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Autism One Canada 2009
List of Presenters/Presentations
 
Presenter Presentation
Jonathan Alderson, EdM Managing and Transforming Challenging Behaviors 
Evdokia Anagnostou, MD Oxytocin for the treatment of social deficits and repetitive behaviors in autism 
John DeMarco, BCBA An Introduction to Relationship Development Intervention® 
Wendy Edwards, MD Biomedical Treatments for Autism - an Overview 
Richard Frye, MD, PhD Abnormal Biomarkers of Energy Metabolism in Children with Autism 
Paul Hardy, MD Epilepsy in Autism: An Overview 
Paul Hardy, MD The Integration of Nutriceutical with Pharmaceutical Therapy 
Martha Herbert, MD, PhD KEYNOTE 
Sonja Hintz, RN Understanding Laboratory Testing from a Parent's Perspective 
Sonja Hintz, RN Gut Biology, Pathology, and Treatment Strategies 
Bryan Jepson, MD Treating Autism: Understanding Biomedical treatment options 
Derrick MacFabe, MD Examining gut-brain links in autism - Are short chain fatty acid fermentation products from opportunistic clostridial infections possible environmental triggers in autism spectrum disorders? 
Valerie MacLean HANDLE®: Helping Extraordinary People Do Ordinary Things 
Lindsay Moir School Meeting Management Tips 
Manon Noiseux, MsC The Epidemic of Autism in Canada 
Jon Pangborn, PhD Coupled Dysbiosis and Metabolic Dysfunctions in Autism - Possible Remedies 
James Partington, PhD Teach Your Children Well: Practical Advice for Parents and Professionals Regarding Designing and Implementing Effective Interventions for the Acquisition of Verbal Behavior 
Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP How to assess and prioritize treatments: Using evidence-based medicine to choose effective treatments for autism and ADHD 
Stephen Shore, EdD Supporting People with Autism for Successful Transition to Adulthood 
Chantal Sicile-Kira Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Puberty, Hygiene and Sexuality 
Lauren Underwood Biomedical & ABA Therapies Together Improve Optimal Outcomes for the Treatment of Autism: A 
Kyle Van Dyke, MD Hyperbaric Therapy for Autism 
Rudi Verspoor, HD(RHom), DMH Heilkunst: Treating ASD With A Comprehensive Approach Using Homeopathic Remedies 
Sueson Vess Healthy Body - Healthy Mind 
William Walsh, PhD Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Presenter Presentation
Jonathan Alderson, EdM

Jonathan Alderson is an autism treatment specialist working in private practice in Toronto. He specializes in merging educational and biomedical treatments through an integrated model he has developed called Intensive Multi-Treatment Intervention (IMTI). Alderson holds a master's degree in education from Harvard University and completed an Honours BA in developmental and educational psychology at the University of Western Ontario. He spent a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. Alderson worked for eight years at the Son-Rise Program in Massachussetts, completing over 1500 hours of one-on-one floor time as well as acting as administrator and directing staff training. He has worked with over 2000 families, supervising home-based intervention in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Spain, Australia, Israel, and Mexico. Alderson has spoken at several international venues, including the Royal College of Pediatricians, University of Nottingham and is a guest speaker for the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation. Please see www.IMTI.ca
Managing and Transforming Challenging Behaviors

Tantrums, throwing food, physical aggression, controlling behaviour, oppositional defiance . . . . For many parents and caregivers, these are part of the daily routine. This presentation will not offer one "magic trick" solution, but will instead provide a multi-faceted problem-behavior solving system that is sustainable. With an emphasis on "attitudinal fitness" - changing negative emotions into empowering beliefs about what's possible - parents shift from trying to stop challenging behaviors to teaching appropriate ones. Your attitude - how you feel and what you think - is one of the most critical and powerful factors linked to your ability to foster communication, interaction, and learning. Along with behavioral strategies and environmental design, this lecture will explain simple yet highly effective strategies that are practical and can be implemented immediately at home.

