Sexuality & The Middle School Student is a session for parents seeking information on how to address the topic and the needs of their children in this very particular area. The presentation is aimed parents of students who may have developmental needs associated with intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder - among others.
Our Presenter:
Melanie H. Johnston, M.A./SLP/CAS is the Executive Director of BRITE Success, LLC,
which provides services to consumers with development disabilities and Autism
Spectrum Disorder, families and professionals developing programs, and teaching
individuals across the life span using interventions that provide communication skills,
behavioral skills and readiness skills that are essential for independence. She
completed her baccalaureate degree at Texas Christian University in Speech
Pathology, and her master’s degree at University of Texas, Austin in Early Childhood
Intervention and Special Education. In 1983 she co-founded The Bynum School
(originally known as Developmental Disabilities Center) in Midland, Texas.
In the 1980’s Melanie was given the opportunity to work directly under Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas
providing what is now known as ABA Therapy. Melanie has over 35 years of experience
not only as a Speech and Language Pathologist but also as an Autism/Behavior
Specialist in public schools, private practice and collaborations with other agencies
and service providers. As a private consultant with BRITE Success, LLC she works with
public school systems throughout the country developing appropriate educational
plans for individuals with special needs providing trainings to faculty, professionals
and families.
Melanie has presented, published numerous papers, co-authored RRP-TI
Rapid Response Program to Intervention (Wills-Brandon, Brandon, Johnston 2007),
and has been adjunct faculty at the University of Texas, Austin. Melanie also works
with parents and schools in understanding issues of safety and sexuality. She initially
began training after becoming aware of the fact that many of her clients had been
sexually abused and/or exploited. Melanie works with families and individuals in
settings for clinical intervention, social skills training, and community training to
address this topic.
Additionally she provides resources and training to professionals
regarding educating individuals with ID/DD to ensure their health and safety in
relation to sexuality. Over the last three years Melanie has been at the forefront of
implementing i-technology for education in the areas of communication, assistive technology, and language, transitional and learning needs.
Through BRITE Success, LLC she has encouraged adults to pursue their personal goals for a meaningful self-determined life which lead her to expand services to include vocational training and support for competitive employment. Melanie has been a sought-after speaker
speaking nationally at conferences and other trainings across the country and was
selected as the recipient of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) 2013 Education Award. Currently, she is the past chairman of the Texas Speech and Hearing Association Business Management committee, sits on the SpecialNeedsWare/Oneder Advisory Board, and Elevatus Training Advisory Board. She continues to advocate for all individuals with disabilities.