Join Eden II Programs for the 2026 Annual Conference – Long Island, taking place Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville. This full-day professional conference features engaging presentations covering behavior, communication, crisis management, leisure skills, and effective behavior management strategies.
Attendees can explore topics including promoting leisure skills for adolescents and adults with ASD, ABA problem-solving, effective communication with families, crisis management, communicating with supervisors, and proactive behavior management for high-risk behaviors. Continuing education credits are offered for BCBA, ASHA, social work, psychology, and CTLE professionals.
Contact Shari Schatzman at sschatzman@eden2.org if there is a need for any accommodations.
Intent to Earn ASHA CEUS:
By requesting ASHA CEUs, you grant permission for your information to be submitted to the ASHA CE Registry.
Satisfactory Completion Requirement: Learner Assessment
Learners seeking ASHA CEUs must complete a self-reflection that focuses on understanding of the content, the presenter’s delivery, and your overall experience. Completed self-reflections must be emailed to Jan M. Downey, ASHA CE Administrator for Eden II Programs, at speechceadmin@eden2.org no later than 10/27/26 to be eligible to receive ASHA CEUs.
Title: Living & Loving Life: Assessment & Promotion of Leisure Skills for Adolescents & Adults with ASD
Presenter: Mary E. McDonald, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Abstract:
Leisure skills contribute to quality of life, independence, community participation, and social connection for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, unstructured time at home, work, and in the community may be difficult when individuals have limited leisure repertoires, restricted interests, difficulty making choices, or dependence on support. This presentation examines how practitioners can assess leisure preferences and identify meaningful solitary and social activities that reflect each person’s interests, abilities, communication needs, and level of independence. Ethical considerations related to choice, self-determination, and caregiver involvement will be discussed. Behavior-analytic teaching approaches, such as visual supports, activity schedules, task analyses, and video modeling will be illustrated.
Learning Outcomes:
Time Order Agenda:
5 minutes Introduction and definition of leisure skills
10 minutes Quality of life, social participation
10 minutes Assessment of interests and preferences
5 minutes Ethical considerations
10 minutes Solitary and social leisure options
15 minutes Evidence-based teaching strategies
5 minutes Generalization and maintenance of skills; key takeaways and questions
Disclosure statement: Mary E. McDonald is an employee of Eden II Genesis Programs. There is no other relevant information to report.
Title: Communicating with Families: Effective Strategies for Understanding and Collaboration
Presenter: Ruth Donlin, M.S.
Abstract:
Effective communication between professionals and families is essential for developing collaborative relationships that support positive outcomes for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This presentation will examine practical, evidence-informed communication strategies that foster trust, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving while recognizing the unique experiences and challenges families may encounter. Strategies for responding to common communication challenges and developing family-centered recommendations that are realistic, meaningful, and implementable will also be discussed.
Learner Outcomes:
Time Order Agenda:
10 minutes - Importance of effective communication and understanding the family perspective
15 minutes - Evidence-informed communication strategies that promote trust, empathy, and collaborative relationships
20 minutes - Developing family-centered recommendations by identifying barriers to implementation and adapting strategies to fit individual family needs
10 minutes - Case examples illustrating effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, and practical application of family-centered strategies
5 minutes - Questions and answers
Disclosure Statement: Ruth Donlin serves as President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) and will receive an honorarium for this presentation. She has no other relevant relationships to report.
Title: Communicating with Supervisors Effectively: Professional Strategies for Raising Concerns, Sharing Ideas, and Strengthening Collaboration
Presenter: Randy Horowitz, M.S.Ed., SAS
Abstract:
Effective communication between employees and supervisors is essential to maintaining high-quality services, positive workplace culture, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration. This interactive presentation provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for preparing difficult conversations, presenting concerns with proposed solutions, navigating disagreements respectfully, and understanding supervisory perspectives within human service organizations. Participants will identify communication techniques that strengthen professional relationships, improve problem-solving skills, reduce workplace conflict, and ultimately enhance services for individuals receiving care.
Learning Outcomes:
Time Order Agenda:
5 minutes – Introduction - Why communication matters in healthcare and educational settings
10 minutes - Understanding the Supervisor’s Perspective
15 minutes - Best Practices for Communicating Concerns and Ideas
10 minutes - Common Communication Challenges
10 minutes - Communication Practice
5 minutes - Building a Culture of Professional Communication
5 minutes - Summary and Questions/Key takeaways
Disclosure statement: Randy Horowitz is an employee of Eden II and has no other relevant relationships to report.
Title: Proactive Behavior Management Strategies for High-Risk Maladaptive Behaviors and Crisis Intervention
Presenters:
Abstract:
This presentation will examine evidence-based proactive and reactive behavior management strategies for addressing high-risk maladaptive behaviors using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Topics will include Functional Communication Training (FCT), Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), antecedent-based interventions, and communication replacement strategies designed to reduce challenging behaviors while increasing functional communication. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and building rapport and trusting relationships with caregivers to support effective, individualized interventions across settings. Participants will learn practical strategies for implementing proactive supports, collaborating with caregivers, and recognizing when crisis intervention is necessary to maintain safety. The presentation will highlight the importance of function-based, least restrictive approaches while promoting communication, dignity, safety, and meaningful long-term outcomes.
Learner Outcomes:
Time Order Agenda:
5 minutes - Discussion of high-risk maladaptive behaviors, behavioral functions and the role of functional assessment in intervention planning.
20 minutes - Review the importance of building rapport with caregivers and multidisciplinary teams and working together to build proactive ABA strategies such as antecedent interventions, environmental supports, and prevention strategies.
20 minutes - Discussion of teaching replacement communication and reducing maladaptive behaviors and bridging programming between multidisciplinary teams across environments.
10 minutes - Recognizing when crisis intervention is necessary and responding safely using least to most restrictive practices.
5 minutes - Questions and answers.
Disclosure Statements:
Jillian Doran is an employee of Eden II Programs and has no other relevant relationships to report.
Tehran Carpenter is an employee of Eden II Programs and has no other relevant relationships to report.
