Presenter: Peter Vermeulen, Ph.D.

Hosted by: UM-NSU CARD

About the Presenter, Dr. Peter Vermeulen, founder, and CEO of Autism in Context is a psychologist who has authored 15 books on autism that combine science, practical tips, and a touch of humor. He received his Bachelor in Family Sciences and continued on to his Master in Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences from the University of Leuven. In 2002, Dr. Vermeulen earned his Ph.D. in Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences from Leiden University. He has presented around the world in order to help professionals better understand how to use this information in supporting autistic people. In 2019, Dr. Vermeulen received the Passwerk Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 30 years of work in the autism field in Belgium.

Training Description

Target Audience: Educators, Administrators, Paraprofessionals, Other School Personnel, Family Members

This workshop challenges some of our assumptions about autism and discusses implications for supporting learning and social relationships.

In Part 1, Dr. Vermeulen explains the concept of absolute thinking and the predictive coding perspective, which offers some thought-provoking new ideas, dynamic strategies, and potential solutions. Implications for traditional emotion recognition and social skills treatment programs will be discussed.

Part 2 focuses on friendships and relationships, exploring the challenges autistic people face and their friendship experiences. Strategies for teaching and supporting friendships, such as context-sensitive rules and ingredients of friendship will be addressed.

Training Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the concepts of absolute thinking and the predictive coding perspective

2. Discuss how traditional emotion recognition and social skills therapies may not be effective for children with autism

3. Identify key strategies for assisting children with autism in making and keeping friends

Date and time: Sat, Apr 2, 2022, 8:00 AM – Wed, Apr 6, 2022, 11:59 PM EDT

Registration Link: https://issuesinautism2022.eventbrite.com

Contact: CARD@nova.edu or 954-262-7111