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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Autism Spectrum in Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Diagnostic and Intervention Conundrums' Track: 4 - Early Intervention Keyword(s): autism spectrum disorders, diagnosis, intervention Learning Objectives: 1) Understand the higher rates of autism spectrum disorder in children who are deaf/hh as compared to the general population 2) Describe aspects of atypical development in children with the dual diagnosis 3) Identify communication strategies which can help with children with a dual diagnosis Abstract: At least 4% of children who are deaf/hard of hearing (deaf/HH) have an autism spectrum disorder which further complicates communication development. Although this rate is much higher than in the general population, the diagnostic process and availability of interventions to address communication challenges are severely lacking. This disparity in access to appropriate diagnosis and intervention services greatly impacts improved outcomes in this group of children. This presentation will include a combination of expert experience and literature-based knowledge about the epidemiology of the dual diagnosis of autism and hearing loss, diagnostic challenges and pearls for recognizing ASD in children who are deaf/HH, as well as experiences with effective interventions for children with the dual diagnosis. Resources for family support and educational advancement of providers serving this population will be presented. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Susan Wiley - Primary Presenter Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center      Credentials: M.D., Developmental Pediatrician, Professor       Dr. Susan Wiley is a developmental pediatrician with expertise in children who are deaf/hard of hearing. She has many years of experience serving children with multiple disabilities.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano - Co-Presenter University of Colorado-Boulder      Credentials: Ph.D., CCC-A, CED      Other Affiliations: Marion Downs Center, Institute of Cognitive Science       Dr. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano is a Research Professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, faculty of the Institute of Cognitive Science, Center for Neurosciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Otolaryngology and Audiology at the University of Colorado, Denver and the Marion Downs Center. In 1996 she developed the Marion Downs National Center. Since 1996, Dr. Yoshinaga-Itano has assisted many state departments of education and public health agencies, schools for the deaf and blind, and early intervention programs throughout the United States and its territories. In addition, she has served as a consultant for many countries currently developing their early hearing detection and intervention programs, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Korea, Belgium, Poland, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, and South Africa.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - Has a Professional (Scientific Advisory Board) relationship for Board membership.   Christen Szymanski - Co-Presenter Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center      Credentials: Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist       Christen A. Szymanski, Ph.D. is currently the Director of Research and Evaluation at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. As a trained Clinical Psychologist specializing in treatment and behavioral interventions of children with developmental disabilities she has received trainings at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, and the University of Rochester. Her research focus is on children who are deaf and hard of hearing who also have developmental disabilities such as Autism. In 2012, with collaborators from Gallaudet she published the first ever prevalence study of children with hearing loss and autism. She has traveled nationally and internationally discussing treatment, diagnostic and intervention practices pertaining to deaf children with autism and other disabilities.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Amy Szarkowski - Co-Presenter Boston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical School      Credentials: PhD in Clinical Psychology      Other Affiliations: Instructor in Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Psychologist, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Boston Children's Hospital; Adjunct Instructor at Gallaudet University & Tufts University       Dr. Szarkowski is a Psychologist in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Boston Children's Hospital. Her work there involves conducting developmental and psychological assessments, providing support to Deaf and hard of hearing children and their families through short-term therapy, and advocating for appropriate supports and accommodations to meet childrens' needs. Dr. Szarkowski also holds an appointment as Instructor at Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry. She teaches in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and Families Collaboration and Leadership program at Gallaudet University, as well as in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Deborah Mood - Co-Presenter Colorado Children's Hospital      Credentials: PhD       Dr. Mood is a psychologist who has worked with children who are deaf/hh with co-existing developmental disabilities.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.