New This year! Bid on 1 on 1 time with the speaker of your choice! Includes breakfast or lunch.  Bidding starts at $50 and ends on October 31st!!  Bid NOW!

Maranie Adams

Professional Background:

Maranie has been married to her best friend and soul mate for 24 years and is the mother of three handsome sons. Her youngest, Dean, was diagnosed with autism in 1999 at the age of 3. She is an avid autism advocate, having attended many conferences and rallies. She is the co founder of an online support group which, when it when into hiatus in 2009 , had over 6000 members. She is a Rescue Angel, has served as a state representative for Unlocking Autism, and is currently the Secretary/ Vice President of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Autism Association. Maranie has 9 years of tax preparation experience and has done extensive research into the deductibility of autism related expenses.

Session Description:

Autism Expenses- Help! What can I deduct on my Income Taxes ?

Powerpoint presentation detailing what common expenses that are related to autism can be deducted, as well as where to get more info, and book keeping information.

Timothy Adams

Julie A. Buckley, MD, FAAP

Professional Background:

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine and the Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Buckley developed an abiding interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders when her daughter regressed into the world of autism at four years of age. Her daughter’s dramatic recovery inspired her unique practice in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where neurotypical primary care pediatrics meets an integrative medicine approach to autism. Author of the book Healing Our Autistic Children released in September 2009, she added Breast Cancer Survivor to her resume in October 2009, using an integrative/functional medicine approach. She has also developed a patented antioxidant formula for peri-vaccination and peri-oxidative stress use. Dr. Buckley co-founded and is President of HEAL! (Healing Every Autistic Life!) a non-profit foundation dedicated to Education about Awareness of, Treatment for, Research into, and Prevention of autism spectrum disorder. In addition, she is actively involved in research and raising a family with the help of a wonderfully supportive family.

Session Description: 

Caring for the Caregiver

Caring for a child on the autism spectrum is a wonderfully stressful experience. Caregivers all too often ensure that the children get everything imaginable for the child’s healing, and neglect their own needs as a consequence. Dr. Buckley, a breast cancer survivor since 2009, will discuss the science of stress and how it impacts our bodies. She will also present and teach practical, applicable, effective tools for families, teachers, and therapists to use in caring for themselves when they return home Monday morning.

Cheryl Cotter, M Ed.

Professional Background:

Cheryl Cotter, M Ed., is the Training Coordinator for the Autism Project of Rhode Island. Cheryl brings extensive knowledge of Asperger Syndrome and autism to the team from personal experiences with her son and her professional work and education. A certified educator with advanced TEACCH training, she consults to school districts, presents and trains for both families and professionals and supports social skills groups. Most recently Cheryl created a five week training series on Asperger Syndrome and authored a new training series for parents of newly diagnosed children both in English and Spanish.

Session Description:

Screw it...We're Going to Target!

Children with autism learn through positive, meaningful experiences. Unfortunately, too often the challenges of autism result in isolation for a family. Failed attempts, meltdowns and frankly exhaustion make staying home the default choice. This presentation will show participants practical strategies to create and support successful outings into the community and experiences at home. Whether it’s a trip to Target, a school function or a family birthday party, participants will walk away with ideas to improve the experience for everyone.

Zack Gonzalez

Professional Background:

Zack Gonzalez is an American comedian, critically acclaimed writer, and internationally-known autism activist. He created the Play Now for Autism and Laugh Now for Autism event chains in honor of his younger brother with autism, Ethan ("Deets"). The activist hosts his own autism-based webshow, "It's on with Zack" and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Session Description:

Everything you've always wanted to know about autism siblings!

Cindy L. Griffin, DSH-P, DIHom., BME

Professional Background:

Cindy L. Griffin, DSH-P, DIHom., BME, is co-owner of Homeopathy Center of Houston, and has been a professional homeopath since 1998. She specializes in autism spectrum disorders, but with a general practice has also seen success with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, digestive and nervous system disorders, Lyme disease, cancer and many other chronic illnesses. Cindy continues to practice, write and teach about the Houston Homeopathy method, is a Defeat Autism Now!(R) trained alternative practitioner, as well as the mother of 3 adult children, including a son who has recovered from Asperger’s Syndrome. She is the Founder and Curriculum author for Houston School of Homeopathy, and one of 5 professional homeopaths at Homeopathy Center of Houston.

