Adelphi University Graduate Students Present at NYASP Conference

Online, December 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Four graduate students in Adelphi University's Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, School Psychology Master's Program, Laura Bennett '09, M.A. '12, Steven Castiglia M.A.'11, Jennifer Rosenberg '08, M.A. '11, Kathryn Taylor M.A. '11 presented at the annual New York State Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) conference on November 12, 2010. Ehrin MacHenry M.A. '11 also participated in the research and creation of the presentations, though she was unable to attend the conference. The conference, aimed at school psychologists and held in Lake George, NY, featured a series of lectures and presentations about a broad range of psychological issues in schools.

The STC was invited to make two poster presentations at the conference. The research and presentations, which were designed by Associate Professor Dr. Ionas Sapountzsis and the students, were "The effectiveness of the Adelphi Social Training Center's group therapy sessions for adolescents and young adults on the Autism spectrum", and, "Common Themes Found in the Group Sessions for adolescents and young adults on the Autism spectrum at the Adelphi Social Training Center". These studies represent a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of STC's group therapy sessions for adolescents and young adults on the Autism spectrum, as well as an assessment of the common themes found in these group sessions.

As a result of the overwhelming positive response to Adelphi's presentations, the STC has been asked to continue its research and return next year to make a full presentation to the entire conference.

These also students provide counseling services in the STC program.

The STC is an autism support center that provides comprehensive services and guidance programs for students and their families within the community who have high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome. The STC's goal is to provide therapeutic and support services to high school and college-aged individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and their families to help them negotiate life adjustments such as the social, academic, and vocational challenges that face them throughout their lives. For more information about the STC, please visit adelphi.edu/communityservices/derner/stc/.