The department of communication sciences and disorders at Southeastern hosted the 2011 Campbell Conference on Feb. 25, in the Student Union Theatre.  The focal subject of this conference was autism.

“It’s to provide opportunities for professionals, obtaining continuing education  and to give information to individuals and families with individuals with communication disorders about autism,” said Dr. Paula Currie, department head of communication sciences and disorders. ” I think it is the sixth year this conference has been held.”

The learning objectives put forth by the department include:  The participants being able to identify the core challenges of children with ASD, identifying the learning styles of children with ASD and implementing practical intervention strategies for children with ASD based upon their core challenges and learning styles.

The Campbell Conference was offered to anyone, including professionals, students, families, and individuals.  Although the conference had a registration fee of 85 dollars for professionals, 35 dollars  for students with their university id and 50 dollars for parents.  There was also late registration fees and on-site registration upon availability.

The main group of individuals that have participated in the Campbell Conference in the past have been “professionals and speech language pathologists” said Dr. Currie. “Our students are not required to go, but they are certainly encouraged, and we do have quite a few students that go. We also have students from LSU Health Science Center, a whole class is coming, we have had classes from LSU and Baton Rouge come, so we have had whole classes at graduate level to come.”

An estimated 220 individuals registered before the conference took place, there were only a few available spots left open prior to the event.

The main focus of the Campbell Conference was the main speaker Dr. Patrick J. Rydell, director of Rocky Mountain Autism Center in Littleton, Colorado.  

Dr. Rydell is the co-author of the SCERTS® model, “a research-based educational approach and multidisciplinary framework that directly addresses the core challenges faced by children and persons with ASD and related disabilities, and their families,” stated on the SCERTS® model main website.

“We use the model in our classrooms and we teach our students about that model” stated Dr. Currie.

Another focal point that Dr. Currie found important was, “For families and practitioners to interact with one another, learn about services in the community and to be able to network with one another.”

The attendees were also available to participate in emotional regulation and behavior challenges, lunch and a time for questions and answers were provided.

“My goal is for the attendees to feel that they obtained some new information about autism and how to effectively interact with children with autism,” said Dr. Currie.