Published: October 23, 2009 10:50 pm         

Speaker series on autism Wednesday at ISU

TERRE HAUTE — Based on statistics released last week, 1 in 91 children are identified as being on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it the fastest growing developmental disorder.

On Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education at Indiana State University will host a three-part speaker series to provide information to local families and educators.

In collaboration with several Wabash Valley agencies, the workshop will be conducted in the Cunningham Memorial Library on the ISU campus. Later sessions will be on Feb. 17 and April 15 of next year.

During the morning session, Dr. Julie Steck will present on “How Broad is the Spectrum of Autism” and “Beyond Autism and Asperger’s Disorder: ASD and Co-Existing Conditions.”

The afternoon session will be conducted by Debbie Fornefeld providing a parent’s point of view and discussing the Gluten Free Diet. Displays of gluten-free products will be provided by Kroger’s East Wabash and Baesler’s Market.

Cost of the series is $25 for the full day which will include lunch and handout materials; half day sessions are $15 which will include handout materials. Parent and student scholarships for individuals from Vigo and Clay counties, courtesy of a grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, are available. For details contact Dr. Candace Joles, associate director, Blumberg Center, at (812) 237-2830 or e-mail Candace.joles@indstate.edu.

Providing information is key to benefit families and persons with existing or potential exceptionalities. Using early diagnosis and interventions, the cost of lifelong care for persons affected by Autism can be reduced by two-thirds.

The Blumberg Center, established in 1985 through endowments by Terre Haute residents Benjamin and Fannie Blumberg, is guided by a mission to provide service to Indiana educators and families of individuals with exceptionalities. These services include professional development programs, technical assistance, facilitation, consultation and mentoring.

Activities are conducted through partnerships with Indiana schools, families, and community agencies allowing the center to play a critical role in supporting collaborative teams across a variety of projects.

Research activities are conducted with affiliated programs in the Indiana State University College of Education and the center’s work is made possible by endowments, state and federal grants.

For more information on the ASD Speaker Series or other programs, visit www.indstate.edu/blumberg or e-mail Blumberg-Center@

indstate.edu.