Programs & Sessions

Functional Behavioral Assessment Pre-Conference Workshop
September 29, 2010 9AM-4PM

Sally Burton-Hoyle, Ed.D

A woman who has focused her life and career towards the improved education of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities, Dr. Burton-Hoyle, has always been a teacher. She learned from her brother, Tim, a man with autism, that if we look for the strengths and presume competence in others, then we will lay a foundation for success in the classroom and community for all students. She serves as area coordinator of the Masters of Autism Spectrum Disorders program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). This program is based on Positive Behavioral Supports, family involvement and cutting edge research in the area of autism. Sally has been at EMU since 2006 but was previously Executive Director of the Autism Society of Michigan as well as a classroom teacher supporting students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Dr. Burton-Hoyle’s research on the coping skills of families with a child with autism has earned her publications in leading publications devoted to families such as, Exceptional Parent. Her role with the Autism Collaborative Center (ACC), a multidisciplinary training center at EMU has been significant. She works tirelessly to support opportunities for students in general and special education to work alongside families for maximum educational success. Dr. Burton-Hoyle’s goal has been to increase the knowledge of inclusion of students with disabilities by understanding their learning strengths and what their behavior is communicating.