Autism specialist to headline Hastings College symposium

Annette Wragge, State Coordinator for the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network, will serve as the keynote speaker for a symposium entitled “Autism & Fear.” Scheduled for April 24 at 7 p.m. in French Memorial Chapel (800 N. Turner Ave.), the event is designed to decrease fear about autism, its causes and people with autism. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to Wragge’s address, a panel will  take questions from the audience. Panelists include Dr. Lorrie Bryant, a psychologist; Sarah Kuhl, Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist with the Lovaas Institute; Neil Heckman, parent; and Suz Swanson, Autism Spectrum Disorder Advocate.
Symposium sponsors include the Hastings College Artist Lecture Series and the college’s Departments of Psychology, Chemistry and Biology.
Bio for Annette Wragge
Annette Wragge is the State Coordinator for the NE Autism Spectrum Disorders Network. Annette received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Doane College.   In her role as State Coordinator, Annette works with regional coordinators and various agencies across the state to provide training and technical assistance in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  She organizes and provides training opportunities to support the needs of teachers, administrators and parents of children with ASD.  She presents locally and nationally on topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and recently co-authored the 2011 Hidden Curriculum One a Day Calendar for Kids. 
Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in Hastings, Nebraska, that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. With 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Hastings College: Pursue Your Passion®. Visit Hastings.edu for more.