SPEAKER BIOS AND PRESENTATIONS
Maranie Adams
Professional Background:
Maranie is a wife and the mother of 3 boys
. The youngest, Dean, is 12 and affected by autism.. She is the
owner and co-moderator of Chelatingkids2 , a Yahoo! support group
with over 4,300 members. She has served as a
state representative for Unlocking Autism and is currently the
Secretary/Treasurer of the National Autism Association of
Mississippi. Maranie is employed as a tax preparation specialist
and has extensive knowledge regarding deductions related to autism
and its treatments and therapies.
Session Description:
Income taxes and Disabilities--- What is
deductible?
Itemizing deductions
Medical- what is allowable? What isn't?
Publication 502
Mileage, out of town stays, conferences and other often forgotten
deductions
Record Keeping
Timothy Adams
Timothy A. Adams, Esq: Mr. Adams
received his Bachelor¹s degree from the University of
California, Irvine and his Juris Doctorate degree from
Pepperdine University School of Law. He has served as an adjunct
professor and Associate Director of the Special Education
Advocacy Clinic, Pepperdine University School of Law. He is
actively involved in educating parents through presentations to
disability rights organizations and parent support groups
including speaker at Autism One (2005-2007), the National Autism
Association (2005) and the National Epilepsy Foundation Annual
Conference (2001). He has been interviewed and quoted in
publications including the Daily Journal (2001), the Orange
County Register and the nationally published magazine Parenting
(March 2003); He is the managing partner at Roberts & Adams.
Session Description:
Special Education Law: Intensive
Training for Parents
See Workshop Description for
complete details.
Lynne Arnold
Professional Background:
Lynne Arnold is the chapter director for Talk
About Curing Autism (TACA) of Visalia, CA and an Autism One
parent mentor. Through community activism and advocacy as well
as conference presentations and mentoring, she helps parents to
understand their child's rights to appropriate interventions and
education. Lynne is the editor of Autism: Asserting Your Child¹s
Rights to a Special Education by David A. Sherman. This is her
second year presenting at the NAA Conference and has also
presented at Autism One and for other autism groups.
Session Description:
Special Education Law: Intensive
Training for Parents
See Workshop Description for
complete details.
David Ayoub, MD
Professional Background:
Dr Ayoub is a board-certified
radiologist and volunteer associate professor at Southern
Illinois University School of Medicine in Springflield Illinois.
He serves as Medical Director for the Foundation for Autism
Information and research. He has devoted a great deal of his
professional time with issues regarding vaccine safety. He has
lectured at numerous autism conferences and testified in
legislative hearings in several states. He is coauthor of
"Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy; Critical assessment of the
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices", published in the Amercican Journal of Physicians and
Surgeons, Summer 2006. He is currently working on research
projects regarding the link between Thimerosal and adrenal
dysfunction in autism, the potential role of vaccine aluminum in
autism and also co-authoring an epidemiological study on rates
of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in Montreal.
Session Description:
TBA
Jeffrey Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP
Professional Background:
Dr. Bradstreet graduated from the University of South Florida
College of Medicine and received his residency training from
Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. As a flight surgeon, he was
involved in aerospace medicine research, and has extensive
experience and training in environmental medicine and
toxicology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family
Physicians and a member of the American College of Toxicology.
He is involved in autism related outcome studies and
environmental research with the University of Washington and
UCLA and serves as a adjunct Professor of Child Development and
Neuroscience at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in
Tempe, Arizona. He has offices in Florida and Arizona and is
internationally recognized as a lecturer and researcher in
autism. His son, Matthew, is recovering from autism with the
combined help of biomedical and behavioral interventions.
Session Description:
TBA
Julie A. Buckley, MD,
FAAP
Professional Background:
Dr. Buckley is a pediatrician who 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
ignited a passion for helping other families similarly affected. The
addition of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy to her practice has
resulted in universally positive changes in children on the autism
spectrum. She maintains a unique practice in Ponte Vedra Beach,
Florida where neurotypical primary care pediatrics meets the DAN!
(Defeat Autism Now!) based approach to healing children on the
autism spectrum. In addition, she has developed a patented
antioxidant formula for peri-vaccination and peri-oxidative stress
use. She co-founded and is the Executive Director of AMEN! (Autism
Music Education Now!), a unique music education program being
piloted at her church. Dr. Buckley also 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. She is actively
involved in research, writing a book, and raising a family with the
help of a wonderfully supportive husband and mother.
Session Description:
TBA
Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., B.C.B.A.