Session Description:

Sequential Homeopathy: Recovery for Children with Autism

Houston Homeopathy Autism Specialists Cindy Griffin and Lindyl Lanham will present compelling information about the benefits of homeopathy for all children with autism. Recovered cases from their files using a multi-approach homeopathic method will demonstrate benefits seen by children with autism. Learn about: basics of what homeopathy is; why children and families can all benefit from use of homeopathy for true health and as an alternative for acute illness and illness prevention; differences between homeopathic approaches.

Devin Houston, PhD

Professional Background:

Dr. Houston obtained his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. His graduate work focused on enzyme discovery, and subsequent research at University of Virginia and Saint Louis University focused on enzymatic mechanisms involved in cellular communication. Dr. Houston followed his academic career with several years of research and development in enzyme manufacturing. This lead to his discovery of DPP-IV in certain enzyme blends and the eventual invention of the first proteolytic enzyme product targeted for those with autism. Dr. Houston then formed his own companies, Houston Nutraceuticals, Inc. and Houston Enzymes, in order to continue further development of novel enzyme products. Dr. Houston spends much of his time educating the public about enzymes and speaks at no cost at autism conferences and support groups.

Session Description:

Enzymes and Food Intolerances

The primary goal of digestion is to reduce bulk foods to the simplest elements: amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids. When digestion is impaired the breakdown of foods may be incomplete. Incomplete digestion of proteins leads to production of bioactive peptides. Some of these peptides may be problematic in certain populations, especially those with immune system problems or food allergies. Those with autism are also prone to these same problems. The use of acid-stable digestive enzyme products provides a mechanism whereby proteins may be safely and completely digested prior to the point of absorption from the gut. For those with "food intolerances," today's enzyme products may provide relief. In the very near future, specific protease enzymes may potentially be approved treatments for diseases such as celiac.
 

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Raun Kaufman

Professional Background:

International lecturer Raun K. Kaufman is the former CEO and current Director of Global Education for the Autism Treatment Center of America™, home of The Son-Rise Program®. In addition to his work with families and professionals from around the world, Mr. Kaufman brings a distinctive qualification to the realm of autism treatment—his own personal history as a person fully recovered from severe autism. He just completed his book, Autism Revolution: Breakthrough Strategies for Parents.

Session Description:

Autism Revolution: Breakthrough Strategies for Parents

Raun K. Kaufman will provide concrete, innovative strategies you can implement now for your child’s immediate gain. With inspiration and humor, he will recount his own story of recovery from autism and detail simple techniques from The Son-Rise Program® to help your child: move beyond stimming (without you stopping or discouraging your child’s behavior), learn new skills (without you having to push or pressure), and, most especially, to form meaningful, caring relationships with others.

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Arthur Krigsman, MD

Professional Background:

Dr. Krigsman is a board certified pediatrician and pediatric gastroenterologist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating the gastrointestinal disorders associated with ASD. His data have been presented at both scientific meetings and congressional hearings.

Session Description:

Clinical, Cellular, and Molecular Aspects of ASD-Associated Gastrointestinal Disease
 
This lecture will be composed of 2 parts. The first part will be delivered by Arthur Krigsman MD and will consist of a review of the clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histologic findings, and gastrointestinal symptomatic response to targeted GI interventions. The second part, presented by Dr. Stephen Walker Ph.D, will discuss recent gene expression datathat describe the common and unique molecular pathways that underlie this inflammatory bowel disease variant.

 

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Lindyl Lanham, DSH-P, BS SpEd

Professional Background:

Lindyl Lanham, DSH-P, BS-Spec.Ed., is co-owner and professional homeopath with Homeopathy Center of Houston. She has been a professional homeopath since 2002, and the focus of her practice has been on Tourette’s Syndrome and ASD’s. She is the creator and moving force behind the Houston Homeopathy Method for Autism, and continues to improve on the method through research and clinical practice. She is a regular speaker at many autism conferences, including Autism One and LIA. The success of the Houston Homeopathy Method for Autism has resulted in Homeopathy Center of Houston becoming the largest and oldest homeopathic practice in the US to focus primarily on autism. She is a Defeat Autism Now!(R) trained alternative practitioner. She is the mother of two adult sons, one of whom is recovered from Tourette Syndrome.

Session Description:

Sequential Homeopathy: Recovery for Children with Autism

Houston Homeopathy Autism Specialists Cindy Griffin and Lindyl Lanham will present compelling information about the benefits of homeopathy for all children with autism. Recovered cases from their files using a multi-approach homeopathic method will demonstrate benefits seen by children with autism. Learn about: basics of what homeopathy is; why children and families can all benefit from use of homeopathy for true health and as an alternative for acute illness and illness prevention; differences between homeopathic approaches.

