ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading speech pathologist and autism consultant Valerie Herskowitz will present her findings on the latest special needs technologies at the "Autism Through the Lifespan" conference to be held Feb 14-17 in Orlando.
"The future is now for an entire generation of children challenged with autism, reaching the adolescent stage of their lives and becoming young adults with autism. Technology is the key to maximizing their future independence. By teaching children with autism how to utilize technology, we are not only arming them with tools to capitalize on their present successes, but setting the stage for the real possibility of future independence," Herskowitz said.
Technological advances designed to equip the special needs home of the future include Herskowitz's research on specialized software programs for use in teaching skills to a special needs population.
"From devices that use robotics to perform housekeeping activities, to a simple mirror that reminds you of your appointments, I envision communities where adults with developmental disabilities can live and work together in a supported environment of homes equipped with state-of-the-art advances for special needs," Herskowitz added.
Herskowitz is President of non-profit the National Autism Registry and serves on the advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. The founder of the Dimensions Therapy Center which provides private therapy services and special events around the South Florida area for families with special needs, Herskowitz is expanding her computer-based intervention for families on a national scale by establishing a "global autism support village" through podcasts, webcasts and other cyber tools at http://www.valerieherskowitz.com/ .
Herskowitz's career as a speech pathologist spans some 30 years. A recipient of the Stevie Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with autistic and special needs children; she has also been honored for starting two innovative community programs, Mothers of Special Needs Individuals (MOSI) and the Family Club. Her youngest son, Blake, was diagnosed in 1993 with autism. Herskowitz's professional journey as a therapist and parent of a child with autism has combined to present her with unique insights in helping other families.
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Valerie Herskowitz
