Alexis Wineman, First Miss America Candidate with Autism, to Speak on “Surviving with Autism” in Evansville

Alexis Wineman, the first candidate ever with autism in a Miss America contest (2012) -- where her life story and talent as a comic netted her the title of “America’s Choice candidate” -- will be in Evansville Oct. 30 to speak on “surviving with autism.”

Ms. Wineman’s attitude of “never letting autism define you” also helped her to overcome a speech impediment and the bullying she experienced in her youth.  Her life experiences and stories inspire both professionals and parents with children on the autism spectrum.  She has been featured on ABC News, NBC World News, Fox and Friends, as well as Glamour magazine.

She will be joined by Beth Aune, the best-selling author of Behavior Solutions In and Around the Inclusive Classroom (See A Behavior? Look It Up and Find A Solution!) Ms. Aune is the owner of and an occupational therapist (OT) in Desert Occupational Therapy for Kids, Inc., an out-patient clinic for special needs children.  She has over 30-years of professional experience working with at-risk children in both the home and clinic.

Dr. Jim Ball, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, will also be speaking at the conference.  Dr. Ball has worked in the autism field for over twenty-five years providing educational, residential, and employment services to children and adults affected by autism.  As President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting, he brings hundreds of stories to the table because of his experience with educational institutions, home support services, classroom designers, and management/assessment teams nationally, among many other clients.

Appointed by the Secretary of Human Services, Dr. Ball has served on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, an organization that allocates support and services nationally for parents with children on the autism spectrum.  He currently is the Chairman of the Board of Autism Society of America.

CEUs are available for professionals.  The conference will be held from 8:00-4:30 at Manor Auditorium, St. Mary’s College, 3700 Washington Ave., Evansville.  To register, go to www.fhautism.com or call 800.489.0727.