Bucks County Autism Support Coalition to Hold 6th Annual Autism Conference – Carol Gray slated to be keynote speaker

DOYLESTOWN, Pa – The Bucks County Autism Support Coalition (BCASC) will hold their 6^th Annual Autism Conference on Saturday, March 23, 2013, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., at Central Bucks High School West, 375 West Court St, Doylestown, Pa. Parents and educators of children on the autism spectrum are invited to attend a day of education and enlightenment on a variety of topics including social skills training, sensory techniques, behavioral programming, designing academic programs, adult transition, financial and legal planning, and more. 

The BCASC is honored to have Carol Gray, Director of The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding in Zeeland, Michigan, as the keynote speaker for this year’s conference. Originally a teacher of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in recent years Gray has worked as a consultant to students with ASD in inclusive educational programs. In 1991, Carol developed Social Stories ^TM and Comic Strip Conversations strategies that are used worldwide with children, adolescents, and adults with ASD.

In addition to Gray’s keynote address, attendees will have the opportunity to attend their choice of break-out sessions and connect with a wide range of vendors and professionals offering products, services and resources to families with special needs children. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.  CEU credits for BACB and Act 48 are available for educators. Early registration cost is $50 for parents/students and $75 for professionals/educators. Early Registration ends on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Regular rates of $75 for parents/students and $100 for professionals/educators will apply after March 2. Group Rates are also available for parties of five or more. To register for the 6^th Annual Autism Conference or learn more about the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition, visit their website at http://www.bcasc.org.

About the BCASC:

The Bucks County Autism Support Coalition (BCASC) is an all-volunteer, 501 (c) 3 non-profit community-based organization focused on maximizing the personal development of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This group is comprised of parents and family members, educators from local school districts and intermediate units, mental health professionals, physicians, individuals with autism, and behavior specialists. For information visit: http://www.bcasc.org/.

The money that is raised is used to provide services benefitting individuals with autism and their families. Funding is also used to expand opportunities for individuals on the Autism spectrum who are entering adulthood. In 2012, the BCASC was able to give out $33,000 in the form of grants to organizations such as Special Equestrians, AMICA, Family Service Association of Bucks County, YMCA, Variety, Potential Inc., Alchemy Open Studio, and Camp Concepts.

About Carol Gray:

Carol Gray is the Director of The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding in Zeeland, Michigan. Gray has completed over 22 years of employment with Jenison Public Schools in Jenison, Michigan, first as a teacher and later as a consultant to students with ASD in inclusive educational programs. She has published several resources on topics related to children and adults with ASD, including articles on bullying, death and dying, and how to teach social understanding.  

The money that we have raised has gone directly to services benefitting individuals with autism and their families.  Funding has also been used to work on expanding opportunities for individuals on the Autism spectrum who are entering adulthood.