Saturday, December 7
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Li Ka Shing Center, Stanford University
Join us for the 11th annual Adult Autism/DD Conference!
Planning and support for adults with substantially disabling autism and related developmental disabilities. Topics include: legal and financial planning, public benefits, regional center services, self-determination, housing, medical and psychiatric care.
This conference is in person only.
Who should attend: Parents, caregivers, family members, and professionals.
Welcome & Introduction
Sara Kole, SFASA Board President
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Session 1: 9:15-10:30 am
Jim Huyck
In-Home Support Services
Supplemental Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance/Childhood Disability Benefits
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) – Participants will learn the eligibility criteria for IHSS as well as how the number of IHSS authorized hours and minutes are determined. The process to apply for IHSS and how to prepare for the IHSS assessment will also be covered.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance/Childhood Disability Benefits (SSDI/CDB) – Both of these benefits from the Social Security Administration will be described and defined. Eligibility criteria as well as the application process will be explained. Also covered will be how the amount of the monthly benefit is determined.
Jim Huyck, Consultant and Advocate has over 40 years of experience working with people with disabilities, primarily those with Developmental Disabilities. He is a renowned public benefits expert who is known for his devoted advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families. He assists with accessing services from Regional Center, SSI, SSDI, MediCal, IHSS, Special Education, CCS etc.
Break
10:30–10:45 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Session 2: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Panel – Lauren Libero, PhD
Dr. Lauren Libero oversees the DDS Autism Services Branch and statewide programs and services associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her work leverages data and research related to autism to develop and implement statewide policy in the provision of effective, quality services and supports for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Lauren is also a governor’s appointee to the California Advisory Council on Improving Interactions between People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Law Enforcement. Prior to joining DDS, Lauren was a UC President’s Fellow at the UC Davis MIND Institute.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch break with sponsors
Afternoon Sessions
Psychopharmacology in ASD
Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, MD with Dr. Sadiya Dhanani, MD and Dr. Selma Tanovic
Dr. Nguyen is a Clinical Assistant Professor and psychiatrist at Stanford working with children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She will be joined by child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, Dr. Dhanani and Dr. Tanovic, to discuss medication options to treat comorbid conditions in ASD.
Genetics and ASD
Dr. Jon Bernstein, MD PhD
Dr. Bernstein is a Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Medical Genetics at Stanford. As a medical geneticist, Dr. Bernstein evaluates, manages, and provides counseling for individuals and families with genetic conditions. He will discuss genetic disorders associated with ASD and the benefits of genetic testing.
Customized Housing Solutions: Supported Living Services and a Family Home Agency
Rolando Gil Mendoza and Maria Gil, Jerry and Monica Montgomery
Success Express Supported Living Services
Rolando and Maria have been serving the ID-DD community by providing a variety of programming (Licensed care, nursing care, independent living services, supported living services and self-determination facilitation). Both are fluent in Spanish and take pride in providing services that are customized, culturally competent and person centered.
Golden State Adult Residential Adult Program’s Family Home Agency
The Montgomery’s have over 18 years of experience operating a Family Home Agency (FHA). An FHA is an alternative residential option for Regional Center adults ages 18+. GSRAP matches Individuals with a trained family in the community. This is an excellent residential option for those individuals who embrace being a part of a family and yet can appreciate the independence they are given as adults. They are now offering Adaptive Skills Training, and a consulting firm focused on supporting providers who serve the ID-DD population.
Managing Challenging Behaviors
Dr. Emily Ferguson, PhD
Dr. Ferguson is postdoctoral academic researcher and clinician at the Stanford Autism and Developmental Disorders Research Program. Her research focuses on understanding challenging behaviors in ASD individuals with high support needs. She will discuss interventions for managing self-injurious behaviors and aggression.
Coordinated Family Services. What it is and how it can be a game changer for families supporting their adult children at home.
Dominique Mellion and Chia Ling-Yin
Dominique Mellion is Executive Director of nonprofit resource center, Families United. She is a Licensed nurse with 20 years of experience working with the ID-DD population in both direct care and management of services such as ILS, SLS, residential, day program, and Coordinated Family Services. She is an approved instructor by the California Department of Social Services for continuing education and teaches Autism Spectrum Disorder courses. Dominique was inducted into the 2024 Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame and received a Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Eric Swalwell for her groundbreaking advocacy work in the I/DD field.
Chia Ling-Yin is Director of Friends of Children with Special Needs new programming. After receiving the master degree from Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development program at University of Pennsylvania, Chia-Ling has started her journey working with the population in need. Chia-Ling started as the Service Coordinator for Early Intervention Program in New York City for 3 years, and then she moved to CA and worked as a Case Manager in RCEB serving people with developmental delays/disabilities from infant to seniors for 7 years. After that, she worked in Alameda County Social Service Agency for 7 years in different departments including CalWORKS, APS and IHSS. Currently, Chia-Ling works at FCSN overseeing the new program CFS and working on different projects to service High Needs individuals.
End of Conference
3:50 p.m.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Friends of SFASA
Goodwill Sponsors
