There are different keynotes, presentations, workshops and full day seminars that I can deliver (in English or in French). Some frequently requested presentations include:
Keynotes
Why Me? Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner
In this dynamic and humorous keynote, Chantal shares lessons learned on resilience and re-invention during times of change. Based on the journey she has traveled since her son, Jeremy, was born 21 years ago and diagnosed mentally retarded and severely autistic, Chantal shares lessons learned about adapting to change. This positive and empowering presentation will encourage the audience to embrace change as an opportunity for new growth.
Life’s Transitions: Preparing Our Students, Preparing Ourselves
Drawing from her experiences as a professional in the field of autism and as a parent, Chantal shares insights and hard-won wisdom on how parents and professionals can prepare their students – and themselves - for periods of change. From early intervention to childhood and then on to adolescence, each transition has its challenges. Focusing on each student’s different abilities, rather than disability, will return greater success for the child now and lay the foundation for an adult life built upon hope and possibilities.
Finding Our Way Together: Creating Positive Outcomes
An old Swahili proverb, “A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way” aptly describes the philosophy of collaboration and common vision that infuses this keynote presentation. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Chantal shares insights and hard-won wisdom on how different professionals (including parents) with differing viewpoints can come together as a team to move towards a common goal. Her inspiring message reminds us that although we may each be unique, together we can create the change that we want to see.
Concurrent Sessions (1.5 – 3 hours)
Autism Life Skills: Ten Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn
With advice and reflections from adults on the autism spectrum, as well as her personal experience as an advocate and parent of a young adult with an ASD, the following essential life skills are discussed : *Making Sense of the World * Communication * Safety * Self-Esteem * Pursuing Interests * Self-Regulation * Independence * Social Relationships * Self-Advocacy *Earning a Living. Based on Chantal’s third book, Autism Life Skills, ( Penguin, October 8, 2008) this positive and empowering “bill of rights” for every person with autism, regardless of impairment level, this session will provide hope and help — so that every child has a chance to reach his or her full potential.
Adolescents On the Autism Spectrum
Adolescence is a difficult time for everyone, neurotypical or not, as a person transitions from being a child to a young adult. To become as independent in adulthood as possible, teenagers of all different ability levels must learn self-care, appropriate behaviors, modesty and sexuality. Areas to be covered include: explaining about puberty and changing bodies, hygiene and self-care and how to problem-solve difficulties in teaching self-care routines, the importance of modesty, and what to do about masturbation. For safety reasons and in preparation for adulthood, all teenagers need to learn about relationship boundaries, and sexuality. Ideas for preventing bullying and abuse will be discussed.
Autism Life Skills : Transitioning Teenagers to Adulthood
The transiton to adulthood is a challenge, not only to the teen on the spectrum, but to the parents and educators as well. Hard-won wisdom and practical tips on how parents and professionals can prepare their students of all ability levels – and themselves - for adulthood. Focusing on the life skills needed as an adult working and living with autism (and how to teach them), will be addressed. Preparing for employment and long-term living options based on a teenager’s ability and interest, as well as networking for resources will be discussed.
Preparing for the Real World of Work
Temple Grandin says that her work is what gives meaning to her life. Not all individuals on the spectrum are as talented as Temple, but with proper skill-training and preparation, many can have productive employment or careers. This session addresses all different ability levels on the spectrum. An overview of the different types of employment structures currently available, (including self-employment) in the community will be given, as well as a description of 10 top attributes employers are looking for in a potential employee. Areas to be covered include: specific ideas on how to prepare teens/young adults for employment, the role of support staff, the importance of mentors (and where and how to find them in your community) as well as approaching / informing potential employers and colleagues.
Full Day (6 hour seminars)
Meeting the Needs of ASD Students: Transitions, Communications, and Preparing for Real Life
Areas to be covered include: Transition from different grade levels · Transition for different abilities · Transition to adulthood · Adolescent/teenager issues · How best to administer psychological evaluations. How Speech and Language Pathologists can use language to help students with autism and their behaviors · How SLPs can work with Special Education and General Education teachers to meet the needs of students with autism and how to implement strategies.
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
Adolescence is a time of positive growth as well as challenges. This session will provide practical strategies for teaching teenagers of all ability levels the necessary life skills of self-care, self-regulation, self-advocacy, and self-esteem. What and how to explain about puberty, relationship boundaries and sexuality will be discussed, as will common adolescent concerns such as bullying and masturbation. The Individualized Transition Plan will be covered. Areas to be emphasized include: focusing on the student’s strengths, developing work or career skills, preparing for college, the different types of employment structures (including self-employment) as well as employer needs and the use of mentors.
Life with Asperger Syndrome: Creating Positive Outcomes
This seminar on Asperger Syndrome includes: Overview and description of five areas of difficulty; Practical strategies and accommodations to assist and to teach home / school; Transitions: Why they are difficult and strategies to help; Adolescence: what you need to know and how to help/ teach; Preparing for work / college; Other areas of Adult Life
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