Presenter Presentation
Evdokia Anagnostou, MD

is an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. She is a clinical scientist at the Bloorview Research Institute engaged in study concerning evaluation of care. Her research interests include the neuropsychopharmacology of autism and neuroimaging of frontostriatal circuitry and social cognition networks in autism. Dr. Anagnostou received her medical degree from McGill University.
Oxytocin for the treatment of social deficits and repetitive behaviors in autism

Animal studies have shown that oxytocin is involved in social cognition and repetitive behaviors. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors, social deficits, and language abnormalities. Given that repetitive behaviors and social interaction deficits are core symptom domains of autism and that oxytocin is involved in the regulation of repetitive behaviors and social cognition, we believe that oxytocin may play a role in autism. Data will be presented to support the hypothesis that oxytocin may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism and that interventions involving oxytocin hold promise for the treatment of social deficits and repetitive behaviors.

Presenter Presentation
John DeMarco, BCBA

is vice president and Senior consulting behavior analyst at Brookfield Programs Inc. Toronto, Ontario. John is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Relationship Development Intervention® Program Certified Consultant. Educated at the University of Toronto, McGill and Yale, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2003.
An Introduction to Relationship Development Intervention®

Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI) is a cognitive-developmental treatment program that helps parents learn to guide their child to desire and become competent in reciprocal relationships by addressing key core deficits common to autism including: motivation, communication, emotional regulation, experience sharing, episodic memory, joint attention and perspective taking, self-awareness, executive functioning, appraisal, flexible thinking and problem solving. The program is based on current best research on autism, neurodevelopment and developmental psychology. Initial outcome research has highlighted RDI program treatment effectiveness in producing significant improvements in age-appropriate adaptability, flexibility, experience sharing, school placement and ADOS scores.

Presenter Presentation
Wendy Edwards, MD

is a consulting pediatrician working in Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario. She worked as a pediatric nurse for eight years before returning to medical school. Dr. Edwards completed her pediatric residency in Toronto at the Hospital for Sick Children, where she was chosen to act as the chief resident in her final year. Dr. Edwards has helped her child recover from autism.
Biomedical Treatments for Autism - an Overview

This talk will cover three main areas of medical dysfunction in the patient with autism and how to treat them: gastrointestinal dysbiosis and inflammation; abnormalities of the immune system; and metabolic abnormalities leading to increased oxidative stress and abnormal detoxification. While discussing each area, reference will be made to research studies/journal articles to support the findings and treatments used.

Presenter Presentation
Richard Frye, MD, PhD

is an Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, University of Texas-Houston Medical School. Dr. Frye earned his MD and his PhD from Georgetown University. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and his residency in Neurology at Children's Hospital Boston. Dr. Frye is board certified in Pediatrics and in Neurology with special competency in Child Neurology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Frye is also funded by the National Institutes of Health to study brain function in individuals with dyslexia. Dr. Frye is the medical director of a medically-based autism clinic at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and has special interests in the contribution of epilepsy to the symptoms of autism.
Abnormal Biomarkers of Energy Metabolism in Children with Autism

Reports have suggested that a subset of autistic children may have mitochondrial or fatty-acid oxidation defects. The metabolic studies from 133 consecutive patients evaluated in a medically-based autism clinic were reviewed to determine the prevalence of elevations in biomarkers for mitochondrial and fatty-acid oxidation defects. Markers for mitochondrial disorders included standard biomarkers (lactate, alanine) and recently described biomarkers (alanine-to-lysine ratio, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase). Testing was collected in the morning during a fasting state. If markers were abnormal, repeat testing was recommended. Secondary disorder of fatty acid metabolism such as biotin deficiency, carnitine abnormalities and general increase in fatty acids were ruled out in patients with consistent acyl-caritine elevations. Consistent elevations in biomarkers of energy metabolism were found in independent subsets of children who were evaluated for autism with a high percentage of these children having a history of regression and/or epilepsy. These data lend support to the notion that disorders of energy production may affect a subset of children with autism.

