Social Skills Strategies for General and Special Education Settings

Dr. Teresa Herrero-Taylor is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified School Psychologist with a doctorate in school, community and clinical child psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from Pennsylvania State University. She has specialized in the areas of behavior interventions and social skills training for students with a range of behavioral difficulties for more than 10 years. Dr. Herrero-Taylor currently runs an extensive K-6 grade social skills program for a Middlesex district and a summer social skills program for a district in Mercer. In addition to serving as an adjunct at several universities, her trainings have included the topics of managing challenging behavior, positive behavior supports, behavior intervention plans, social skills training, autism, and high functioning autism/Aspergers.

Following the film, we are thrilled to be joined by the Author, Rupert Isaacson. Come listen to him share his story in person.

Three Hopewell Valley parents are pleased to present a screening of the award-winning independent film by Michel Orion Scott and Rupert Isaacson, The Horse Boy. The film companion to Isaacson's NY Times best-selling book of the same name, and a festival favorite, this soul-stirring documentary gives insight into how, in life's darkest moments, one can find the gateway to joy and wonder.

How far would you travel to heal someone you love? An intensely personal yet epic spiritual journey, the Horse Boy follows one Texas couple and their autistic son as they trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in an attempt to find healing for their son. When two-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer and former horse trainer, and his wife Kristin Neff, a psychology professor, sought the best possible medical care for their son but traditional therapies had little effect. Then they discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals, particularly horses, and the family set off on a quest that would change their lives forever.

All proceeds to benefit The Horse Boy Foundation

Come and receive some extra support or to chat all topics related to autism and meet other TACA families. Hosted by Megan Fennelly.

AMC Jersey Gardens 20
651 Kapowski Road, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
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AMC Hamilton 24
325 Sloan Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08619
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AMC Wayne 14
67 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne, NJ 07470
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AMC Essex Green 9
495 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
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AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

Preparing Your Child's IEP

Hillary D. Freeman is deeply committed to her work representing people with disabilities and their families. As the sister of a man with autism, she is able to combine personal experience with her legal training to help families advocate for services and supports. She has experience before administrative agencies and Superior Court in special education issues, higher education issues including accommodations on high stakes testing and graduate school admissions tests, Section 504, guardianship and adult services. She is a member of the American Association for Trial Attorneys, the International Dyslexia Association and Autism New Jersey. She is a member of the Elder and Disability Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and serves on the Professional Advisory Board of the Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey. She holds a JD from Widener University School of Law and is licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Come and receive some extra support or to chat all topics related to autism and meet other TACA families. Hosted by Megan Fennelly.

Come and receive some extra support or to chat all topics related to autism and meet other TACA families. Hosted by Megan Fennelly.

This intensive two-day training is designed to teach participants to appropriately implement the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It begins with an overview of designing effective educational environments. A historical overview of language training programs used with non-verbal individuals is discussed along with how to set the stage for an abundance of communication opportunities. Participants will learn how to implement the six phases of PECS, including attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities.

This intensive two-day training is designed to teach participants to appropriately implement the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It begins with an overview of designing effective educational environments. A historical overview of language training programs used with non-verbal individuals is discussed along with how to set the stage for an abundance of communication opportunities. Participants will learn how to implement the six phases of PECS, including attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities.