KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola,

Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

We have the pleasure to invite you to an International Autism Conference! The event will take place from 10th to 12th of June, 2013 in the International Home of Scientists Fr. Joliot-Curie, St. St. Konstantin and Helena Resort, Varna, Bulgaria. Registration is now open! Introduction to the topic The work with kids with autism is a complex and diverse one. Due to the wide spectrum of clinical manifestation and symptoms, kids with that kind of disorder are a true challenge not only for their families, but also for the specialists that work with them. Diagnoses, therapies and interventions require well-trained and smoothly working team of psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, speech therapists, social workers and physical therapists. In many countries of the world, the work with these children is being done in highly specialized centers , where different teams of specialists focus and help kids reach their progress. If it is needed they make changes in the therapeutic plans, so that every kid receives maximum and individual help. Research in the field of autism shows that early diagnosis and intensive therapies are of highest importance for the integration of these children in society. Conference objectives The goal of this conference is through lectures and seminars led by international experts in the field of autism to inform Bulgarian capacities of the newest tendencies of work with these children and help them improve their knowledge. We aim at spreading the knowledge about therapeutic methods part of which are already practiced at Karin Dom. Very important topic will be early intervention and development of therapeutic plans, different types of challenges and how to address them in children and teenagers with autistic spectrum disorders.

Who can attend Medical experts psychiatrists, neurologists, pediatricians and others who put the diagnoses, and medicate if the kid has a medicinal issue that could be resulting from the autism, or independent. Psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapists people directly connected with therapies and interventions. Teachers from mainstream and special kindergarten, preschools and schools. Parents and family members of children and teenagers with autism.
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KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola, Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

Organizational committee Dr. Bistra Vlassakova, anesthesiologist, Boston Childrens Hospital Mariana Nikolova, Executive Director, Karin Dom Foundation Sara McPheeters, Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria

Lecturers Dr. Ramzi Nasir Dr. Nazir is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician with extensive training and clinical experience at Boston Childrens Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He has expertise in the diagnosis and management of disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Speech and language and motor delays, enuresis/encopresis and toileting delays. He has a particular interest and experience in the neurodevelopmental aspects of genetic disorders (e.g Fragile X Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Chromosome copy number disorders) and in psychopharmacology. His language skills in English, Arabic and Spanish allow him to provide culturally competent care to a diverse patient population.

Jason Travers Jason C. Travers, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a third-year assistant professor of special education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Originally from Las Vegas, he earned his PhD at UNLV while working as special educator of students with autism in the 5th largest school district in the United States. He currently investigates the racial disparity in the administrative prevalence of autism as well as the efficacy of mobile device technology for preventing inappropriate behavior while supporting academic learning of students with autism. He teaches graduate courses in applied behavior analysis, evidence-based instructional strategies for learners with autism, assistive technology, and issues in special education. Applied behavior analysis is the most validated intervention approach for people with autism. Many approaches, including TEACCH, Pivotal Response Training, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Discrete Trial Training, Functional Communication Training, and Positive Behavior Supports are rooted in behavior analysis. This day-long workshop will overview principles of behavior, essential features of these popular behavioral interventions, and the benefits and limitations of these interventions. We also will overview how to implement these interventions in applied settings.

KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola, Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

Diane L. Maxson, MHA, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Diane received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, with a specialty in Clinical Pediatrics. She is a Fellow in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center in Waltham, MA, and received her Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Suffolk University. Diane has worked with adults and children in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation hospitals, Early Intervention programs, Day Habilitation Centers, public school systems, and private schools. She continues to work clinically as well as administratively, specializing in evaluation and treatment for individuals with difficulties in the areas of sensory integration and sensory processing, feeding, sleep regulation, and anxiety. She has received Advanced Training in Therapeutic Listening, and specialized Feeding Therapy training in Food Chaining, the Beckman Approach, and the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach, and is a certified Interactive Metronome practitioner. Diane is owner and founder of the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC), a community based pediatric therapy clinic that provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy for children of all ages and abilities. Under her leadership TLC has become well known for providing comprehensive, effective therapy services in a family centered, supportive environment. Diane is an experienced public speaker who is comfortable speaking to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds; she particularly enjoys the challenge of explaining complex medical and developmental concepts in clear terms that are meaningful to her audience, allowing participants to relate the concepts directly to their own experience.

Dr. Bistra Vlassakova Dr. Vlasakova graduates from Varna Medical University in 1993. Immediately after graduation she moved to the U.S., where after alignment of medical school diploma she specialized anesthesiology. In 2002-2003 she completed additional specialization in pediatric anesthesia at Boston Children's Hospital at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vlassakova is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA, USA) and holds a recognized specialty of anesthesiology and intensive care in Bulgaria. Since 2006 she works as a specialist in pediatric anesthesia at Boston Children's Hospital. Her direct clinical work involves training specializing in anesthesiology and anesthesiologists specializing in pediatric anesthesia. Director of a simulation program for sub-specializing in the hospital and co-director of a simulation program for recertification in anesthesiology - a requirement of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola, Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

Dr. Vlassakkova manages an innovative program for perioperative preparation of patients with autism. This is a multi-faceted program, which includes not only anesthesiologists, but also nurses and specialists from the preoperative clinic room and the recovery room after anesthesia. The goal of the program is to prepare not only perioperative team, but also the patient and his family for the intervention, hospitalization and all other elements of the perioperative period. This program will be an integral part of the hospital initiative "Autism Friendly Hospital". She is currently involved in two research projects related to children with autism. One study is aimed at parents of children with autism spectrum disorders nationwide, about the problems that these children could have in conjunction with anesthesia. The second is a retrospective study of all the patients with a diagnosis autistic spectrum who had surgery requiring general anesthesia at Boston Children's Hospital in 2007-2012. The aim of this study is to look for any association between the type of anesthesia and signs of behavioral regression in the postoperative period in these patients. This professional interest of Dr. Vlassakova led to a connection with Karin Dom, where was born the idea of a conference on the topics of autism as a first step in developing a program to provide early diagnosis and multi-faceted intervention for these children, thereby helping their integration into society.

REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION FEES To claim participation in the conference, you must register and pay the required fee. You can register through completing an online registration form. Payments are accepted by bank transfer. STEP 1 Online Registration Registration involves completing a short registration form. Before you start your registration, please get to know Step2. If you wish to be issued an invoice, you will be able to fill in your data in the registration form. For any questions about registration, you can dial 0878 750 269, Magdalena Tsoneva through week days from 9.00 till 16.00. You can also write to: autismconference@karindom.org Register Online Here Step 2 Payment of Participation Fee You must pay your participation fee not longer than 10 days after you have filled in your online registration. Thus we would confirm your participation. EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT FEE, BEFORE 30th April 2013 Professionals and others interested and related 80lv. Parents of special needs children 50lv. REGISTRATION FEE AFTER 30th April 2013 Professionals and others interested and related 105lv. Parents of special needs children 60lv. Deadline for registration and fee payment 31.05.2013 Fee includes: Participation in the conference, Materials, Coffee breaks, Lunch in the 3 days of the conference.
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KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola, Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

Fee is payable by bank transfer to the following bank account: Karin Dom Foundation Societe Generale Expressbank Transport Branch BG67 TTBB 9400 1506 0684 19 TT BBB G22 Grounds for Payment: The Conference your name and place you live. Please do not forget to write down your name (or the name of organization you represent) and your place of living in the reasons/grounds for payment. After receiving your payment we will confirm your participation through e-mail or phone (you can choose either in the online registration form).

ACCOMMODATION The conference will take place in the International House of Scientists Frederic Joliot -Curie in St. Constantine and Helena Resort, 10km northeast from Varna. If you use public transportation, you can catch buses N 8 from Varna Center, or N 409 from the Central Bus Terminal.

KARIN DOM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE Sveti Nikola, Varna 9010, Bulgaria Tel. +359 52 30 25 17 Fax: +359 52 30 25 16 e-mail: karindom@karindom.org; www.karindom.org

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Discount and preferential booking rates The IHSJolio-Curie Hotel Complex offers preferential booking rates for conference participants. Those, wishing accommodation in the hotel should do their booking by themselves. For your convenience, we have prepared a reservation booking form, with listed prices. Hotel reservation booking form download here The completed reservation form send to the hotel`s e-mail: hotel@ihsvarna.com Booking reservation can be done also through hotel`s telephone line 00359/052/385 100 or 00359/052/385 277 Conference organizers do not engage in settling accommodation for conference participants.