Panel of Experts to Discuss Challenges of Autism on April 23

STORM LAKE, IA (04/11/2017) (readMedia)-- A panel of experts will discuss access to services and other issues facing individuals and families who have been impacted by autism on Sunday, April 23 at 3:15 p.m. in Schaller Memorial Chapel on the Buena Vista University (BVU) campus.

The panel is part of the annual "Choose Blue for Autism: Take Steps to Make a Difference," which includes a weekend of events designed to educate and raise awareness of the complications that arise from an autism diagnosis.

"We are bringing experts to rural Iowa that we don't often have access to," said Marie Sennett, 2017 Choose Blue coordinator. "I am proud of this this panel and to be able to provide time for questions presented by families and individuals so we all can all become more skilled advocates for our loved ones who have been impacted by an autism."

"It is great that we can offer experts of this quality to the community while raising awareness of the needs of our Iowans dealing with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder," added Dr. Peter Steinfeld, associate dean of faculty at BVU.

There will also be a youth fair on April 23 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Lamberti Recreation Center on the BVU campus. Parents are encouraged to attend the expert panel while children of all ages and abilities enjoy face painting, creating a community service project and other activities alongside BVU students.

Other weekend events include the Seventh Annual Choose Blue Dinner and Silent Auction sponsored by the Elijah's Project, a 5K race and "Arch Story" speakers to raise funds and awareness in honor of BVU President Fred Moore, and his wife, Susan, who are serving as honorary co-chairs of this collection of events.

The panel of experts include:

Gregory L. Kenyon – "Services for Adults on the Spectrum, Special Education and Trust Accounts"

Gregory L. Kenyon is a shareholder in the Des Moines firm Grandshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C., where he focuses on the general practice of law with an emphasis on estate planning, wills, probate, trust and elder law. Kenyon is the chair of the Iowa Bar Association Elder Law Section and serves on the Iowa Supreme Court Guardianship and Conservatorship Reform Task Force. Kenyon is a frequent speaker at Bar Association and professional continuing education programs on elder law, Medicaid issues, guardian and conservatorship issues, estate planning and probate matters.

Daryl Beall – "How We Approach Legislative Change"

Daryl Beall was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2002 and reelected in 2006 and 2010, and has a proven track record of community service and legislation leadership and accomplishment. Senator Beall has championed the causes of autism, veteran's rights, mental health, education reform, safe schools, renewable energy, lakes and rivers restoration, skilled jobs creation and training, regional economic development, accessible and affordable health care, keeping children safe from predators and families protected from domestic violence.

Dr. Luke Tsai – "Changes in the Diagnosis of Autism and Tips on How to Access Services"

Dr. Luke Tsai has held academic and professional appointments at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, the University of Kansas School of Medicine, the University of Michigan Medical School and College of Literature, Science and the Arts, as well as the Oakland University School of Education and Human Services. Tsai is a scholar, researcher, teacher and father of a young man with autism. He is also the author of "Taking the Mystery out of Medication in Autism/Asperger Syndromes and Raising our Son with Autism – A Family's 40-Year Journey."

Funds raised from the dinner and silent auction will go to Faith, Hope and Charity, Genesis Development and Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency. All other Choose Blue events directly benefit Faith, Hope and Charity and Genesis Development.

For a detailed schedule of events, click here, or for additional information, please contact Sennett at 410-916-6200 or chooseblue2017@gmail.com.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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