TAP Training Videos 

Face 2 Face: Parents and Professionals Discuss Executive Functioning

Recorded on: October 15, 2020

Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions. Students living with autism and other developmental differences often face executive function difficulties – and it can be puzzling to all who play a role in their learning. Busy parents and educators alike run into barriers communicating the challenges, frustrations, and needs of these students in their different learning environments. Join us for this expert-led training/conversation bringing parents and professionals together to learn, share, and problem-solve how to promote optimal success inside and outside the classroom.

Presented by: Dr. Jeanne Kramer, SLPD, CCC-SLP Dr. Kramer specializes in disorders of executive function. With over 25 years experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, she spent the majority of her career working with neurological communication disorders. She has devoted the last 3 years of her life to working with students to reduce stress and boost performance in personal and academic endeavors as well as educating parents and professionals on home and classroom strategies for executive function. Recently, she had the opportunity to investigate interventions for executive function through systematic review. She is currently the co-owner of PATH Learning Specialists LLC and works as the program coordinator at University of Illinois TAP.

Monitoring IEP Progress

Recorded on: December 1, 2020

This training was part 4 of our 5 part expert-led parent advocacy training series! Throughout this Advocacy Series, we’ve learned all about how to identify and advocate for special education needs. In this session, we dive into how to measure and monitor progress on IEP goals to help assess progress, needs, and more using real examples!

Presented by: Judy Ruffulo, Special Education Consultant & Advocate Sabrina Shafer, Special Education Attorney Phil Milsk, Special Education Attorney

Fundamentals of Special Education and Legal Rights

Recorded on: November 17, 2020

This training was part 3 of our 5 part expert-led parent advocacy training series!

While special education rights can be complicated, they are incredibly important! In this session, we’ll take a fundamentals approach to understanding the special education and the IEP process, special education rights, and advocacy must-knows.

Presented by: Judy Ruffulo, Special Education Consultant & Advocate Sabrina Shafer, Special Education Attorney Phil Milsk, Special Education Attorney

Resolving Special Education Issues

Recorded on: November 3, 2020

This training was part 2 of our 5 part expert-led parent advocacy training series!

Special education rights include options to resolve disputes between Parents and School Districts. Join this Advocacy Series session with TAP and Breaking Autism to learn about: 1. Fundamentals to Resolving Special Education Disputes or Disagreements 2. Facilitated IEPs, Mediation, State Complaints, & Due Process Complaints, 3. Best Practices & Top Resources for Resolving Special Education Disputes!

Recorded on: Judy Ruffalo, Special Education Consultant & Advocate Sabrina Shafer, Special Education Attorney Phil Milsk, Special Education Attorney

Translating the Complex Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recorded on: January 20, 2021

Substantial progress has been made in identifying specific genetic variants contributing to autism, with the pace of these findings accelerating over the past decade. This talk will review evidence that supports the role of genetics in the complex causes of autism. Although more are predicted to be found, over 100 genetic variants have been identified, most of which affect a single gene (e.g. CHD8, SCN2A) and several leading to fewer or more copies of a region on a chromosome (e.g. maternal chromosome 15q11-q13 duplication). Since 3-10% of individuals with autism may currently be diagnosed as having a specific genetic condition associated with their autism, this knowledge may provide important clinical information such as risk for additional medical problems such as epilepsy. In addition, study of these de novo genetic variants is providing information about the complexity of brain development that contributes to autism and is guiding the development of new therapeutics for autism and related comorbidities. Many misconceptions related to the complexity of autism will be addressed. As one example, the most clinically relevant genetic findings are not present in parents and not inherited. Conversely, most cases of autism are due to many, many genetic variations added together to increase risk for autism.

Presented by Dr. Ed Cook