Bullying in the United States was once a silent epidemic which was endured by millions of children on a daily basis. The attitude “kids will be kids” was just part of normal childhood development. Today, bullying in schools is being recognized as a national health problem and safety issue for all students including students with disabilities. The prevalence of bullying in schools is roughly one in three students and can occur twice as often for students with special needs. Dr. Ernsperger will provide up-to-date research and specific interventions in order for all school professionals to create a safe educational environment and follow the legal requirements set out by the federal government on bullying and harassment prevention for students with disabilities.

Bio: Dr. Lori Ernsperger is the Director of Autism and Behavioral Consulting, LLC and a board certified behavior analyst- doctoral level. She has over 29 years of experience working in the public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. Dr. Lori currently provides professional development and conference workshops to school district professionals and parents. She is the author of three books: Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism and Just Take a Bite: Easy Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges and Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Her new books Teaching Students with ASD will be released in Fall 2014 and Preventing Bullying and Harassment for Students with Disabilities will be released in April, 2015. For more information go to: www.loriernsperger.com