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Earlier this month, the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (FLASHA) announced that world-renowned speaker, author and professor Dr. Temple Grandin will be the keynote speaker at this year’s annual convention, to be held in Naples July 26-29.
Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and consult to the livestock industry on animal behavior, is one of the first individuals on the autism spectrum to share publicly her personal experience of autism. Her insights and advice—including emphasizing early intervention—have proven invaluable to industry experts, individuals on the spectrum and their caregivers. They’ve also translated to her career—her “squeeze machine” treatment applied to livestock for slaughter is inspired by her “hug box” invented to calm those on the autism spectrum.
Grandin, 70, is often lauded as the most accomplished and well-known adult on the autism spectrum. The likes of BBC, NPR, Time, The New York Times and beyond have recognized her narrative and contributions; HBO made an Emmy-winning film about her life, in which she was portrayed by actress Claire Danes.
FLASHA will be offering a one-day “autism track” pass designed for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism on Thursday, July 26. The registration option—$50 per individual (over age 18) or $75 per couple—is available only to members of the general public, and it limits convention access to Thursday’s sessions, starting with the 8:30 a.m. opening keynote address by Grandin. Access to the exhibit hall is also included in this pass, and a quiet zone designed for breaks as necessary will be available should the need arise.
This is not Grandin’s first appearance before Southwest Florida families, experts and educators; she spoke at the Promising Pathways conference at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2012.
PUBLIC EVENT DETAILS
Date: July 26
Location: Naples Grande Beach Resort and Spa, 475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103
Further information: FLASHA, (407) 749-6677, flasha@paradigmamc.com; flasha.org/general/custom.asp?page=convention