Our goal is to reach as many families affected by Williams syndrome as possible, and we're excited to offer a way for parents and caregivers to connect with experts conveniently online.
Once a month, an expert on a topic related to Williams syndrome will be conducting a webinar and Q/A session. They will take questions prior to the session and answer those, along with offering some background on the topic at hand, and there will be time at the end for organic questions and discussions that arise doing the session. To accommodate work and family schedules, as well as time zones, these online sessions will be held at 9 p.m. EST and will run one hour. These sessions are being provided because we know that some areas of the country don't have much in the way of specialized clinics or support and we want to reach as many parents and caregivers as possible. They will be recorded and available online for those who can't participate in real time.
We are also offering Ask the Expert: Education Edition. Every month, our education consultant Robin Pegg or a guest will be hosting a session specifically about education topics. Please register and send in your questions--we look forward to hearing from you and making these sessions a valuable experience for all.
SCHEDULE FOR "ASK THE EXPERT":
April 30: Medical Session with Dr. Chris McDougle, Director, Lurie Center for Autism at Mass. General Hospital, who will discuss management for anxiety and attention, especially during the time of quarantine and online and home schooling. 9 p.m. EST
Registration link available soon but you can ask your question now.
Past sessions:
April 16 Education Session: How to be a Knowledgeable IEP Participant
Michelle Self, PhD and Lisa Portune, MSW (who are parents of children with WS) discussed the importance of knowing IDEA, sharing your vision, effective IEP meetings and the power of negotiation and partnership. They will also covered the current situation, where online and being home is affecting plans and making IEPs go virtual. Recording available soon.
Slide show presentation available here.
March 26: Drs. Karen Levine and Bonnie Klein-Tasman joined us to discuss anxiety and COVID-19. Dr. Levine wrote up some helpful advice for everyone:
Help: My Child is Regressing Behaviorally
Help: My Child is Regressing Academically.
March 30: Our education consultant Robin Pegg was online giving an overview of our newly created and continually updated website launched to assist with distance learning and answered some questions.
On February 26 at 9 p.m. EST, Dr. Barabara Pober was online discussing and answering questions about aging and Williams syndrome--this is "Part Two" of the popular webinar she joined last year.
PAST WEBINARS AND RECORDINGS
On February 13 at 9 p.m. EST, David Koppenhaver, PhD was a guest, and he discussed his research on the reading abilities in children with Williams syndrome and take questions on reading education.
January 28 at 9 p.m. EST
All About the WSA's National Convention
Join executive director Terry Monkaba as she gives a convention overview and answers any questions about convention 2020 in Phoenix July 8-11. A comprehensive information sheet on convention can be found here.
January 19: 9 p.m. EST
Robin Pegg, WSA education consultant, gave an overview of our education resources.
NOVEMBER 2019
Ask the Expert:
OCTOBER 2019
IEP: LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT
Join Robin Pegg October 15:
SEPTEMBER 2019
WSA education consultant Robin Pegg answered questions Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. EST for the Ask the Expert: IEP Edition session of the month.
Michelle Self, PhD was live September 24 at 9 p.m. EST
Transition to school: From Pre-school to Elementary
Ages 3-7 years old
AUGUST 2019:
Ask the Expert: IEP Edition with Robin Pegg
Note: video starts at 3:45 minutes in.
BARBARA POBER, MD CLINICAL GENETICIST. AGING AND WS
JULY 2019
ASK THE EXPERT WITH STELLA BEARD: TRANSITION SUPPORTS
Join us for discussion around transition supports (ages 14 and older): whether students are transitioning to community based supports; the workplace, or post secondary education opportunities.
Age group covered: Teens/Adults
ACCESS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: LAURA CHESSER, WSA JULY 31
Teens/Adults
JUNE 2019
June 15: Ask the Expert, IEP edition with WSA education consultant Robin Pegg.
MAY 2019
May 29: Anxiety & Behavior Karen Levine, PhD
All ages
APRIL:
IEP EDITION: APRIL 15 ROBIN PEGG, MED
April 29, 2019: Marisa Fisher, PhD Building Social Skills
Ages covered: Teens/Adults