30 Announcements and Speaker Introduction
8:30-10:00 Speaker Presentation
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-12:00 Speaker Presentation
12:00-1:15 Lunch
1:15-3:00 Speaker Presentation
3:00-3:30 Break
3:30-5:30 Class Session for UVM Credit Students
* * *
3:30-5:30PM Free Mini workshops for Interested Families and Providers
(See Program insert) http://www.uvm.edu/cmsi/?Page=institute/default.html or
www.autism-info.org after 4/30/2008.

The University of Vermont, Department of Communication Sciences is approved by the

Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to
provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This
program is offered for 1.0 CEUs for the combined Monday-Tuesday session and .5 for each of the
following days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday --for a total of 2.5 CEUs (Intermediate level;
Professional area) for the entire week. ASHA CE Provider approval does not imply
endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
Autism Society of Vermont NON-PROFIT
PO Box 978 U.S. Postage
PAID
White River Junction VT 05001
Permit No. 80
White River Jct
VT 05001

11th annual Summer Institute on ASD June 23-27th

2 0 0 8 C o n f e r e n c e i n f o r m at i o n
Scholarships: Full scholarships are available to Individuals with ASD. Partial or full scholarships are
available to parents of children/adults suspected of or having the diagnosis of ASD.
Limited scholarships are available for service providers through the Leslie Ann Ring Memorial Scholarship
Fund. For all scholarship information see page 5.
Conference Fees include: 2 Breaks, Lunch and all handouts each day of the conference.
University of Vermont Students: If you are attending as a credit student through the University of
Vermont, you must follow the instructions on page 6. You will NOT be registering through the ASVT.
Note: The Mandatory $525 conference fee is added to the student’s bill.
Cancellation Policy: Registrations cancelled by May 26th will be refunded but will pay a $35.00 processing
fee. All registrations cancelled after May 26th will not be refunded.
Confirmations: You will receive confirmation for your registration by email or fax. If you register in June,
we will send out confirmations as soon as possible.
Registration is limited: We will do all we can to accommodate all attendees. Register early!
Special Accommodations: Please let us know as soon as possible if you are in need of any special
accommodations by emailing or calling the Autism Society of Vermont.
For questions about billing or any other details contact: Jenn Thody at 1-802-457-3764 or 1-800-559-7398.