FREE Autism Awareness Program with Speakers from Childrens Hospital

ROTARY CLUB OF HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP-PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Special Autism Awareness Program

“Bullying and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identifying risk factors and strategies for families, educators, and the community.”  

According to the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children have been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).   Susan E. Levy, M.D., a developmental pediatrician At Children’ Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) whose work with children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is recognized by nationally and internationally,  will speak at the

Lynnewood Elementary School in Haverford Township on Oct. 25 beginning at 7:30 p.m.  

The program is free and open to the public.  The Lynnewood School is on Lawrence Road near Eagle Road in Havertown.

Dr. Levy will address “Bullying and the Autism Spectrum Disorders: identifying risk factors and strategies for families, educators, and the community.” Megan Tomkinson, a behavioral analyst who has served as the Psychology Associate in the Division of Child Development, Rehabilitation, and Metabolic Disease at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Regional Autism Clinic, will join Dr. Levy in addressing these issues.    

Both Dr. Levy and Ms. Tomkinson will provide insights and information on this topic for approximately one hour followed by a half hour of questions from the audience. 

The Rotary Club of Haverford Township and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia are co-sponsors of this event.   Following the formal talk, parents and interested attendees are welcome to enjoy refreshments in the lobby of the school.  Information about local Autism support groups, as well as representatives from these groups will be available at that time, including Lori O’Leary, Executive Director of MusicWorks, a Havertown based group providing music therapy for children and adults with an ASD. 

To register for the event please link to the following website address:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6dsyy0ned...

Below is additional information about the speakers.

Susan E. Levy, MD is a developmental pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her clinical and research interests center on the care of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her research focuses on early identification, diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of children with ASD. She also has a focus on the process by which pediatricians and caregivers make treatment decisions and in the use of complementary and alternative medical treatments (CAM). She is the founder and director of the Regional Autism Center (RAC) at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and is the medical director of the Center for Autism Research at CHOP.

Megan Carolan-Tomkinson, M.Ed, BCBA is a board certified behavior analyst. She received her master’s degree in Education and graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis from Penn State University. Since 2002, she has served as the Psychology Associate in the Division of Child Development, Rehabilitation, and Metabolic Disease at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Regional Autism Clinic, where she administers the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), co-facilitates family-centered social skills groups, and develops and delivers parent educational modules. Megan also works with the Center for Autism Research, where she coaches teachers on effective strategies for behavior reduction and skill acquisition and develops and delivers teacher professional development modules. Megan’s clinical and research interests include early identification and treatment of autism; development and implementation of effective training for educators, parents, and community members; accessibility of appropriate services; and the fidelity of evidence-based treatment in home and community-based settings.