Registration Open! Summer Autism Conference June 23 - 25, 2008

Daily Schedule: Summer Autism Conference ~ Coming Soon ...

University of San Diego Autism Institute

Description
The goal of USD Autism Institute is to develop and disseminate research and other information on supporting individuals with autism and their families in all aspects of life. Major activities of the USD Autism Institute include: development and coordination of at least two annual autism conferences directed at educators, students, families, self-advocates, professionals and support staff; training and consultation for school districts and agencies within San Diego County; and teaching and training for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of San Diego. In addition we are developing a website to assist parents and professionals looking for up-to-date ideas in autism.

Background
The University of San Diego Autism Institute was first developed in 2005 through the vision of Dr. Anne M. Donnellan. Dr. Donnellan has been a pioneer in the field of autism since the 1970's when she began her prominent career here in San Diego by opening the first pre-school for children with autism. Today, she is an internationally known educator in autism. Prior to coming to the University of San Diego , Dr. Donnellan was a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she conducted federally funded leadership training programs in the field of autism for over 20 years. Dr. Donnellan hopes to repeat her success at the University of San Diego by developing this Autism Institute to provide training and support to people with the autism label, professionals, family members, students, and others who care for and about individuals with autism.

Mission 
The mission of the University of San Diego Autism Institute is to inform and support educators, students, families, self-advocates and professionals in the development of personalized accommodations and other strategies for individuals with the behavior, movement, social, and communication challenges associated with autism. It is our hope that as we grow to understand the lived experience of individuals with autism, personalized supports and respectful interaction will be the standard rather than the exception.