Virtual Health & Wellness Forum-Aging and Autism: Understanding and Planning for the Needs of Older Adults with ASD

Click HERE to Register for the September Forum

There are approximately a half-million seniors on the autism spectrum (ASD) in the U.S.  The needs of seniors with ASD are different from the needs of those in young adulthood or middle age. In addition, due to many specific health and behavioral factors, the needs of seniors with autism may also be different from those without autism.  It is urgent for us to better understand the language, learning, medical and behavioral characteristics of seniors on the autism spectrum to both ensure a high quality of life for them during this time in their lives, but also to be able to more effectively address the factors that result in a morbidity rate of at least 20 years earlier than the non-autistic population.

This presentation is designed to promote dialogue about health outcomes and challenges in individuals with ASD as they age. A focus will be on preparing and supporting these individuals in sports and recreation leisure activities . We will describe how building strategic partnerships is critical in addressing the needs of aging individuals with autism.

SPEAKER BIO:

Randy Horowitz has a Master of Science in Education from Queens College and a Certificate of School Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Randy is currently a doctoral candidate in the educational leadership program at Concordia University. Randy started her career as a special education teacher in public school in Nassau County and then spent close to 30 years in senior leadership positions at nonprofit organizations serving children and adults with autism in NYC and Long Island. Randy has presented at local, national and international conferences on topics relating to educating individuals with autism. Her particular areas of interest include preparing and supporting individuals with autism for integration into community activities. In addition to her many work responsibilities, Randy is also a seasoned runner and has participated in countless road races and marathons, including our Blazing Trails Run/Walk, raising well over $65,000 in the past 15 years to benefit the autism community.

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The Special Olympics New York Virtual Health & Wellness Forums are a space for individuals with ID, families, caregivers and coaches to engage with health-focused individuals/organizations such as Healthcare Providers and Fitness Specialists. The Forums provide information and resources related to the health of Special Olympics athletes, while also focusing on bettering access to health care, education and inclusive activities for people with intellectual disabilities.  Often, the health struggles that those with ID face are directly related to the lack of education and resources available to the population and their caregivers.  We aim to cover topical issues that our community wishes to learn more about, and in turn positively impact the health of people with ID across the State.

Forums are presentation based with the opportunity to submit questions to the speaker.  Participants are asked to register with the Zoom links below.  Recordings will be available to view on our website after the live presentation is complete! The Special Olympics New York Virtual Health & Wellness Forums are sponsored by Care Design New York & Partners Health Plan.