Overview

Invitation

Keeping up with information about medical and technological improvements and improving interdisciplinary communication is challenging for professionals who work with young children with developmental disabilities. Special educators, therapists, nurses, speech pathologists, disability specialists, and pre-school teachers are integral parts of the team working toward organized and consistent programs aimed at enhancing the lives of special needs children. Our healthcare and educational systems are dynamic and changing based on program funding, availability of resources, and healthcare diagnostic and treatment advances.

To address these challenges, we invite you to the 21st Annual Conference on "The Young Child with Special Needs." Improve your assessment skills, network with colleagues and national experts, and learn how to create a more supportive learning and medical environment for children and their families. Bring back to your colleagues practical strategies for delivering the most effective care in the growing field of early intervention.

Highlights of the 2012 conference

• Select from two dynamic Preconferences:
• Managing the Medically Complex Special Needs Child
• Autistic Children: Expanding Their Capabilities and Horizons
• Design the program to fit your needs by selecting from 16 concurrent sessions covering a wide variety of topics. Get the information you need!
• Explore the impact of mobility and exploration on learning and socialization.
• Discover new educational approaches including universal design and assistive technology.
• Determine effective interventions for children with dual impairments of hearing and vision.
• Overcome pediatric feeding problems with evidence-based feeding treatment strategies.
• Intervene and redirect disruptive behaviors.
• Give yourself time to problem-solve and build new professional relationships with colleagues from across the country.
• Enjoy an opportunity to relax and renew your enthusiasm and bring back new and practical tips to your team.

This conference will extend the scope of your professional practice and professional support network. Share your success stories, discover innovative practices, and make a significant difference in the care you provide to special needs children.

See you in March!

Planning Committee Members
James A. Blackman, MD, MPH
Marci J. Hanson, PhD
Erin Sundseth Ross, PhD, CCC-SLP
W. Douglas Tynan, PhD, ABPP
Max Wiznitzer, MD

Program Manager
Kathryn Clayton, MSN, MBA, ALNC
Contemporary Forums

Conference Objectives

This conference will enable the experienced clinician and educator to better:

• Critically examine results of developmental screening tools to be able to determine teaching strategies and healthcare management plans.
• Develop a medical home environment for children and families with challenging needs or who are under the care of multiple providers.
• Interpret cues from demanding or disruptive behaviors to develop intervention strategies and foster coping mechanisms for families with special needs children.
• Evaluate feeding challenges across the first year of life to form effective ways of supporting nutritional goals and increasing the child's enjoyment of mealtimes.
• Improve parent and caregiver participation in interventions using efficacious tools and support programs.
• Participate in interprofessional, interactive learning through case studies, didactic presentations and discussions during faculty panels.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone involved in the care of young children with special needs including:

EMAIL UPDATES

If you are not currently receiving Online CE Library or conference information and updates via email, please go to http://www.ContemporaryForums.com/en/Email-Updates/. You will then be notified of all conferences as soon as they are announced as well as have access to special promotions. All email addresses are for Reed Elsevier use only. Contemporary Forums is a division of Reed Elsevier.

Conference Program

Wednesday, March 21 | Thursday, March 22 | Friday, March 23 | Saturday, March 24

PRECONFERENCE A

Managing the Medically Complex Special Needs Child

Wednesday, March 21

Advances in neonatal care have improved survival rates of premature infants, infants with chronic lung disease, birth defects, and genetic disorders. More infants with spina bifida survive to adulthood. The almost unavoidable consequence is that some infants who would not have survived now live with significant physical and neurologic disorders. How do you best manage medically complex special needs children? What interventions should be implemented first to maximize learning, promote better health, and increase their chances of living independently? Learn the latest by attending this new Preconference.

Upon completion of this Preconference, the experienced clinician or educator will be able to:

• Examine the latest research and current treatments for cerebral palsy.
• List current medical management of seizures and how to ensure safety should seizures occur.
• Discover the impact of medical fragility on eating and what you can do to improve nutritional intake.
• Evaluate opportunities that a Medical Home offers to your patients or students to improve outcomes.

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PRECONFERENCE B

Autistic Children: Expanding Their Capabilities and Horizons

Wednesday, March 21

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. These characteristics create multiple hurdles for clinicians and educators as they implement treatment and learning strategies, develop family support programs, and manage medical needs.

This Preconference addresses many of these challenges and will provide practical tips for educators and clinicians. Presentations will address medical and complementary interventions in autism. New research results are interpreted for use in daily practice management.

Learn the latest on hot topics in autism and return to work able to:

• Describe typical mealtime challenges and techniques to create healthy changes.
• List educational interventions that are effective for autistic children.
• Examine the misconceptions about autism to be able to intervene effectively with patients, students, and families.

