Bakersfield.com

On February 29, 2008, the Kern Autism Network will hold its Twelfth Annual Autism Awareness Conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Bakersfield. Featured speakers are Dr. Robert Koegel and Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel of the Koegel Autism Center at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

This is a rare opportunity to hear two international authorities in the field of autism speak in Bakersfield.

Dr. Robert Koegel is the Director of the UCSB Koegel Autism Center, a Professor of Clinical Psychology, and a Professor of Special Education. He has authored five books on the treatment of autism and on positive behavioral support.

Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel, Clinical Director of Autism Services in the UCSB Koegel Autism Center, is co-author and co-editor of major textbooks on autism and positive behavioral support. She is co-author of the bestselling book Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child’s Life.

The Koegels were joint recipients of the first annual Sunny Days Award, presented by Sesame Street Parents and the Children's Television Workshop for brightening the lives of children.

The conference begins at 7 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. Vendors with materials geared toward special needs will be available during the day. For more information, contact Ramona Puget at 661 588-4235 or 342-6566.

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County. They work towards cooperation, coordination and the creation of services between all individuals and agencies working with people with autism. Their website is www.kernautism.org.