Elizabeth Mumper, MD

Professional Background:

Dr. Mumper is a general pediatrician with a special interest in autism, attention problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She founded Advocates for Children in 2000 to address the special needs of the children in her community. Advocates for Families is her practice devoted to children with autism and related disorders. For 5 years she was the Medical Director of the Autism Research Institute where she was in charge of clinician training. In 2007, she founded the Rimland Center, in honor of Bernie Rimland, in order to teach clinicians how to care for the medical problems of children with autism. She lectures nationally and internationally about the connection between medical problems and behavioral symptoms.

Session Description:

Getting Started on Treatment Strategies

Dr. Mumper will discuss how to get started on treatment strategies based in science. Many children with autism have intestinal problems, disruption in methylation/transulfuration biochemistry, and immune dysregulation. Dr. Mumper will review what parents can do in these crucial areas to help their child.

Mitchel D. Perlman, Ph.D.

Professional Background:

Mitchel D. Perlman, Ph.D., focuses on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents who have specialized needs and/or who are involved in chaotic-intense-traumatic-critical situations. Known for the comprehensiveness of his investigatory assessments (psychodiagnostic, psychoeducational, neurocognitive), Dr. Perlman is often called on to be the impartial independent examiner in juvenile, family, civil and special education proceedings. He lends his expertise and keen insights to children/teens who have stepped away from the mainstream and/or who have gotten themselves in over their heads – emotionally, legally or in relation to others. He is involved in assessing some of the most fascinating individuals, and he has a knack for detecting and/or explaining things that have often gone unnoticed or that have been misunderstood. For example, in many children who had been diagnosed with autism and mental retardation, Dr. Perlman has found near-gifted to gifted intelligence and has been instrumental in guiding parents to the resources to unlock it.

Session Description:

Special Education Law: Intensive Training for Parents
See Workshop Description for complete details.

Joanne Quinn

Professional Background:

Mother of 3 boys, Joanne's youngest son Patrick was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism in 1999.  Since 2002, Joanne has served as the Executive Director of the Autism Project of Rhode Island. She is also a board member of the National Autism Association.  Joanne has a BA in History from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.  She’s completed both Level I and II of the TEACCH training on Structured Teaching and Consultation.

Session Description:

Screw it...We're Going to Target!

Children with autism learn through positive, meaningful experiences. Unfortunately, too often the challenges of autism result in isolation for a family. Failed attempts, meltdowns and frankly exhaustion make staying home the default choice. This presentation will show participants practical strategies to create and support successful outings into the community and experiences at home. Whether it’s a trip to Target, a school function or a family birthday party, participants will walk away with ideas to improve the experience for everyone.

Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP

Professional Background:

Dr. Rossignol received his Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia. Coming from an academic background, Dr. Rossignol searched the medical literature looking for a solution after both of his children were diagnosed with autism and he has made it his mission to research and publish in autism. In the last 5 years, he has published 16 articles and 3 book chapters concerning autism.

Session Description: 

Folate receptor autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorders

Exciting new research reveals that a surprisingly high percentage of children with autism and their parents harbor autoantibodies to a cerebral folate receptor that can impair methylfolate transport into the brain. This impairment can contribute to depression, chronic fatigue, attention problems, autism, low muscle tone, seizures, and other neurological problems. Dr. Rossignol will present new research as well as cutting edge treatments for this problem.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Seizures in ASD

Recent studies have shown that some children with autism have dysfunction of mitochondria. Since mitochondria are responsible for producing energy, mitochondrial dysfunction can impair areas that require high energy production, such as the brain and muscles. A rather high percentage of children with autism have seizures. Often, this seizure activity is not recognized (subclinical) and can present with impaired speech and brain function. Dr. Rossignol will review the current medical literature on mitochondrial dysfunction and seizures in autism and discuss testing and treatment options.

William Shaw, Ph.D.

Professional Background:

William Shaw Ph.D. is the Director of The Great Plains Laboratory in Lenexa, Kansas, USA, specializing in metabolic, toxic, and nutritional factors in a wide range of human diseases. He is the author of two popular books on the treatment of autism: Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD and Autism: Beyond the Basics.  He received a Ph.D. in biochemistry, genetics, and human physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is board-certified in both Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry, one of a handful of individuals in the world to hold dual certifications. He has supervised large endocrinology, nutritional biochemistry, toxicology, and immunology departments in positions at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Smith Kline Clinical Laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the world’s largest clinical laboratories. Dr. Shaw worked in the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey at CDC, the most comprehensive nutritional survey of the population of the USA.  He was Director of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Organic Acid Testing, and Toxicology at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the teaching hospital of the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, where he was an associate professor in the pathology department. Dr. Shaw recently published work implicating a byproduct of gastrointestinal Clostridia bacteria plays a role in the causation of autism and some types of schizophrenia.

