A visiting research scholar to The University of Queensland (UQ) will present a workshop this weekend focusing on new and innovative approaches to dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The workshop is organised by the College of Clinical Psychologists Queensland of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Robert Accordino, a PhD student from Oxford University in England, received a Fulbright Scholarship to allow him to further develop his research on individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Currently based in UQ’s School of Psychology, Mr Accordino will present his research on auditory processing of those with autism and how these individuals’ hearing affects their ability in the domains of music and language.
A panel discussion will follow this which will involve local agencies that work directly with children and adults with autism. Participants include representatives from Asperger’s Syndrome Support Network Queensland, Autism Queensland, Dr Deb Keen, developer of the Interactive DVD program “Being responsive: you and your child with autism”, and author Josie Santomauro who produces books specifically for those with autism and their families.
“The incidence of autism in the community is much higher than we ever thought with around 6 in 1,000 people affected by this condition. This workshop will enable participants to gain new knowledge on the range of autism spectrum disorders as well as help to create important links which in turn will better service those with ASD in Queensland,” said Mr Accordino.
Mr Accordino said the workshop would also be an opportunity to recognise two outstanding individuals, Valerie Preston and Ann Heaslop, who had devoted their professional careers to improving the quality of life for those with autism and will be guests of honour at the workshop. “Valerie and Ann, both of whom spent over 10 years as employees of Autism Queensland and are currently working at Education Queensland, will be honoured for their selfless service and continued commitment to improving the level of service to those with autism spectrum disorders in the community.”
Mr Accordino said he hoped the workshop proved a valuable opportunity to develop new linkages and one-on-one connections between like minded participants and presenters in Queensland.
“We want to aid these wonderful organisations that work with those in the state with autism in publicly conveying their purpose and presence," he said. "Last November, the APS ran a similar workshop, and the feedback was very positive. We decided once again to bring these groups of people together to benefit the lives of those with autism in the community.”
The workshop will be held this Saturday June 4 from 9am-12.30pm at The University of Queensland. Registration is open to members of the public who can contact Paul Harnett at UQ on 3365 6723 for further details.
Media: Media are invited to attend the workshop this weekend. For further information contact Robert Accordino on 0410 648 096 or r.accordino@psy.uq.edu.au
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