Hospital will conduct symposium on autism

Children’s Specialized Hospital will host an autism symposium 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. May 30 at the Pines Manor, Edison.

Participants will receive instruction on useful approaches and tips to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their daily lives.

The event is for health care providers, mental health professionals, adults with ASD, parents/caregivers, school personnel, therapists and other professionals interested in autism.

Steven Shore, author and president emeritus of the Asperger’s Association of New England, will be speaking. Shore was diagnosed with autism at a young age and was nonverbal until age 4.

Today, he is recognized nationally as a dynamic speaker and powerful advocate for bettering the quality of life of people affected by ASD.

Other speakers will include Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital; Amy Smith, information services director for Autism New Jersey; Susan Mendelson, director of Social Skills for Children; and author Jeffrey Cohen.

Additional experts in autism treatment and education will be speaking. The panel of recreation professionals will include Leslie Fanelli, Kaylee McGuire, Mickey McNany and Dina Trunzo.

The parent panel of speakers will include Evelyn Delgado, Beth Giannobile, Tom Newbon and Kelly and Mike Sampson.

Advance registration is required by May 9. The fee is $150 for professionals and $50 for adults with autism, parents or caregivers. To register, email lsalvatore@childrens specialized.org or call 888-244-5373, ext. 2490.