The latest estimates suggest that 1 in 36 children (about 3% of the population) are identified as being on the autism spectrum. These youth have many strengths and capacities, while struggling with the demands of life in a non-autism friendly world. The transition from youth to adulthood is especially difficult as those with autism typically lose services and supports at this age, and are faced with educational and relationship decisions that often overwhelm them and their families.
This 90-minute presentation has the following objectives:
a) Gain greater understanding and insight into the diagnosis of autism
b) Discuss real-life strengths, demands, and challenges faced by youth with autism
c) Explore the transition from youth to adulthood on the spectrum, and gain ideas about how to help
About The Presenter
Daniel Hoover, Ph.D., ABPP is a board certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has 30 years of experience as a service provider, trainer, and clinical supervisor. He directs psychology internship and postdoctoral training at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress. Dr. Hoover founded and directs the Horizons Clinic, treating children with developmental disabilities who are exposed to trauma; one of the few such treatment clinics nationwide. Dr. Hoover consults on a SAMSHA National Child Traumatic Stress Network grant entitled: Supporting Trauma Recovery for Youth with Developmental Disabilities. He has published numerous papers and chapters on the assessment and treatment of children with autism and intellectual disabilities exposed to abuse and trauma. He is the original developer of the Interactive Trauma Scale, a web-based graphic touchscreen measure of traumatic exposures and symptoms in children.