2016 MMAE Community Health Classroom

• What is Autism?
• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder and how does it differ from Autism?
  
• What are some things that can be done for individuals with either of these issues that will help them make the most of their strengths and abilities?
  
• Dispel some of the myths about Asperger’s Syndrome.

Frank W. Gaskill is a licensed psychologist who specializes in Asperger’s, effective parenting, and how technology and kids can interface successfully. He is a founding partner with Southeast Psych a large psychology practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gaskill is the co-author of Max Gamer, a graphic novel about Asperger’s.  He has been a panelist at Comicon, San Diego for his work with Max Gamer and NBC Charlotte covered a news story on his trip to San Diego with his Aspie Superhero. His work has been featured in USA Today, on NPR, and in newspapers around the country.  Frank will be speaking on Young Adulthood & Beyond “Adult Life”.

Josh Jensen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with children and adults who are on the Autistic Spectrum through individual, couple, family, and group therapy. He is passionate about helping others find and maintain emotional balance, build healthy relationships, and address existential and spiritual needs. He is co-author of the book CinemAnalysis and contributes regularly to blogs and podcasts that connect psychological principles with pop culture.  Josh will be speaking on Adolescence “Teen Life”.

Darci Carter has worked in a variety of schools within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, not only as a School Psychologist, but also as a School Counselor for 7+ years. Currently, she is providing educational advocacy and consulting through Mind Matters at Southeast Psych. Through her own professional and personal experiences (raising 2 daughters), Darci helps to simplify the Special Education and 504 processes for parents while advocating for their children’s rights. In addition, she assists current Charlotte families and those relocating to the Charlotte area with finding schools that fit their child’s educational/learning needs.  Darci will be speaking on School needs “School Life”.

All of the clinicians speaking at the Community Health Classroom are with the Aspire Program at Southeast Psych.  Aspire inspires and serves people on the autism spectrum, believing in the gifts of the uniquely wired mind. They are a group of clinicians who are passionate about collaborating with people on the autism spectrum. They offer a wide range of services across the lifespan for children and adults, families and groups, parents, and couples.