Professional Background:
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh received her Ph.D. in
Psychology from UCLA and is licensed by the Medical Board of
California and the Texas State Board of Psychologists.
Dr. Granpeesheh is a Psychologist and Board
Certified Behavior Analyst and has been providing behavioral therapy
since 1979. In 1990, Dr. Granpeesheh founded The Center for
Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and through its 19 offices
worldwide, she has provided diagnosis, assessment and behavioral
treatment for thousands of children with Autism and related
disorders. In 2005, Dr. Granpeesheh joined the Thoughtful House
Center for Children where she is a principle member and provides ABA
services in collaboration with Medical treatment and research. Dr.
Granpeesheh is member of the DAN! Executive Council, on the
Scientific Advisory Board of the US Autism and Asperger Association
and on the National Board of the Autism Society of America.
Session Description:
TBA
Boyd E Haley, PhD
 Professional Background:
Dr. Haley received his BS in Chemistry/Physics from Franklin College
in 1963. After a tour in the U.S. Army he completed his M.S. in
Chemistry at the University of Idaho (1967) and his Ph.D. in
Chemistry/Biochemistry at Washington State University (1971). He was
an NIH Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Physiology, Yale
University Medical School from 1971 to 1974. His first academic
appointment was at the University of Wyoming in 1974 where he was
promoted to full professor in 1983. In 1985 he was appointed as the
first scientist hired in the Markey Cancer Center at the University
of Kentucky with academic appointments as professor in the College
of Pharmacy and in the Department of Biochemistry of the University
of Kentucky Medical Center. In 1996 he was named Professor and Chair
of the Department of Chemistry. He is also co-founder and scientific
advisor of Affinity Labeling Technologies, Inc., a biotech company
that synthesizes and markets to major research institutes nucleotide
photoaffinity analogs for biomedical research.
Session Description:
TBA
Lori Knowles
Professional Background:
Lori has a B.A. degree double major in French and Political Science.
Her autism M.O.M. degree is of primary importance. She spent
the last 8 years researching and applying biomedical treatments for
her son Daniel who is now recovered from autism. Lori works as
the General Manager of New Beginnings Nutritionals, a cutting edge
nutritional supplement company that supports the unique needs of
children with autism. She is a frequent speaker on biomedical
interventions to parents and professionals at autism conferences
around the world.
Session Description:
A Mother's Success Story: Daniel's Journey Out
of Autism
Laura Marshak
Professional Background:
Laura Marshak is a professor in the Department
of Counseling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In addition,
she is a licensed psychologist at North Hills Psychological Services
where she works with many parents of children with disabilities as
well as others. Her expertise includes professional and personal
experience. She has written five books on aspects of adjustment to
disability. Many of her publications have been with Fran Prezant.
Session Description:
The co-author of Married with Special-Needs
Children [a couple’s guide to staying connected] will lead a
workshop based on this book but tailored specifically to families
with children on the autism spectrum. Topics covered in the
workshop include how parents can protect their relationships, coping
with problems such as spousal denial, disagreements over child
rearing, and managing stress. In addition, attention will be paid to
strategies that strengthen marriage and long-term relationships and
some insights obtained from some of the hundreds of couples who
participated in the research for this book.
James W. Partington,
Ph.D., BCBA
Professional Background:
Dr. Partington is the director of Behavior Analysts,
Inc. in Pleasant Hill, California. He is internationally recognized
for his work in teaching parents and professionals effective and
practical methods for motivating and teaching skills to children
with developmental delays. He is a licensed psychologist and a board
certified behavior analyst (B.C.B.A.), and has 35 years of
experience working with children with developmental disabilities.
His expertise is in language-based intervention with children who
are experiencing language delays as a result of autism and other
related developmental disorders. Dr. Partington is the co-founder of
a school that specializes in language-based instruction for children
with autism (STARS School) and has helped several public school
systems establish similar classrooms within their own districts. He
has been a faculty member of several universities including West
Virginia University, University of San Francisco and St. Mary’s
College. Dr. Partington is a former President of the Northern
California Association for Behavior Analysis and has served as a
member of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Dr. Partington
has received several professional awards including the Public
Service Award for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis in Florida,
presented by the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis and the
Award for Effective Presentation of Behavior Analysis in the Mass
Media that was presented by the Society for the Advancement of
Behavior Analysis. He has served on the editorial review boards of
the Analysis of Verbal Behavior, Education and Treatment of
Children, Behavioral Interventions, Behavior Analysis in Practice,
and has served as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Applied
Behavior Analysis. Dr. Partington has published several papers on
teaching strategies for children with disabilities. Additionally, he
has co-authored the book, Teaching Language to Children with
Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities. He is the author of
Capturing the Motivation of Children with Autism or Other
Developmental Delays and The Assessment of Basic Language and
Learning Skills-Revised (The ABLLS-R): An assessment, Curriculum
Guide, and Skills Tracking System for Children with Autism or Other
Developmental Disabilities. He has also produced an
instructional video, Teaching Verbal Behavior: An Introduction to
Parents Teaching Language. Dr. Partington is internationally
recognized for his work in teaching parents and professionals
effective and practical methods for motivating and teaching skills
to children with developmental delays.
