Region One hosts annual Autism conference

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Educators, advocates, and families came out Thursday for the Region One Education Service Center Autism Conference in Edinburg.

Region One supports students with Autism by providing professional development, technical assistance, and resources for educators, students, families, and communities through their Special Education Program.

According to Region One Autism Specialist Aliber Peña, Autism Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, promote understanding and celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with Autism.

During the event attendees heard from Cody Clark, a self proclaimed autistic self advocate and magician. Clark put on a magic show for the crowd.

At Region Once, the staff works to ensure all students feel included and are prepared for every phase of young adulthood. This workshop was guided toward older students to help them with their communication skills to one day be confident in the workforce, like Clark who is embracing his skill set.

"It's a spectrum so every student needs some degree of help in some area," Peña said. "What area that is ... that is where we are hoping that our teachers better understand to make sure that they have the strategies to necessary to be able to meet the needs of diverse students meaning that some kids might have communication issues while others may have social and communication issues or behavioral issues. And that is why we want our teachers and staff to be well equipped to be able to service our students."

Peña said 100 more attendants showed up in comparison to last years conference.