Emergent Literacy Strategies for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Delays

by Susan Norwell
February 4, 2013
Reg. 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Central Time)

Blackburn College, Woodsen Center Room ABC
700 College Avenue, Carlinville, Illinois

Description: This workshop looks at the important development of emergent literacy skills for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Extensive video clips highlight the importance of relationship development, adapted supported reading, sound play, and letter play. Woven throughout is the foundational underpinnings of augmentative communication and technology. Participants will gain an understanding of using supported readings, and establishing communication and interaction around reading with the young child with disabilities. An understanding of The Building Block Model (precursor to the Four Block Model) will be established and adapted in light of working with children who are verbal and non-verbal.

Presenter Bios: Susan Norwell, M.A., SpEd has worked with a wide array of students, in the public schools and private practice, for the last 35 years. She has spent the last 25 years in private practice working primarily with children on the autistic spectrum and girls who have Rett Syndrome. She is trained in "Greenspan's Floortime" model and would consider herself a relationship-based educational specialist. She has focused in the recent past on augmentative communication, play, and literacy for children with more severe needs, especially those without verbal language. She consults to various school districts on reading instruction for children with severe disabilities and has presented workshops throughout the U.S. , Canada and in new Zealand. She teaches full-time at NEIU in Chicago and consults on technology to the Education Department. Susan is a high-energy presenter whose presentations are known for their broad knowledge base as well as practical and creative ideas.

This training will provide 5 contact hours for the following:

• CPDUs (Continuing Professional Development Units) for teacher certification
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credit in area(s) #8
• CE credit for SLP, SW, LCPC, PT, and OT professionals
• PARTIAL (3.0) EI Credit in the area of Intervention
• Gateways to Opportunity credit in area(s) D

Full attendance is required to receive a certificate.

In collaboration with: Starnet Region IV
Meeting space provided by: Blackburn College