The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism will host the 2017 Autism Conference in Savannah on Feb. 9-10, 2017, featuring nationally-recognized experts who will present strategies and tools for identifying needs and improving the delivery of support services to individuals with ASD. The conference will also present a unique opportunity for teens and adults on the spectrum who want to improve their own social skills, better understand employment issues and have some fun with Improv Theater.

Aspergian and New York Times best-selling author John Elder Robison (Look Me in the Eye, Be Different, Raising Cubby and Switched On) will deliver the keynote address on Friday afternoon. Inventor of KISS’s fire-breathing guitars and diagnosed at 40 years of age, Robison’s insight into the challenges and triumphs of autism inspire and encourage his readers and listeners.

Back by popular demand are Daniel Wendler, author of Improve your Social Skills, and local star, Maranda Porter, BCBA and owner of FRIENDS Summer Camp program. Derek Volk - father, small business owner and author of Chasing the Rabbit - will open the conference with the heartfelt story of the Volk family and their life with son Dylan, who was diagnosed at age 14. Derek, owner of Volk Packaging Corp. will also present on “Autism and Employment Issues.” Conference workshops will offer practical strategies and tools for supporting individuals with autism for families, educators and professionals, employers and persons on the spectrum.

A complete list of speakers and workshop topics can be found at www.2017AutismConference.com.

Among our Speakers are:

• John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye, Be Different, Raising Cubby and Switched On.

• Janet Twyman, Ph.D., Director of the Center on Innovations in Learning, University of Mass. Medical School

• Derek Volk, author of Chasing the Rabbit

• Daniel Wendler, social skills coach and author of Improve your Social Skills

• Maranda Porter, M.Ed., BCBA, Director and owner of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Finding Resources in Educational Needs and Developmental Services)

• Jennifer McGee, Ed.D., LPC

• John O’Connor, M.Ed., BCBA

• Lynn Adams, Ph.D., CCC/SLP, Valdosta State University

• DJ Svoboda, Artist and Self-advocate

• Christy Calbos, Esq., IEP’s and Legal Supports

• D.J. Jeyaram, Esq., Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts

For more information, please call 912.355.9098.