Session Description:

Deficiency of cholesterol and its role in the treatment of autism

Dr. Richard Kelly, a research physician at John Hopkins University has found, along with his colleagues, that autistic symptoms prevalent in a genetic disorder quickly reversed after supplementation with dietary cholesterol. Some of the many improvements included sleeping through the night, overcoming aberrant behaviors, learning to walk, speaking for the first time and becoming more responsive and social family members. In addition, other benefits of cholesterol supplementation included a decreased rate of infections, reduced skin rashes, marked reduction in self-hurtful behaviors, improved muscle tone, decreased tactile defensiveness, more rapid growth and improved behavior overall. Parents reported their children having significant decreases in autistic behavior and even some adults, without speech, spoke for the first time - all within days of taking cholesterol supplements. These changes occurred before cholesterol values had increased in the blood, which indicates that the improvements may be a result of cholesterol forming certain derivatives - such as steroid hormones, bile salts, or new biochemicals- not yet known to science. Low values for cholesterol and beneficial responses to cholesterol supplementation are prevalent in people with non-genetic types of autism as well.

Chantal Sicile-Kira

Professional Background:

Chantal Sicile-Kira is an award-winning author and leader in the field of autism. She is the founder of AutismCollege.com which provides practical information on-line. Her first practical experience with autism was at Fairview State Hospital, teaching self-help and community living skills to adolescents with developmental disabilities in preparation for their de-institutionalization. More recently she has served on and chaired regional taskforces giving input to the CA Senate Committee on Autism. Her son Jeremy, severely impacted with autism, graduated from high school with a full academic diploma in June 2010 and is currently attending college. Chantal and Jeremy have co-authored A Full Life with Autism, to be published by Macmillan in April 2012.

Session Description:

Transition to College

A successful transition to college takes careful planning and preparation for the student on the autism spectrum. Often these young adults are not as well-equipped emotionally as other students for college life. In this session parents will learn how to best prepare their young adult during the high school years, and what to look for when choosing a college. Needed life skills for college life , such as self advocacy to request needed accommodations will be addressed. Challenge areas such as scheduling, organizing, socializing and dating, and how to prepare and support your youth in those areas will be discussed.

Scott M. Smith, P.A.

Professional Background:

Scott Smith, PA attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Studies program at Fort Sam Houston, TX and completed his clinical rotations at Fort Sill, OK. He has been a physician assistant since 1999 and has specialized in gastroenterology and dermatology. In 2003, Scott began treating children with autism spectrum disorders. Scott has co-authored several articles relating to autism and biomedical interventions and has presented at the National Autism Association annual conference as well as for local National Autism Association chapters and for T.A.C.A. New Jersey. He currently practices at Full Potential Wellness Center in Edison, NJ, and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the PANDAS Resource Network.

Session Description:

Acute symptom changes: Is it P.A.N.D.A.S?

P.A.N.D.A.S. (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuro-psychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus) is an abnormal immune response leading to acute neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. The diagnosis of P.A.N.D.A.S. is clinical, as there is no diagnostic test currently available. Identification of the symptoms at the earliest possible point leads to improved treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of P.A.N.D.A.S. overlap with symptoms commonly found within autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This leads to later identification and initiation of treatment for children already diagnosed with ASD. Though this lecture, attendees will become familiar with the acute symptom changes associated with P.A.N.D.A.S. and learn how to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Theoharis C. Theoharides, Ph.D., M.D.

Professional Background:

Dr. Theoharides is a Professor of Pharmacology, Internal Medicine and Biochemistry; Director of the Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA. He has ongoing research interests in four related areas: (a) molecular events involved in mast cell stimulus-response coupling in allergic reactions and in the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders: atopic dermatitis, arthritis, coronary artery disease, as well as in interstitial cystitis/chronic prostatitis, migraine headaches and multiple sclerosis for which Dr. Theoharides' group has developed in vivo and in vitro models; (b) the ability of mast cells to release some of their mediators, especially cytokines, selectively that may explain how they participate in inflammation; moreover, selective release of angiogenesis factors may help explain the high number of mast cells around tumors, such as breast carcinoma and melanoma; (c) the role of mast cells in mediating the effect of stress by responding to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), or its analogue urocortin (Ucn), with cytokine release, as well as secretion of CRH and Ucn; (d) the regulation of the expression, identification of the phosphorylated sites, as well as molecules that increase and sustain the phosphorylated state of a 78 kDa mast cell phosphoprotein he and his associates have cloned. In its phosphorylated state, this protein inhibits mast cell secretion and proliferation; select compounds could serve as anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory drugs, and possibly anticancer agents. Dr. Theoharides has numerous patents and is interested in using natural molecules in food supplements for the treatment of allergic/inflammatory and malignant conditions (Related web site: Algonot.com). He is also interested in drug and biomedical research policy. He has served as the Clinical Pharmacologist of the Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission continuously since 1986; he has also served on the Supreme Health Council, of the Ministry of Health, the HealthCare Board of the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources and the National Drug Organization of the Hellenic Republic.

