The Virgin Islands University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) will host its 12th Annual Autism Conference on Monday, April, 15, on St. Thomas at the Administration and Conference Center (ACC) on St. Croix, Wednesday, April 17 at the Great Hall. The conference from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both days.
This year’s conference is designed to bring awareness to research that explores how music therapy can support cognitive and social activity for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, an approach for creating an inclusive community, which offers support, through mentoring, networking and education in the Virgin Islands will be discussed.
The keynote presentation will be “Music, the Brain, and Child Development” by Dr. Miriam Lense of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
There will be two break-out session topics, “The Nashville Approach: Developing Community-driven Expectations of Inclusion” by A. Pablo Juárez, M.Ed., BCBA of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, as well as “Music and Social-Emotional Well Being: Research and Clinical Applications” by Dr. Miriam Lense of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.