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MAIN CONFERENCE

Thursday, March 22

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Friday, March 23

During each Concurrent Session, 4 topics are presented simultaneously in separate rooms. Sessions are limited in size. Choices are assigned in the order received.

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Saturday, March 24

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Conference Faculty

Accreditation

A Certificate of Attendance will be available online after you complete the course requirements, enabling you to register your credit with the appropriate licensing boards or associations. To apply for credit not listed below, use the procedure established by the specific organization.

Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Preconference A: 6.5 ANCC/7.8 CA BRN contact hours
Preconference B: 6.5 ANCC/7.8 CA BRN contact hours
Main Conference: 16 ANCC/19.2 CA BRN contact hours

Contemporary Forums is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Contemporary Forums is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #04516.
(CA BRN contact hour = 50 minutes)

Occupational Therapists
Preconference A: .65 CEUs
Preconference B: .65 CEUs
Main Conference: 1.6 CEUs

This program is approved by Contemporary Forums, American Occupational Therapy Association Approved Provider #3273. Assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Physicians
Preconference A: 6.5 credits
Preconference B: 6.5 credits
Main Conference: 16 credits
Contemporary Forums is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Contemporary Forums designates this Live Activity for a maximum of the listed AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This continuing medical education activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is acceptable for a maximum of 22.50 AAP credits. These credits can be applied toward the AAP CME/CPD Award available to Fellows and Candidate Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Physician Assistants
Preconference A : 6.5 hours
Preconference B: 6.5 hours
Main Conference: 16 hours

The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited by the ACCME to grant Category 1 hours toward the Physician's Recognition Award. PAs may report up to the listed hours of credit.

Physical Therapists
Preconference A: 6.5 hours
Preconference B: 6.5 hours
Main Conference: 16 hours

The Physical Therapy Board of California recognizes Contemporary Forums as an Approval Agency to approve providers of Continuing Competency Courses in California.

Psychologists
Preconference A: 6.5 hours
Preconference B: 6.5 hours
Main Conference: 16 hours

Contemporary Forums is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing
education for psychologists. Contemporary Forums maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Special Educators
Preconference A: 6.5 hours
Preconference B: 6.5 hours
Main Conference: 16 hours

There are no standard requirements for continuing education credit for educators, and guidelines vary by district. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance verifying your attendance at this course. Contact your governing agencies regarding guidelines for registering your credit.

Social Workers/Marriage, Family & Child Counselors
Preconference A: 6.5 CE credit hours
Preconference B: 6.5 CE credit hours
Main Conference: 16 CE credit hours

This conference has been approved by the Washington Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Provider #1975-148.

This course meets the qualifications for continuing education credit hours for Marriage, Family & Child Counselors and/or Licensed Clinical Social Workers as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider #PCE771.

Case Managers, Certified Disability Management Specialists and Certified Rehabilitation Specialists

Application has been made to the Commission for Case Manager Certification, the Commission for Disability Management Specialist Certification and the Commission for the Certification of Rehabilitation Counselors.

Speech Pathologists
Preconference A: .65 CEUs
Preconference B: .65 CEUs
Main Conference: 1.6 CEUs

Exhibits

We are inviting a group of companies and organizations with professionally relevant products, services or career opportunities to exhibit at this conference. The schedule provides time for you to address your particular areas of interest at each exhibit. For exhibit space availability or additional information:

Call: Exhibitor Information Line at (925) 361-4807
Email: exhibits@cforums.com
Visit: www.ContemporaryForums.com/en/Exhibitors/

Location

Viva Las Vegas … it's impossible to resist the excitement of the neon lights, the shrieks of delight from jackpot winners, and the glitz and glamour of the hotels on the strip. A Disneyland for adults? You bet … and Las Vegas is so much more! Dine at restaurants inspired by the world's greatest collection of chefs—Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay and Thomas Keller, just to name a few. Treat yourself to a world-class show, including a choice of five Cirque du Soleil productions, Disney's The Lion King, the Blue Man Group, Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular and Jersey Boys. Make sure to also consider the variety of well-known headliners from the worlds of music, comedy and magic performing during your stay.

Don't miss the new CityCenter complex located in the heart of The Strip, a blend of sleek architecture and public miniparks, with walkways and art throughout. You'll find luxury hotels, a casino and Crystals, a three-story retail center whose shape resembles the multi-faceted surface of a quartz crystal. Add to your enjoyment by experiencing Viva Elvis, the latest Cirque du Soleil tribute to the life and music of "The King."

There's never a dull moment in Las Vegas. Watch the volcano erupt at the Mirage, don't miss the rousing pirate battle at Treasure Island, marvel at the dancing waters display at the Bellagio, take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of the Venetian or dine at the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris. For a break from The Strip, take a day trip to Hoover Dam where you'll be impressed with the power of the mighty Colorado River.