Session Description:

Increased oxidative stress and immune dysregulation are present in ASDs. Mast cell activation may contribute to gut-blood-brain-barrier disruption and brain inflammation. This lecture will discuss the critical role of mast cells in neuro-inflammatory diseases, their related biomarkers in autism and therapeutic targets.

Anju Usman, MD

Professional Background:

Dr. Usman is director of True Health Medical Center in Naperville, Illinois. She specializes in the biomedical treatment of children with ADD, Autism, Allergies, and Gastrointestinal issues. She has conducted research in copper/zinc imbalances, metallothionein dysfunction, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and chronic infections in ASD patients. Dr. Usman is actively involved as a speaker, advocate and researcher. She is cofounder of ACE (Autism Center for Enlightenment) a non-profit dedicated to education, research and support for families seeking biomedical interventions. Dr. Usman received her medical degree from Indiana University and completed a residency in Family Practice at Cook County Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois. She is board certified in Family Practice.

Session Description: 

Autism, The Autonomic Nervous System, Hormones and Stress.

Chronic illnesses result in upregulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This can cause symptoms such as hyperactivity, anxiety, attention and focus difficulties. A chronic fight or flight response to stress can also lead to medical issues such as impaired gastrointestinal motility, immune dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances. These issues can be identified and addressed with proper testing, good nutrition, targeted nutraceuticals, and adaptogenic herbs.
 

Andrew J. Wakefield, MD

Professional Background:

Dr Wakefield is an academic gastroenterologist. Trained as a GI surgeon and experimental gastroenterologist in London and Toronto. Published widely on inflammatory bowel disease and latterly, autism and its links to intestinal disease.

Session Description: 

Hoping for Perpetual Sunshine

This presentation is the subject of a new book coming out the spring of 2012.  It deals with the hazards of pursuing a diagnosis of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) in children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly those with gastrointestinal (GI) disease and/or dysfunction. Specifically, it reviews the symptomatic presentation of GI disorders and, the frequency and nature of GI disease in affected children. It discusses the history of MSBP and briefly reviews alleged cases involving “factitious” GI symptoms. The main part of the talk will describe the experience of one family, deconstructing the evidence against the parents and their alleged fabrication of their children’s health issues, in order to identify not only the shortcomings of the diagnosis itself, but also the systematic problems that arise out of institutionalized ignorance. Deficiencies on the part of Social Services, Child Protective Services, the judiciary, and the medical profession, are identified and analyzed in respect of the published science on the presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment of autism.
 

Steve Walker, Ph.D.

Professional Background:

Dr. Walker received his doctorate in Genetics & Developmental Biology followed by post-graduate work in the areas of molecular biology and proteomics. His initial faculty appointment was in the Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, at Wake Forest University Health Sciences. In this position he recruited families and carried out genetic association studies related to single-gene craniofacial disorders. From there he moved to the faculty in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology where he participated in studies examining the molecular basis for substance abuse using nonhuman primate animal models. It is in this position that he was first introduced to microarray technology (looking at gene expression at the “whole transcriptome” level). Dr. Walker has been a member of the FDA-sponsored International Microarray Quality Control (MAQC) consortium since its inception in 2005. He is currently on the faculty at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and is also on the Graduate faculty as well as faculty in the Neuroscience Program and the Molecular Genetics Program.

Session Description:

Clinical, Cellular, and Molecular Aspects of ASD-Associated Gastrointestinal Disease
 
This lecture will be composed of 2 parts. The first part will be delivered by Arthur Krigsman MD and will consist of a review of the clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histologic findings, and gastrointestinal symptomatic response to targeted GI interventions. The second part, presented by Dr. Stephen Walker Ph.D, will discuss recent gene expression datathat describe the common and unique molecular pathways that underlie this inflammatory bowel disease variant.