Conference on Autism and Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors
March 24 at C.W. Post

February 13, 2006 – Brookville, N.Y. – Austin Berglas, coordinator of the Crimes Against Children unit of the New York Field Office of the FBI, will give a talk on “Predators on the Internet and In Your Neighborhood” at the 12th annual conference of the Long Island Professional Education Network at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University on Friday, March 24, 2006.

The conference, “Navigating the Autism Puzzle and Risk-Taking Behaviors,” confronts twin challenges facing today’s youth: soaring autism rates and a troubling increase in risky adolescent behavior.

Also scheduled to address the conference, starting at 8:45 a.m., are Dr. Robert Manheimer, dean of the C.W. Post School of Education; Judy Jacobs, Nassau County legislator; and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto. Berglas’ keynote address is scheduled for 9 a.m.

Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent behavior, but today’s youth are more vulnerable to suicide and accidental death. Child professionals and parents should learn the warning signs and intervention strategies. Workshops include: “Internet Safety” with Austin Berglas; “Drug and Alcohol Abuse;” “Suicide;” “Dangerous Games Adolescents Play;” and “Easting Disorders.”  There will be a discussion of the “The Choking Game,” which recently accounted for the death of a 12 year old in Connecticut.

Ten years ago, one in 2,500 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, one in 150 children is afflicted with the lifelong disorder that impairs cognition and communication, as well as motor and social behaviors. Autism workshops at the conference will include “Autism: The Cause, the Controversy;” “Classroom Management;” “Applied Behavior Analysis;” “Parenting a Child with Autism;” and “Recreational Programs for Parents and Children.”

More than 300 educators, social workers, parents and school administrators are expected to attend the conference.

The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Hillwood Commons at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, N.Y.

The fee for the conference is $100. The fee for C.W. Post students and staff is $50. Advance registration is required; reservations must be made by March 14. The event is co-sponsored by LIPEN and the C.W. Post School of Education. To register and for additional information, please call LIPEN at (516) 433-9444 or e-mail to LIPEN21@aol.com or visit their Web site at www.lipen.org (click on Conferences and then online registration).