NNU will hold its third annual Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on campus. The day will include a variety of opportunities for autism education, participation in support activities and family fun.

A box lunch picnic is scheduled at noon on the Brandt lawn.  Costs for lunch is $5 per person or $20 per family (4 or more).  Families are also invited to attend the Healthy Nampa event at the Johnson Sport Center from 10-3. There will be many free activities and booths for children and families. 

At 1PM join the NNU Baseball team for a game against Central Washington University.  Autistic individuals and their families will be honored prior to the start of the game.  Guests should register for lunch and the game at http://goo.gl/oYx7tV.

In the morning, an autism awareness conference titled “What can we learn?” is open to educators, church groups and individuals. Attendees may attend three 45-minute sessions, selecting from the following topics:

• “Are you a special-needs friendly church?” – Carol Gunstream Schroeder, Early Childhood Pastor, Nampa First Church of the Nazarene; Katie Wade, Habilitative Interventionist
• “Autism in real life” – Diana Abramoski, Executive Director, A Social Place
• “Understanding the autism spectrum: How to encourage integration in the classroom, university and the community at large” – Ms. Lori Jo Poole, LCSW, Gem State Developmental Center
• “Overview of the autism diagnosis” – Dr. John Leavell, MD, Pediatrics & Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, St. Luke’s Pediatrics
• “Central coherence in autism: everyday struggles” – Jeffrey D. Hall, PhD, and Meaghan Peters, PsyD, Northwest Neurobehavioral Health
• “Video behavior intervention and the transition to adulthood for adults with autism” – Cheryl Hammack, MS, PhD Clinical Psychology Candidate, A New Leaf
• “Building Social Skills” – Laura Sandidge, Administrator, Advocates for Inclusion

Although the conference and sessions are free, attendees must register in advance at http://goo.gl/Br9xYo as space is limited. The sessions will take place from 9 a.m.– noon in the Helstrom Business Center; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

Throughout the morning, guests may browse information booths providing autism education, support and volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact event coordinator Heather Beam at (208) 467-8100.