Presenter Presentation
Paul Hardy, MD

is a board certified neurologist with subspecialty training in behavioral neurology/neuropsychiatry. He has held teaching appointments at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. For the past 30 years, he has specialized in working with developmentally disabled individuals throughout their life cycle, particularly those with autism. Since 1997, he has been a Defeat Autism Now! physician, combining his academic background in neurology and psychiatry with the new concepts and treatments developed by Defeat Autism Now! A particular interest for him has been the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of developmentally disabled individuals with occult subclinical seizures. Often these seizures can contribute to cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral disturbances.
Epilepsy in Autism: An Overview

This presentation will discuss Dr. Hardy's extensive experience in evaluating and treating the unique issues of epilepsy in persons with autism. The general classification of epilepsy will be presented with a discussion of specific syndromes associated with autism, followed by the unique epidemiologic and treatment issues. The challenges of diagnosis will be reviewed, especially in children and in people who are nonverbal. Finally, the various treatments for epilepsy will be discussed beginning with dietary and nutriceutical treatments that should serve as the foundation for more standard pharmaceutical treatments. The role of the "therapeutic trial" will also be a focus of discussion.

Presenter Presentation
Paul Hardy, MD

(see above)
The Integration of Nutriceutical with Pharmaceutical Therapy

Historically, there is an uneasy tension, if not an open antagonism, between traditional medicine and alternative medicine concerning the role of over-the-counter (OTC) supplements in maintaining or restoring health. Most allopathic physicians are trained to dismiss the value of supplements and the role of nutrition in healthcare. Supplements and nutrients (nutraceuticals) are on one hand considered weak and ineffective for restoring health while on the other hand they are often considered dangerous. If there is not a specific disease associated with a particular vitamin or mineral deficiency such as scurvy (vitamin C), pellagra (niacin, B3), or pernicious anemia (B12), nutraceuticals are considered useless and/or a waste of money. This paradoxical mindset is ultimately based in ignorance and hubris. This presentation will focus on the relative ineffectiveness of many pharmaceutical medications, the underlying importance of nutraceutical therapy from a functional medicine approach, and the synergy between nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This presentation will conclude with a brief overview of new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical treatments in autism.

Presenter Presentation
Martha Herbert, MD, PhD

is an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, a pediatric neurologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a member of the MGH Center for Morphometric Analysis, and an affiliate of the Harvard-MIT-MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. She is director of the TRANSCEND Research Program (Treatment Research and Neuroscience Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), which utilizes multimodal imaging techniques including MRI, EEG and MEG and is particularly aimed toward using imaging in coordination with clinical observation, metabolic biomarkers and animal studies in shedding light on the physiological level of changes in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and on potential domains of plasticity and targets for intervention.
KEYNOTE

The diagnostic entity "autism" is currently formally defined by set of behavioral criteria determined by a committee of specialists and published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) by the American Psychiatric Association. The behavioral definition of autism has been turned into a model of the biology of autism which presumes that there are alterations in brain modules that govern behavioral domains altered in autism, and that these alterations are caused by genes. However, the phenomena and experiences of "autism" go far beyond what is included in the formal "autism" diagnostic criteria. Medically, these include a range of nervous system changes that go beyond the behavioral domain (such as sensory processing alterations, sleep disturbances, and seizures), symptoms in other organ systems (prominently gastrointestinal and immune systems), and systemic metabolic alterations (such as in mitochondria/energy metabolism and methylation pathways). As scientific evidence and clinical experience accumulate, it is becoming apparent that autism is not simply a so-called "static encephalopathy" (i.e., fixed state of brain dysfunction) that results from permanent prenatal brain alterations, but an ongoing and active state of physiological altered regulation. Phenomena such as transient significant improvement during fever and in association with various other physical influences as well as loss of diagnosis by some children after intensive interventions, are not totally consistent with autism being nothing more than a permanent, hard-wired brain injury. Reframing autism as a dynamic (not static) encephalopathy that is a consequence of a chronic active set of pathophysiological processes that begin prenatally or early in life is more consistent with emerging understanding. It also opens doors for treatment and for research strategies that will lead to optimized and innovative treatments more quickly.

Presenter Presentation
Sonja Hintz, RN

has worked with children with disabilities since the age of twelve. At 16 she began working in group homes as a counselor, which included living there part-time, teaching activities of daily living, and advocating in situations involving discrimination. Following, this Sonja worked as a public health nurse, a psychiatric nurse, and a neonatal intensive care nurse. Through the use of a therapeutic diet, homeopathy, herbs, vitamins, essential oils, and chelation in addition to many other therapies, Sonja's son has recovered from autism. For the last 10 years, she has also helped other children improve their quality of life. Currently she is working at True Health Medical Center with Dr. Anju Usman.
Understanding Laboratory Testing from a Parent's Perspective

Medical practitioners perceive autism as a behavioral disorder and often overlook how sick the children really are. They need your help to understand that a child's autistic symptoms result from physical conditions that need medical treatment. Learn how to help your physician understand the metabolic problems in your child so he/she can become an effective member of your team. The goals of this session will include reviews of current lab tests and correlations between the behaviors demonstrated by autistic children and the underlying pathology.

Presenter Presentation
Sonja Hintz, RN

(see above)
Gut Biology, Pathology, and Treatment Strategies

Patients diagnosed with autism have co-morbid medical conditions including gastrointestinal dysfunction. This lecture will discuss GI pathology, histology and treatment strategies for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Presenter Presentation
Bryan Jepson, MD

practices at Thoughtful House Center for Children in Austin, Texas. Dr. Jepson graduated from the University of Utah Medical School and completed residency training in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is board certified in emergency medicine. After his second son was diagnosed with autism, he and his wife, Laurie, established the Children's Biomedical Center of Utah (a non-profit organization) to raise awareness throughout the intermountain west about issues related to autism and other childhood developmental disorders. As a member of the team at Thoughtful House Center for Children, Dr. Jepson focuses his attention full-time to both treatment and research.
Treating Autism: Understanding Biomedical treatment options

Dr. Jepson will describe the multiple organ system involvement of the autism spectrum including the brain, the gut, the immune system and the detoxification/metabolic system. He will discuss the mechanisms for disease in each of these areas and then talk about treatment options that are being used by clinicians in order to try to correct the underlying biochemical abnormalities that are contributing to the behavioral presentations of the disorder.

Presenter Presentation
Derrick MacFabe, MD

is assistant professor and director of the Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Depts. of Psychology (Neuroscience) & Psychiatry (Division of Developmental Disabilities) at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. As the principal investigator of the Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, he is examining the role of genetics, biochemistry, and environment on the identification and possible treatments of autism spectrum disorders. He has a particular interest in the role of gut-related infectious factors as possible environmental triggers of autism. Dr. MacFabe's research has recently been awarded one of the "Top 50 Scientific Discoveries in Canada" by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Examining gut-brain links in autism - Are short chain fatty acid fermentation products from opportunistic clostridial infections possible environmental triggers in autism spectrum disorders?

Clinical observations suggest that gut and dietary factors transiently worsen, and in some cases appear to improve, symptoms in a subset of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This lecture examines the possible role of infectious agents in the causes and symptoms of ASDs. It discusses the effects of a series of infective and dietary agents of increasing incidence that are capable of inducing brain changes and complex behaviors (i.e., aggression, biting, food craving, perseveration, social impairment, hyperactivity, obsessive compulsive activity, sensory sensitivity, seizure) in humans and experimental animals. Dr. MacFabe presents his current research examining the ability of a panel of gut bacterial metabolic products (i.e., short chain fatty acids) associated with antibiotic induced clostridial infections, and their ability to produce brain neuroinflammatory, metabolic, epigenetic and behavioral changes closely resembling those found in ASDs. It discusses the hypothesis that ASDs are produced by pre- or post-natal antibiotic resistant clostridial infections in sensitive subpopulations.

Presenter Presentation
Valerie MacLean

is a certified HANDLE® (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) practitioner and instructor. She implements the HANDLE approach at the Phoenix Alternative Learning Center and Phoenix Centre for Neurodevelopment in Ontario, Canada. HANDLE® is an effective non-drug treatment alternative for people of all ages, and for a wide range of issues, including autism. Valerie is a frequent speaker at local, national and international conferences. Valerie has written several articles and is currently involved in various international projects.
HANDLE®: Helping Extraordinary People Do Ordinary Things

Valerie MacLean, Neurodevelopmental Educational Therapist, Practitioner, and Instructor, will speak about the international award-winning HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) approach.

This presentation explores the work of Judith Bluestone, the originator of the HANDLE® (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) approach. In her book The Fabric of Autism, Weaving the Threads into a Cogent Theory, Bluestone combines her personal autistic experience with academic research and more than 40 years of clinical practice to craft a unique and compelling view of the phenomenon called autism. This will be a presentation that will forever change your strategies in approaching sensory, learning, social and behavioral challenges often associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Presenter Presentation
Lindsay Moir

founded Comhnadh Consulting in 1997 after retiring from the Ministry of Education after 31 years. His Ministry career was spent in the special education field as teacher, principal, program director, administrator, and education officer in a variety of special education roles and locations. He has experiences ranging from teacher and administrator in a provincial residential school to working on many provincial committees reviewing and making recommendations on draft legislation. During his last five years with the Ministry, he had the Issues Resolution portfolio, which meant that he dealt with many issues involving disputes between agencies and parents involved with their local school board. Since retiring, he has been a contract employee of Ministry on projects like special education funding validation. He continues to be a contract employee of EQAO monitoring Grade 3, 6, 9, and 10 testing as well as national and international assessments.
School Meeting Management Tips

School meetings can be a source of stress, frustration, and concern for parents and community professionals. Lindsay Moir, a former Education Officer with the Ministry of Education, and an active parent educator and advocate, will present practical, concrete tips on how to make school meetings work more effectively for your child. This highly interactive presentation will provide participants with:

• understanding of meeting procedures and "rules"
• 10 specific strategies to guide parents (and professionals) in making meetings more effective for the child
• extensive notes and handouts

The strategies and tips are applicable in any jurisdiction and will be introduced through dramatization, role-playing, and even a little humor. There will be ample time to voice your questions and particular concerns. Come and learn how to interact more effectively with your school and school board.

Presenter Presentation
Manon Noiseux, MsC

received her bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Sherbrooke University and a master's degree in epidemiology and preventive medicine from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She has been working for the Public Health Department in the province of Québec for the past 15 years as a research agent doing surveillance of chronic diseases and ASD.
The Epidemic of Autism in Canada

Is autism an epidemic in Canada? The epidemiology of autism in Canada is relatively unknown; however, since many of the environmental and health issues within Canada are similar to the United States, one can presume that the prevalence would be similar. The present data for other chronic disease and data for autism in comparison shows significantly more cases of autism than some of the other leading illnesses. Is this an real epidemic or not? If yes, where has it come from and what can we do? ASD surveillance in the region of Montérégie, Québec will be assessed as an example of a possible epidemic.

Presenter Presentation
Jon Pangborn, PhD

is the parent of an autistic son. He holds a doctoral degree in chemical engineering. After working in nuclear research and the field of alternative fuels, Dr. Pangborn became interested in the biochemistry of human metabolism. He developed a novel procedure for evaluating amino acid analyses and founded Bionostics, Inc., a consulting organization. He has 9 U.S. patents and has authored over 200 publications and presentations. Dr. Pangborn is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists and is certified as a Clinical Nutritionist. He is a former faculty member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and The Union Institute. He worked closely with Dr. Bernard Rimland in the area of autism research. Dr. Pangborn is the past scientific director of the Autism Research Institute's Defeat Autism Now! initiative.
Coupled Dysbiosis and Metabolic Dysfunctions in Autism - Possible Remedies

Many clinicians affiliated with the Defeat Autism Now! effort have reported elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels in the urine of untreated individuals with ASD. Often, these same clinicians report elevated levels of hydroxylated phenylpropionates that are attributed to the Clostridia genus of bacteria, and propionic acid is a precursor of MMA in cell mitochondria. Recently, Dr. Derrick MacFabe has demonstrated autism-like behavior and brain changes in rats following propionate exposures. Mitochondrial defenses against propionate excess include expenditure of carnitine, but may be inadequate when the metabolism of cobalamin is impaired by oxidant stress and other factors. Probiotic and herbal remedies are described that may counter intestinal Clostridia overgrowth, and suggestions for nutritional/metabolic approaches to the cobalamin dilemma are presented.

Presenter Presentation
James Partington, PhD

is the director of Behavior Analysts, Inc. and provides services to children and their families at the STARS Clinic in Walnut Creek, 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 (BCBA), 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.
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.

Presenter Presentation
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. He is a physician at the International Child Development Resource Center (ICDRC) in Melbourne, FL. The father of two children with autism, ages eight and six, he has written several papers, including four on the use of hyperbaric treatment in autism, one on the use of urinary porphyrins data in autism, one on mitochondrial dysfunction in autism, and a review article on evidence-based treatments for autism.
How to assess and prioritize treatments: Using evidence-based medicine to choose effective treatments for autism and ADHD

As a parent of a child with autism or ADHD, the number of available treatments appears endless. Dr. Rossignol will discuss the concept of using evidence-based medicine to choose effective treatments for children with autism and ADHD. He will focus mainly on treatments that have proven effectiveness compared to a placebo and will review treatments for attention, concentration, hyperactivity, self-stimulatory behavior, irritability, aggression, self-injury, expressive and receptive language, sleep, social interaction, eye contact, toe-walking, coordination, and seizures. This lecture will help parents establish a plan to individualize treatments for their child using proven treatments, in conjunction with the child's physician.

Presenter Presentation
Stephen Shore, EdD

was diagnosed as a child with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies," viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen completed his doctoral dissertation at Boston University focused on matching best practice to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. More recently, Dr. Shore accepted a professorship at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism. Stephen is the author of the books Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and the critically acclaimed Understanding Autism for Dummies.
Supporting People with Autism for Successful Transition to Adulthood

Achieving a best outcome for a productive transition to adulthood requires intervention in three main areas:

1) behavioral/developmental/educational
2) biomedical
3) sensory integration

Addressing these three areas of intervention plus approaches focused on addressing social and self-awareness is necessary to navigate the adult arenas of employment, relationships, continuing education, interdependent living, and appropriate self-advocacy.

Presenter Presentation
Chantal Sicile-Kira

is an autism author, advocate, and parent. Chantal's latest book is titled Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More: 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Deserves and Needs to Learn (Penguin). She is the award-winning author of the books Adolecents on the Autism Spectrum and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Chantal produces and moderates webinars on MomsFightingAutism.com and writes the "Ask Chantal" column for The Autism File magazine. Her family was highlighted on MTV's True Life segment titled "I Have Autism."
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Puberty, Hygiene and Sexuality

Adolescence is a difficult time for everyone, neurotypical or not, as a person transitions from being a child to a young adult. To become as independent in adulthood as possible, teenagers of all different ability levels must learn self-care, appropriate behaviors, modesty and sexuality. Areas to be covered include explaining about puberty and changing bodies, hygiene and self-care and how to problem-solve difficulties in teaching self-care routines, the importance of modesty, and what to do about masturbation. For safety reasons and in preparation for adulthood, all teenagers need to learn about relationship boundaries and sexuality.

Presenter Presentation
Lauren Underwood

received her doctorate in biology from Tulane University. Following graduation, she was awarded an NIH Post-Doctoral Training Grant Fellowship in vision research. She is the parent of a child recovering from autism and a health educator/biomedical consultant for families of autistic children. Dr. Underwood is a Senior Staff Scientist for SSAI, Inc. supporting NASA. She is a Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) IRB board member and has appeared in many peer-reviewed journals.
Biomedical & ABA Therapies Together Improve Optimal Outcomes for the Treatment of Autism: A

Treatments grounded in applied behavior analysis (ABA) as well as biomedical approaches have individually helped provide effective treatment models for autism. However, for optimal success, these interventions must work together to provide the best possible outcomes. There is a significant volume of research on treatments for autism based on the principles of ABA that demonstrates that ABA is a successful treatment for children with autism. Recent research also supports a biomedical etiology for autism. Case studies based upon practical applications of this research suggest that the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes improves when biomedical interventions are used concurrently to treat comorbid medical conditions present in individuals diagnosed with autism. Therefore, support for a "best practices" approach incorporates a joint behavioral-biomedical treatment model for autism.

