12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch (on your own) and Parent-Practitioner Open Panel Discussion™ with Q&A session - Please join us for an informational meeting with leading autism experts who are parents of children with autism. Panelists will briefly share their experiences and offer one-on-one discussions on all areas of autism spectrum disorders.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Special Educator's Session
Limited Seating for this session.

Creating and Maintaining Programs for the ASD Student and the ASD Classroom; A Comprehensive Seminar for Teachers and School Personnel, Valerie Paradiz, PhD and Stephen Shore, EdD

For abstract and learning objectives, click here.

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Special Educator's Session

The Continuums of Autism: Meeting the Needs of the ASD Individual Through Better Understanding, Marlo Payne Thurman, MS

For abstract and learning objectives, click here.

Title: Putting Autism on the Ropes - Creating Support & Empowerment, Theresa K. Wrangham
Abstract and Learning Objectives:
This presentation will review the importance of personal stories as a starting point in creating personal support networks that, when mature, extend beyond the immediate family circle of need and permeate into support of community needs. Subsequently, an overview on the role of advocacy in the arenas of education, legislation and research will be presented with current information on these topics provided to attendees as they pertain to both individual need and community participation and response.

The objectives of this presentation are to inform on the following topics:
1. The Power of Personal Stories
2. Creating Support Networks
3. Empowerment & Advocacy
a) Education
b) Legislative
c) Research

Title: Hope and Possibilities, Shannon Kenitz and Dan Rossignol, MD
Abstract and Learning Objectives:
A motivational and informative talk geared toward the everyday parent dealing with a special needs child. In this one hour presentation, mother and widely sought lecturer, Shannon Kenitz describes the ordeal her daughter, Grace, has had to overcome after being diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disorder and autism. Shannon encourages parents to inform themselves, to look at all the options before them and to never give up. This presentation is for anyone seeking to find a strong mentor with solid advice and resources.

Dr. Rossignol will review how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works, recent autism findings, including cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation and GI inflammation, and oxidative stress and how HBOT can help with each of these conditions. Dr. Rossignol will wrap up with a discussion of HBOT safety, dosing and review data from case studies.

Presentation Abstract: Individuals with autism- children, adolescents, and adults can benefit from utilizing computer-based intervention. Research has indicated that the gains from utilizing this type of therapy often exceeds behaviorally based teaching. Programs are available that teach speech, language, math, reading, social skills, auditory processing, work skills, life skills, etc. These are not the typical computer software that you would purchase at a store, but specialized programs designed for the special needs population. At this time, there are many programs on the market to choose from. Valerie Herskowitz, a 28-year veteran speech pathologist who specializes in computer therapy, will discuss many of these specialized computer programs. In addition, she will disseminate valuable information on how to select the right programs for your child.

Title: An in Depth Look Into Dietary Interventions and Digestive/Gastrointestinal Problems, Phillip DeMio, MD and Angela Shoemaker
Abstract and Learning Objectives:
Abstract: The vast majority of persons on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) who make significant gains 
from biomedical treatments will require care that address dietary interventions and diges- 
tive/gastrointestinal problems. Thus an understanding of these issues is paramount to the success of the biomedical approach for virtually all patients. This discussion will include the major aspects of these areas, and how this leads to insights into the biomedical basis of symptoms and treatment of the ASD. 

Learning objectives: 
1. Practical approaches to implementation of treatment programs will be given, including such diets as  gluten-free/casein-free, specific carbohydrate, low oxalate, pigment restriction (eg, phenols and salicylates), and others. Particular situations in which one diet would be chosen over another will be highlighted. Pitfalls must be avoided in order to foster greater ease of implementation, success (symptom control), and reduction in the complications that can occur with each diet.  
2. Digestive and gastrointestinal (GI) topics will touch upon overgrowth of yeast and other dysbioses (abnormal GI microbes), leaky gut (intestinal barrier dysfx),  abdominal pain, chewing problems, swallowing difficulties, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, 
malabsorption of nutritional substances, and how these all connect to symptoms in our children and adults with spectrum disorders. 
3. Detoxification, an often misunderstood phenomenon, will be described.  

Researchers are constantly attempting to identify the underlying mechanisms by which such problems occur and identify interventions which may be of use in ameliorating them. We must seek scientifically plausible metabolic mechanisms and matching genetic fragilities. Practitioners seek to implement programmes which recognise individuality and improve the quality of life. Options include changes to diet, medication, health programmes, educational and social support but are rarely integrated to maximise the potential benefits and minimise potentially harmful interactions. Environmental and lifestyle choices are equally important and are largely controlled by governmental and agency decisions. An appreciation of how matters of health, including those of people diagnosed with ASDs, are affected must be taken into account when commercial and political decisions are taken. Our movement must be concerned and actively involved with the wider political process.

Objectives
1. To inculcate an understanding and appreciation of the complementary roles of genetic fragilities and environmental in triggering ASDs and most other disorders.
2. To demonstrate the plausibility and effectiveness of many of the interventions that are not currently acceptable to the wider medical establishment
3. To show how the use of prescription medications, biomedical approaches and educational methods should be employed in a complementary way if benefits are to be maximised.
4. To show that each intervention will have implications for others and that these must be considered and sought as each one is introduced or removed from the schedule.
5. To encourage active involvement in political actions which are fundamental to the preservation of health and quality of life.