Experience all your fantasies of Paris right in the heart of Las Vegas! From guest rooms with a European flair to great entertainment, fine French cuisine, sidewalk cafes and even the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Las Vegas has all the passion, excitement and ambiance of Europe's most romantic city. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the European village and mall, the lively casino, the dueling pianos at Napoleon's, Barry Manilow's all new show, or a breathtaking view of Las Vegas in the Eiffel Tower ride. And right outside the doors, see all "the Strip" has to offer.

World-class dining, internationally-known boutiques, awardwinning golf courses, savvy nightclubs and European-style spas are calling you to this glittering city, known as "Vegas!" Join your colleagues for "The Young Child with Special Needs" and enjoy all of the fun in the city that never sleeps. For more information, call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at: (702) 892-7575 or go online to www.visitlasvegas.com.

Hotel/Travel

Hotel Accommodations

The conference will be held at the Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. A
limited block of rooms is being held for you and your guests at special group rates which will be in effect, based on room availability, from March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012 for those wishing to extend their stay to enjoy area activities or qualify for discount airfares.

Rates: $139 single/double
Rates are per room and subject to prevailing state and local taxes.

To obtain the special group rates, make your reservation early and before the "hotel room block release date" which is February 17, 2012. Rooms may sell out before this date so be sure to make your reservation now. After the release date, rooms and group rates may no longer be available so call the hotel regarding availability.

Reserve your hotel room online here.

For room reservations, call (877) 603-4389 and inform them that you are attending the Contemporary Forums' conference on The Young Child with Special Needs. Request a confirmation number and written confirmation of your reservation. Reservations must include a first night's deposit.

Contact the hotel regarding cancellation policy. For arrivals after 3 p.m., call the hotel on the day of travel to reconfirm reservations.

For additional hotel information, call the Paris Las Vegas at (800) 722-5597.

Travel Discounts

Contemporary Forums has a special discount agreement with United Airlines unavailable to the general public. To obtain these special conference fares call the Special Meeting Desk at (800) 521-4041, Account Code 510CW. Ticketing and payment can be done directly by you or through your travel agent. To ensure the best flights and times, since seats are limited, make your reservations early. Fares are guaranteed at the time of the ticket purchase.

Hertz is the official car rental agency for the conference. Special rates will be in effect throughout the conference as well as one week before and after. For special rates, call HERTZ at (800) 654-2240 and refer to Contemporary Forums plus the conference discount code CV #03000259.

Fees

Registration Information

Registrations must include full tuition payment to be accepted. Registrations faxed without payment will not be processed. Confirmation is sent by email if your completed registration form and payment are received one week before the conference begins. Since conference registration and hotel rooms are limited, early registration is advised.

Out of consideration to registrants, children of any age and spouses may not attend the sessions.

* Postmarked or phone/fax/online registration and fees received on/before February 8, 2012.

Group Discounts (Mail, fax or call in together. Online registration is not available.)
Tuition discounts are given to groups of 3 or more registering for the complete Main Conference. Discounts do not apply to the Preconferences. To qualify for the group discount, all registration information must be complete for all group members, payment included and forms sent together. If faxing, list all group members on cover sheet. Subtract the discount from the tuition fee. Groups may not be formed after individual registrations are received.
$25 per person discount for 3 or 4 in a group
$45 per person discount for 5 or more in a group

Method of Tuition Payment
Make payment by check (payable to Contemporary Forums and enclose with Registration Form), Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or Purchase Order. A $30 fee is charged for any returned check. Personal checks are NOT accepted at the conference. Purchase Orders must be received with registration by the conference date and include the P.O. number, invoice address, tuition, approval signature, contact name, email address and phone number.

Register Online, or by Phone, Fax or Mail (Payment is required to register.)
Register only ONCE, online at www.ContemporaryForums.com, by mail or fax (800) 329-9923, or call (800) 377-7707, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Before calling, complete all registration information.

Tax Deductibility
Expenses of training, tuition, travel, lodging and meals to maintain or improve professional skills may be TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Consult your tax advisor.

Partial Attendance (Online registration is not available.)
Call Contemporary Forums for tuition and CE credit for individual days. Group discounts do not apply. Registrations may not be shared.

Cancellations
Cancellations may be made by phone or in writing. Cancellations received on/before February 8 receive a full tuition refund. Cancellations received after February 8 are assessed a $20 processing fee. No refunds for cancellations received after the conference begins or for "no shows." If this meeting is cancelled for any reason, including labor strikes or acts of God, liability is limited to a full refund of registration fees.

Program Changes
Contemporary Forums reserves the right to make necessary changes in speakers, topics or schedule. The most current program can be found on our website.

Questions?
Contact Contemporary Forums at (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) or email info@cforums.com.

If you require special arrangements at this conference, call (800) 377-7707, at least 30 days prior to the conference.