Free Autism workshops in Queens

It is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of parents, and soon, they can find out what autism really means. The complex and baffling neurological condition is now the fastest growing developmental disability - occurring in 1 in 150 children, according to figures.
Thanks to some funding from the Queens delegation from the New York City Council, Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) will be holding a pair of free conferences on autism for parents and professionals, in Jamaica and East Elmhurst.
In an effort to reach out to parents of newly diagnosed children and the professionals that serve them, last year the Council created the New York City Autism Initiative, largely through the efforts of Councilmember David Weprin.
“QSAC has been a major leader in working with children with autism,” Weprin said. “I was happy to take the lead on the $1.5 million initiative, targeted to younger children,” he continued, adding, “In the past, many were diagnosed with some other learning or mental deficit and didn’t get the services they needed.”
An award-winning 30-year-old non-profit organization, QSAC is one of the City’s largest agencies dedicated to services for the autism community, according to Lisa Veglia, a spokesperson for the group.
The first conference is Wednesday May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Doubletree-JFK Hotel, located at 135-30 140th Street in Jamaica.
The second will be on Tuesday June 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Dante’s Catering Hall, 75-07 31st Avenue in East Elmhurst.
“The conferences will present separate tracks, one for parents/families and the other for professionals. Each conference will include complimentary breakfast, lunch, transportation, and daycare,” Veglia said.
Presenters will include Peter Sturmey, Dr. Francisco Monegro, Kristen DuMoulin, and board-certified behavioral analysts Ronald Lee, Anne Denning, Zenayda LaFontaine, and Mary E. McDonald.
Call Kevin Mattivi of QSAC at 212-244-5560, Ext. 2060 for more information, or visit their web site at www.qsac.com and click on “Upcoming Autism Workshops” for details.