MCGT Professional Speaker Series
Gifted and Autism – Neurobiology and Interventions
February 24, March 24, April 28
A three-part series exploring twice exceptionality through the genetic and biological factors, masking, assessment and interventions. This series has been specifically designed for MN professionals working with gifted and twice exceptional people. We welcome participation from other professionals interested in this twice exceptional population.
Genetic and Biological Factors Underlying Strengths in Autism
Friday, February 24, 2023; 1 - 3 pm CST
Dr. Michaelson will describe his research, in clear and easily accessible language of use to practitioners, on twice-exceptionality, including the relationship between polygenic scores, creative strengths, and behavior patterns in the context of autism.
Jake Michaelson, Ph.D.
BIO: Jacob Michaelson is a Roy J. Carver Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and division director for Computational and Molecular Psychiatry at the University of Iowa. Michaelson leads a collaboration at the University of Iowa focused on learning more about the biological basis of twice-exceptionality. Michaelson is the Iowa site Principal Investigator for SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) and is the leader of the Network and Pathway Analysis working group of the SPARK Genomics Consortium.
https://www.sfari.org/people/jacob-michaelson/
Masking of Autism and Gifted Individuals - Professional Interventions
Friday, March 24, 2023; Noon - 2pm CDT
This workshop deepens your knowledge about the executive functions, how and when they develop, the natural processes in the body and the brain that mediate their expression, and ways that they can be altered in giftedness and autism spectrum disorder. Sharpen your recognition of twice exceptional learners with ‘autisms’ so that you know how and when either dysregulation or strengths mask your opportunity to foster learning potential.
Layne Kalbfleisch, M.Ed., Ph.D.
BIO: Layne Kalbfleisch, M.Ed., Ph.D., founded 2E Consults ® LLC, providing assessment and coaching services for families and children, and organizations who work on behalf of families and children. She is affiliated in Pediatrics at The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., and in the College of Education at Northern New Mexico College, Espanola, NM. An educational psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, she studies the relationship between talent and disability and how the human brain supports ingenuity and problem solving across life. She is a former middle school teacher. She received the inaugural ‘Scientist Idol’ award for messaging science to the public from the National Science Foundation in 2010 and is a member of the US Department of State Committee on Exceptional Children and the NSF Group Brain Dynamics in learning research team. She is the author of "Teaching to Every Kid's Potential: Simple Neuroscience Lessons to Liberate Learners" (W.W. Norton, 2021).
Gifted & Autistic: How Do We Know & What Do We Do? A Neuropsychologist’s View
Friday, April 28, 2023; Noon – 2 pm CDT
This talk will focus on the assessment of autism traits in gifted individuals. With limited research in this area, content will include clinical observations and case examples. Learn what traits might warrant a diagnosis, why a diagnosis is important, and what interventions are beneficial. Build understanding of these exceptional kids, what makes them ‘tick,’ and how to support them!
Megan Helmen, Psy.D., L.P.
BIO : Megan Helmen began working with autistic children over 20 years ago and heard many disheartening stories from families about how their child was diagnosed. She decided that she wanted to be the person at the start of the process, sharing a diagnosis with parents in a compassionate, informed manner. Dr. Helmen completed a degree in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota and went on to complete a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. The field of Pediatric Neuropsychology combined her interests in child development, assessment, and brain-behavior relationships. She completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Pediatric Neuropsychology and included a rotation in the Autism Clinic to round out her assessment training. Dr. Helmen worked as a clinician completing assessments in a local clinic for nearly 9 years. In the last few years, she developed a special interest in giftedness and 2e. In August 2022, she opened her private practice, Developmental Discoveries, with the goal of making a clinical process a meaningful experience for children and families. She believes in balancing clinical expertise and research-based interventions with connection and a sense of humor. Dr. Helmen believes in respecting each child as a whole human who can be included in the evaluation process.
Continuing Education hours (6.0) have been approved through the MN Board of Psychology [Log number 202301.253]. Each session will be offered live on the date and then available via video for 4 months following the presentation date to registrants. CEU documentation will be sent directly to participants.
Fee: $150 For all 3 Speaker Events
$120 for MCGT Professional Members
$50 for Students
Questions? Email info@mcgt.net