2 DAY

PROGRAM OUTLINE

3RD - 4TH, APRIL, 2014 CYBERPORT - POK FU LAM

8:30AM - 4:30PM

2 DAY PROGRAM OUTLINE

8.00 REGISTRATION

8.30 Welcome

8.45 PART 1: Cognitive abilities: A different way of thinking and learning profile

10.30 MORNING TEA

11.00 PART 1: Continue

1.00 LUNCH

1.45 PART 2: Managing feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to manage anxiety, sadness and anger

3.00 AFTERNOON TEA

3.30 PART 2: Continue

4.30 CLOSE

8.00 REGISTRATION

8.30 Welcome

8.45 PART 1: Development of adaptive interpersonal relationship skills for individuals with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

10.30 MORNING TEA

11.00 PART 1: Continue

1.00 LUNCH

1.45 PART 2: Understanding relationships and intimacy in individuals and couples with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

3.00 AFTERNOON TEA

3.30 PART 2: Continue

4.30 CLOSE

COGNITIVE ABILITIES: A DIFFERENT WAY OF THINKING AND LEARNING PROFILE The unusual profile of cognitive abilities associated with Asperger’s Syndrome is described with an emphasis on the profile of intellectual abilities, problems with executive function, attention and weak central coherence. Strategies are described to improve attention, organizational skills and academic achievement.

MANAGING FEELINGS: COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY TO MANAGE ANXIETY, SADNESS AND ANGER The presentation explains why children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome are more prone to develop mood disorders and also explains strategies that can help such individuals learn about and manage emotions. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy includes affective education and cognitive restructuring, i.e. improving the understanding of emotions and changing the way the person perceives and responds to emotions. The concept of an emotional toolbox is used to provide a greater range of strategies to manage feelings.

DEVELOPMENT OF ADAPTIVE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP SKILLS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROMEThe presentation will elaborate on strategies to improve the social and sexual skills of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome:

UNDERSTANDING RELATIONSHIPS AND INTIMACY IN INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLE WITH AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROMENumerous issues are raised with intimate relationships between an individual with AS and a neurotypical partner. In a couple, the expression of traits and behaviours linked to AS vary according to several factors such as prior experiences, self-disclosure, acceptance of the syndrome, quality of communication, family situation, mutual support, partner motivation, and many more. We will explore issues such as development, intimacy, empathy, sexual desire and commitment.

Dr. Tony Attwood Dr. Isabelle Henault

1. Friendship: Personal values, personality and interpreting different messages

2. Emotions: ‘Mind Reading’ software, how to read emotions of the face, expressing emotions related to sexuality

3. Communication: Verbal and non verbal communication and the ‘Theory of Mind’

4. Sexual behaviour: Enhancing appropriate behaviours, hyper and hypo-sensitivity of the body

5. Intimacy: Intimacy in couples and families, misinterpretations and demands

6. Interpersonal relationships in different contexts: School, work, friends & couples

THE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO VENUES OVER TWO DAYS AND WILL BE PRESENTED SIMULTANEOUSLY.

MORNING TEA, LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA ARE PROVIDED.

SEE THE ABILITY, NUTURE THE POTENTIAL

SEE THE ABILITY, NUTURE THE POTENTIAL

CONFERENCE ADDRESS:Cyberport 3, CORE F, 100 Cyberport Road,Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

CONFERENCE PARTNERS

Terms and Conditions. No cancellations will be accepted upon registration confirmation. The conference fees are non-refundable. No show will be charged and payments are non-refundable. Substitution of another person is allowed with updated details input in the booking system. Alterations may be made to this conference. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, English Schools Foundation and The Hong Kong Institute of Education accepts no responsibility for the monies incurred by participants. Only prepaid registration will be accepted on the conference day.

MORE INFORMATION:p. (852) 3762 2523 e. ASDconference@esfc.edu.hk