Session Description:
Teach Your Children Well: Practical Advice for
Parents and Professionals Regarding Designing and Implementing
Effective Interventions for the Acquisition of Verbal Behavior
Children with an autism spectrum disorder have
significant delays in their communication and social interaction
skills. When attempting to teach them new language and social skills
it is important to make the learning activities enjoyable such that
while the child learns important language, he is motivated to
interact with others, especially those who work with him. This
presentation is designed to provide parents with an overview of the
"verbal behavior" analysis of language. Methods for motivating the
child to participate in learning activities that help develop a
child’s ability to ask for items and events, name common items, and
talk about his activities will be provided. Videotape examples will
be shown to review effective teaching methods typically used to
teach those skills at both the beginning stages and at more advanced
levels of language abilities. Participants will learn about issues
related to assessing a child's language abilities, and how to then
implement appropriate and practical language intervention
strategies. A major emphasis will be placed on identifying methods
to enhance and utilize motivational variables to teach language in
both structured teaching sessions and in daily activities.
Seth Pearl, DC CCN CNS
Professional Background:
I have been working with children on the spectrum for 5 years. My
expertise is in the field of structural therapies and biomedical
interventions. I utilize a combination of Chiropractic, CranioSacral
therapy and nutrition to fully address the needs of each individual.
I have lectured for ASA Michigan, DDR Developmental Delay Resources
as well as Autism One Chicago. I have a weekly radio show on Autism
One Radio and I am a DAN! practitioner.
Session Description:
TBA
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.
Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP
Professional Background:
Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP received his Doctorate
of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his
residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia (UVa). He
is a former clinical assistant professor of family medicine at UVa
and is currently a staff physician at the International Child
Development Resource Center. He is the father of two children with
autism, ages six and four. He has authored several papers including
2 on the use of HBOT in autism, one on the use of urinary porphyrins
in autism, and another on mitochondrial dysfunction in autism. He is
a medical advisor to the International Hyperbarics Association and
USAAA, and is currently involved in research to find treatments for
inflammation, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal problems, and heavy
metal toxicity in autism.
Session Descriptions:
TBA
Chief Gene Saunders
Professional Background:
Chief Gene Saunders is the Founder and CEO of
Project Lifesaver International. He has served on a volunteer
basis for 15 years as the Chief of Search and Rescue, Chesapeake, VA
Sheriff's Office. He retired as Captain of the Chesapeake
Police Department after 33 years of service.
He and his wife Jeanne have 4 children and 6
grandchildren.
Session Description
A study of Project Lifesaver, why it was
started, how it works, who it serves and how you can get it in your
community.
Lorri Unumb, JD
Professional Background:
Lorri Unumb is a Lawyer, Law Professor and Mother of 7-year-old boy
with autism. She is the author of Ryan's Law, South Carolina's
autism insurance mandate that passed in 2007 and will be implemented
in July 2008.
SessionDescription:
This session will focus on the need for health
insurance coverage for various autism treatments. Professor Lorri
Unumb will provide an overview of the laws regulating health
insurance in the states, suggest political strategies for achieving
insurance coverage in states that lack mandates, and discuss
arguments to counter the insurance industry's objections to coverage
and mandate legislation. Professor Unumb will share tips and
strategies based on her successful "Ryan's Law" insurance
legislation in South Carolina, and she will discuss legal pitfalls
to avoid for advocates who are hoping to pass their own legislation.
Anju Usman, MD
Professional Background:
Dr. Usman is director of True Health Medical Center in
Naperville, Illinois. She specializes in the treatment of
biochemical imbalances in children with Autism and ADD. She has
been involved in research involving copper/zinc imbalances,
metallothionein dysfunction, and heavy metal detoxification. She
has educated parents and professionals in the US and abroad
focusing on the biomedical and DAN approach to treating Autism.
Dr. Usman received her medical degree from Indiana University.
She completed a residency in Family Practice at Cook County
Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois and is board certified in Family
Practice. Session Description:
TBA
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:
TBA |
