December 18, 2007 Press Release

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Early Autism Intervention Workshop offered at UNH

DURHAM, N.H. – The Institute on Disability (IOD) at UNH will host a workshop on the Walden Incidental Teaching Model, a model for early autism intervention, on Wednesday, April 2, 2008* at the Holiday Inn in Concord, NH. This workshop, taught by Gail McGee, Ph.D., is the second installment of the three-part 2007-2008 Research to Practice Series on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Walden Incidental Teaching Model is an inclusive and intensive early intervention model designed to maximize the opportunities for teaching language and social skills to children with and without autism between 15 and 66 months of age. Along with home-based parent-provided interventions, the model and curriculum address strategies on how to create fun environments, prevent challenging behaviors, and encourage children’s interactions and engagement.

The instructor, Gail G. McGee, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Emory University School of Medicine. After Dr. McGee received her degrees in clinical psychology from Auburn University, she began her research program in incidental teaching at the Princeton Child Development Institute. She then completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is now the director of the Emory Autism Resource Center. Dr. McGee presents nationally and is the founder of the Walden Early Childhood Programs.

The fee to attend this workshop is $125. To register or for more information on this and other professional development opportunities available through the Institute on Disability at UNH, visit www.iod.unh.edu or call 603.228.2084.

*The 2007-2008 Autism Research to Practice Series: Walden Incidental Teaching Model workshop originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2008 was cancelled due to inclement weather.

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The IOD advances policies and systems changes, promising practices, education and research that strengthen communities and ensure full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons.