Bakersfield.com

On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Kern Autism Network will present “Behaviors, Tantrums and Meltdowns in the Home—Autism,” a workshop for parents, teachers and anyone working with autistic individuals.  The workshop will be held at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office, 1300 - 17^th Street, Room 1B, in Bakersfield, from 8:15 a.m. until noon.

Presenter Gerald Lavarias, MS, is Co-owner and Director of Services from Multilevel Applications & Positive Support Services (MAPSS), a local educational and behavioral services, non-public agency.

Mr. Lavarias has worked in special education for 11 years.  He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University of Bakersfield and a Master’s of Science in Psychology:  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through California State University of Los Angeles (CSULA) (an accredited and highly recommended university among experts and qualified professionals).

His professional training, experience, and education are based primarily in the field of ABA.  He is known for his expertise in demonstrating, implementing, training, supervising, and coordinating ABA program approaches across toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with special needs such as autism and other learning disabilities through private and public companies.

He has conducted presentations and workshops in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, including state conferences such as the Annual California ABA Conference (2005).  His philosophy is to provide ABA applications in the most functional, practical, and effective way to families in order to create the best quality of life for their child.

Topics will include:  identifying challenging behaviors; defining tantrum-related behaviors; what typically activates challenging behaviors; what to do before behaviors occur; methods that can be taught; providing strategies when tantrums occur; appropriate reinforcing strategies; and integrating and blending strategies into home and community environments.

Join other parents and professionals in a discussion about why challenging behaviors (e.g., tantrums and meltdowns) occur and what are several practical and functional ways to use them at home.  There will be opportunities to discuss and share accounts about this topic in order to empower you with suggestions and information.

Reservations are on a first come, first served basis.  Current KAN paid members with membership card are free.  Non-members $5 per person to be collected at the door by check or cash (sorry, no credit cards or PO's).  Seating is limited to 60 and reservations are required.  To register to attend, contact Ramona Puget at 661-588-4235 or email kernautism@gmail.com.

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County.  For more information, visit our website at www.kernautism.org.