NASP 2009 Annual Convention

Educational Sessions - President's Special Strands

Take Steps to Make a Difference

Attendees must wear a name badge for admittance to all convention sessions.

(Several sessions will be presented within each strand.  Check back later for additional information.)

Making a Difference for Children With Autism
Autistic spectrum disorders are exploding in prevalence in the United States, and the reasons are under intense investigation. Although autism has traditionally been considered a low incidence disorder, that perception is changing rapidly based on the data and a broader understanding of the constellation of symptoms. The autism rate currently is estimated to be one in every 150 live births. Media interest in the disorders, public demand for answers, and better diagnostic tools recently resulted in the American Academy of Pediatrics issuing a recommendation that all children be screened for autistic spectrum disorders no later than 24 months of age.

Despite the increase in diagnosed cases of autistic spectrum disorders, relatively little is known about the cause(s) and possible preventive factors. Accurate diagnosis often can be problematic, although more and better approaches are being developed rapidly. Intervention strategies for both academic and behavioral challenges associated with the disorders are numerous. Many have substantial research data with which they can be evaluated, while others are not evidence-based at all. Clearly, however, early intervention which is evidence-based shows promise for ameliorating the effects of the disorders. While many risk factors have been identified, prevention efforts have, so far, proved elusive. Sessions in this strand will explore the challenges in prevention and diagnosis as well as evidence-based intervention strategies for educators and parents.

This presidential strand is a collaborative effort between Division 16 of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The cooperation between NASP and Division 16 is designed to further the goal of fostering the relationship between the two entities and to provide a broader diversity of presentations and perspectives on the topic of autism.

Making a Difference for Children With Eating Disorders and Childhood Obesity
Eating disorders affect and undermine the health of more Americans than any other category of illness. Most of the research on eating disorders has focused on Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, mental illnesses which not only undermine health, but which also can kill. Society, the media, and the entertainment industry as a whole emphasize the importance of staying thin, almost in obsessional proportions. Despite the emphasis on weight control, however, being overweight has become epidemic and can be just as deadly.

Possibly the greatest public health problem in the United States at present is obesity, considered predominately a behavioral health disorder. Over half of all Americans are overweight, and the health of at least one in five is detrimentally affected by obesity. Children are particularly vulnerable to and at risk for the physical, behavioral, and academic problems associated with excessive weight, including diabetes, heart disease, school failure, bullying, and mental health issues, making obesity a critical issue for school psychologists and other mental health professionals. Strand presenters will discuss the latest research and how school psychologists can help parents and schools prevent and intervene with disordered eating problems.

This presidential strand, which is also a collaborative effort between Division 16 of APA and NASP, focuses on eating disorders broadly, with a special emphasis upon childhood obesity.