The Institute for Child Development presents the 4th Annual Binghamton Regional Center for ASD Spring Conference for Parents, Educators, and Providers:  2021 Conference Theme:  Promoting Health and Physical Activity.

Livestream and on demand options are available, but the BEST deal is to purchase tickets for the livestream conference, which gives you FREE access to the conference proceedings on demand for two months following the event!

Come for two resource-filled workshops by experts in physical activity and health featuring:

Dr. Colombo-Dougovito of University of North Texas and Dr. Pangelinan of Auburn University.

Livestream and on demand options are available, but the BEST deal is to purchase tickets for the livestream conference, which gives you FREE access to the conference proceedings on demand for two months following the event!

Come for two resource-filled workshops by experts in physical activity and health featuring:

Dr. Colombo-Dougovito of University of North Texas and Dr. Pangelinan of Auburn University.

Workshop I:  Navigating Access: Modifying the Environment to Leverage the Strengths of Autistic Youth Andrew M. Colombo-Dougovito, Ph.D., CAPE Assistant Professor of Motor Behavior & Sport Pedagogy University of North Texas

Physical activity is a key modifiable factor in the pursuit of positive health comes for all individuals as they age.  Unfortunately, autistic individuals have been shown to engage in less physical activity and are more likely to have poorer health outcomes compared to non-autistic peers.  For many autistic individuals, their lower engagement in physical activity is not due to a lack of motivation or a limited understanding of its importance, but is a result of issues related to access.  In this presentation, we will explore the barriers for access to physical activity for many autistic individuals, then examine practical, evidenced strategies that leverage individual strengths to provide successful opportunities.

Workshop II:  The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Melissa Pangelinan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Director of the Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Lab School of Kinesiology – Auburn University

The CDC recommends that children and adolescents achieve 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each day to positively impact health, which has been associated with improved sleep in typically developing children and adolescents.  However, children and adolescents with ASD are less likely to participate in regular physical activity and exercise than their peers and between 40-80% of children and adolescents with ASD report sleep problems.  Only recently have studies examined the relationship between physical activity and sleep in individuals with ASD.  This presentation will describe the development, implementation, and effects of adapted physical activity, sport, and exercise programs for children and adolescents with ASD.  Data will be presented to support that it is necessary to achieve high levels of daily MVPA (i.e., at least the recommended daily amount of MVPA) to have immediate and consistent effects on sleep outcomes in children and adolescents with and without ASD. Practical strategies for helping individuals with ASD meet daily physical activity recommendations and improve sleep will be shared.  Finally, perspectives will be provided on necessary directions for future research, particularly related to the interaction between medications and sleep outcomes for children and adolescents with ASD.

Individuals with ASD and their family members attend FREE with registration at this site! Low-cost registration for professionals and students from NY.  Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-institute-for-child-development-brcasd-2021-conference-registration-135589400547?fbclid=IwAR1ASjENyKz–HXtLn2qVGNNnqU7zkMhMbEZpqDgyOz5w-BT3LG0O2IMXgo