Presenter Presentation
Kyle Van Dyke, MD

is board certified in family medicine. He studied engineering physics as an undergraduate before attending medical school at the University of Chicago. He became involved in autism after the diagnosis of his son, Ryan. He worked with Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, the medical director of Defeat Autism Now!, for three years before starting his own practice at the Wisconsin Integrative Hyperbaric Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Hyperbaric Therapy for Autism

In this lecture Dr. Van Dyke will explain the use of hyperbaric therapy for autism. Dr. Van Dyke will explain what hyperbaric therapy is and how it works. He will review the published studies on hyperbarics for autism and discuss case reports from his clinic. He will also discuss the reasons why this therapy is helpful in many affected children.

Presenter Presentation
Rudi Verspoor, HD(RHom), DMH

heads the Hahnemann College & Clinic for Heilkunst in Ontario, Canada. Rudi has been studying Hahnemann's medical system for more than two decades and has acquired extensive clinical experience, particularly relating to complex and chronic cases, in the application of this system. He has written several books providing new insights based on his research and clinical experience and has lectured widely in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe. He served as the director of the British Institute of Homeopathy Canada and developed their Homeopathic Practitioner Diploma Program. He helped to found and is still active in the National United Professional Association of Trained Homeopaths and the Canadian/International Heilkunst Association.
Heilkunst: Treating ASD With A Comprehensive Approach Using Homeopathic Remedies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder with multiple causes, and each case presents its own unique and distinct challenges. The key is to treat the causes and not just the effects. Treating symptoms may provide some improvement but does not provide a permanent solution. Heilkunst, which includes homeopathy, is a comprehensive approach to addressing the multiple deeper underlying causes of a case in a given sequence over time, while using energetic, homeopathic medicines. It provides a clear map of the problem and of how to get out of the swamp of autism spectrum disorders that is safe, non-toxic, and effective even in complex seemingly non-responsive cases.

Presenter Presentation
Sueson Vess

is a recognized leader in creating healthy and delicious foods free from gluten, dairy and more, and is a chef, food writer, and food coach with over 25 years experience. She is the author of Special Eats: Simple, Delicious Solutions for Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cooking and a contributing writer for Living Without magazine. As a consultant, Sueson supports families adjusting to the demands of multiple food intolerances and children with special needs. Creatively adapting recipes to suit varied dietary limitations that are nutritious and delicious is her passion. Sueson presents at autism and celiac conferences nationally and is Autism One's chef.
Healthy Body - Healthy Mind

Learn how to cook to assist healing. Regardless of whether you are following a gluten- and dairy/casein-free diet (GF/CF), Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), low oxalate diet, or no dietary intervention, it is essential to make meals nutrient-dense to give your child the best environment for healing. Join us and learn how to make delicious healthy meals for the entire family.

Presenter Presentation
William Walsh, PhD

is the president of the Walsh Research Institute. He is the past director of research and education and co-founded the Health Research Institute and Pfeiffer Treatment Center (HRI/PTC). Collaboration with Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD, founder of the Brain Bio Center in Skillman, NJ, and pioneer in the field of nutritional research therapy, led HRI/PTC to the development of individualized nutrient protocols aimed at normalizing body chemistry and brain chemistry. Dr. Walsh received his PhD in chemical engineering and is an internationally recognized expert on biochemical imbalances. His present research includes chemical analysis of autism brain tissues, abnormalities in hormone chemistry, and studies focusing on oxidative damage and oxidative stress in mental health.
Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders

New research indicates that the dominant factor in autism is a genetic weakness in coping with oxidative stress. In autism, environmental oxidative insults cripple key protective proteins needed for development of brain cells, dendrites, and receptors, resulting in an immature brain. Several popular autism therapies reduce brain inflammation, resulting in an impressive lessening of behavioral symptoms. However, significant progress in cognition, speech, and socialization require therapies aimed directly at completion of brain maturation. A new theory that explains autism regression will be presented.