Integrating Evidence Into Practice: Preparing Practitioners at Autism West
By Stephanie Yamkovenko
In response to a growing number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, the American Occupational Therapy Association held a second Autism Specialty Conference to share the latest research and evidence, and demonstrate how to apply this information to practice.
Nearly 200 occupational therapy clinicians and researchers attended the Autism West Specialty Conference in Long Beach, CA, in early December. Following the successful 2010 Autism Specialty Conference on the East Coast, attendees and members told AOTA that they wanted the conference offered again on the West Coast.
Similar to last year, the conference brought together the leading researchers in the field to share the latest research and provide tips and strategies on incorporating evidence into practice. “There were some common threads and themes that emerged during the conference such as evidence-based practice, occupation-based service, importance of addressing transition outcomes, and strength-based interventions,” says Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, AOTA’s pediatric coordinator.
The two plenary presentations by Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, and Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, were well received by attendees. Smith Myles, who was the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world from 1997 to 2004, spoke about the “hidden curriculum,” which is assumed knowledge of cultural or situational expectations, rules, or guidelines that are not taught because for most people they are common sense. Yet for persons with an ASD, this information needs to be explicit for them to function. Smith Myles told attendees that little information about hidden curriculum has been published, but that does not belie its importance.
Dunn is another leading researcher in the field, and she spoke about the importance of embracing the strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum rather than focusing on what needs to be “fixed.” At the end of the session, Dunn had all attendees sing along to revised lyrics of John Lennon’s song Imagine.
New this year was an interactive session, where attendees were encouraged to actively participate and be part of the learning experience. The session was well attended and participants shared good and practical information with each other. “The interactive session provided attendees a chance to network and dialogue with colleagues and discuss core values, mission, vision, and commitments,” says Schefkind.
One of the most popular sessions at both Autism West and the 2010 Autism Specialty Conference was the panel discussion with parents and individuals with autism. At Autism West, the session ended with a standing ovation from attendees. Panel members shared their individual stories and successes they have had with the help of occupational therapy. Bill Wong, an occupational therapy student, shared his story of being diagnosed while working on his degree in occupational therapy. A high school student who is on the spectrum told attendees about how occupational therapy has taught her life skills such as texting her friends, which is supporting her social participation.
“Autism West was a truly warming educational experience,” says Diana Henry, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, and a speaker at Autism West. “The presenters were excellent—providing research, resources, and thought provoking possibilities.”
Stephanie Yamkovenko is AOTA’s staff writer.
