Autism Conferences of America

"Educating & Healing Children with Autism"
2nd Annual New York City Autism/Asperger's Conference

Saturday & Sunday, October 3-4, 2009

Organized By:

In Collaboration With:

www.naanyc.org

Raising Temple Grandin - Personal and Historical Reflections: Eustacia Cutler, Saturday Keynote
Eustacia Cutler will describe raising her daughter Temple in the conservative “Leave-it-to-Beaver” world of the fifties, a time when little was known about autism (then called “infant schizophrenia”) and children like Temple were banished to institutions. She will cover some of her own life experiences, fighting to hang onto hope in the face of a complicated family battle. She will also explore the main stumbling blocks of autism as she has learned them from doctors and how, to a minor degree, traces of its characteristics are in us all.

Eustacia Cutler is the author of “A Thorn in My Pocket” which describes the challenges raising a child with autism. She has written school lessons for major TV networks, researched and scripted the TV documentary THE DISQUIETED (on autism,) researched and contributed script to THE INNOCENTS, a documentary prize winning first on retardation. She has 3 other children and 5 grandsons.

Biomedical Treatments for Autism from A to Zinc
Nancy O’Hara, MD, Sunday Keynote
Dr. O’Hara will discuss the major treatments used to address the biomedical problems often present in children with autism, and the historical clues, physical exam findings and medical tests that are used to guide those treatments.

Nancy O’Hara, MD, has treated hundreds of children on the autism spectrum. She is also one of the lead instructors for the Defeat Autism Now! physician training series, which is the largest training program for physicians working with children with autism.

Other Conference Highlights:

Nutritional Problems in Children with Autism: Assessment and Treatment –
James Adams, Ph.D.

A "Best Practices" Model of Behavioral Treatment for Autism –
Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA

Writers Panel: David Kirby, Kim Stagliano, Barbara Fischkin, Dan Olmsted & Stephen Shore

Teaching Yoga Skills to Young Children with Developmental Delays –
Deborah Gruber, M.Ed., Ph.D.

Please Note: Due to scheduling issues the following talks have been switched.

Doreen Granpeesheh moved to October 4th at 3:30 p.m.

Christina Peck moved to October 3rd at 1:15 p.m.

Conference Schedule "At A Glance"

Note: Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. each day of the conference with coffee and juice.
Lunch is on your own.

Detailed Conference Schedule available for download (pdf):

Please Note: Due to scheduling issues the following talks have been switched.

Doreen Granpeesheh moved to October 4th at 3:30 p.m.
Christina Peck moved to October 3rd at 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, October 3rd

8:30 a.m. Welcome

8:45 a.m.
Raising Temple Grandin: Personal and Historical Reflections – Eustacia Cutler

9:45 a.m. Break/View Exhibits

10:15 a.m.
Meaningfully Evaluating Communication Skills in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders – Steven Blaustein, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

11:45 a.m. Lunch

12:00 p.m.
Movie Showing “Recovered” – Special Lunchtime Session (Lunch on your own)

1:15 p.m.
Learn to Navigate the Insurance Maze – Christina Peck, CPC

2:15 p.m.
Teaching Yoga Skills to Young Children with Developmental Delays –
Deborah Gruber, M.Ed., Ph.D.

3:15 p.m. Break/View Exhibits

3:30 p.m. Special Needs Trusts: Who, What, When, Where & Why –
Stuart Flaum and AXA Advisors LLC

4:30 p.m. Writers Panel:

David Kirby, Evidence of Harm
Kim Stagliano, Age of Autism
Barbara Fischkin, Writers on Autism
Dan Olmsted, Age of Autism
Stephen Shore, Ph.D.,

5:30 p.m. End

Sunday, October 4th

8:30 a.m. Welcome

8:45 a.m.
Biomedical Treatments for Autism from A to Zinc – Nancy O’Hara, MD

10:15 a.m. Break/View Exhibits

10:30 a.m.
Nutritional Problems in Children with Autism: Assessment and Treatment –
James Adams, Ph.D.

11:30 a.m.
Overview of Research at Autism Speaks – Peter H. Bell, Executive V.P., Programs and Services

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m.
Nutritional and Dietary Advice for Children with ASD – Geri Brewster, RD, MPH, CDN

2:15 p.m.
Autism, Right Brain Delays, and Developmental Optometric Services – Melvin Kaplan, O.D.

3:15 p.m. Break/View Exhibits

3:30 p.m.
A “Best Practices” Model of Behavioral Treatment for Autism –
Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA

5:00 p.m. End

Speakers:

Saturday Session

Eustacia Cutler
Eustacia Cutler is the author of “A Thorn in My Pocket” which describes the challenges raising a child with autism. She has written school lessons for major TV networks, researched and scripted the TV documentary THE DISQUIETED (on autism), researched and contributed script to THE INNOCENTS, a documentary prize winning first on retardation. She has 3 other children and 5 grandsons.

Steven Blaustein, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Blaustein is a speech and language pathologist who has been practicing for over 35 years and has extensive experience working with autistic children and their families. Dr. Blaustein maintains a private practice in New York City, is Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at New York University Steinhardt School, has consulted for numerous Early Intervention and CPSE programs as an evaluator, directed hospital-based programs, and has conducted workshops and presentations at local, state and national conferences.

Christina Peck, CPC
Christina Peck, CPC is the founder of www.BlessedWithAutism.com, author of Blessed With Autism- The Workbook and parent of two children who were diagnosed with PDD-NOS. Because of her medical sales experience, ownership of a billing company, and Certification in Professional Coding (CPC) status, she has found several innovative ways to receive reimbursement for the many therapies her children receive. Since February 2007, Blessed With Autism has helped over 500 families recuperate over $1,000,000.

Deborah Gruber, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Deborah Joy Gruber, M.Ed., Ph.D. is the President of Lotus Behavioral Consulting. Lotus Behavioral Consulting is dedicated to providing services using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, through consultation, workshops and direct care. Unique to Lotus is its dedication to increasing opportunities for children with developmental delays to engage in physical activities with their typical peers, particularly in the area of yoga. Deborah has been working in the field of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis for over 20 years. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education and a PhD in Behavior Analysis.

Stuart Flaum and AXA Advisors LLC
Stuart Flaum is the founder of Special Needs Family Planning at AXA Advisors LLC, the advisory arm of AXA Financial. AXA Advisors is a client-focused industry leader providing wealth protection strategies, asset management, financial and estate planning to individuals and businesses through a strong family of brands. Stuart is the Walk NY Autism Speaks Co-Chair 2009, founder and Chair of the Disabilities Leadership Council, an active member in the National Autism Association, and serves on the Planning and Advisory Board of the Devereux Glenholme School, a special needs boarding school in Washington, CT. In addition, Stuart serves on the Board of Governors at Newark Academy in Livingston, NJ. Stuart is a Special Olympics Coach for snowshoeing. Stuart enjoys fly-fishing, kayaking, and camping with his sixteen-year-old son, Cameron, who is on the spectrum. Stuart lives with his wife, Candia, in Manhattan.

Writer's Panelists:

David Kirby
David Kirby is author the award-winning New York Times bestseller, “Evidence of Harm, Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic – A Medical Controversy” (St. Martin’s Press – 2005). He has appeared on Meet the Press, Larry King Live, the Today Show, Imus in the Morning, ABC’s The View, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, etc. Kirby is also an original contributor to the Huffington Post, where he blogs about health and environmental issues. He has been a professional journalist for over 15 years, including extensive contributions to The New York Times. His forthcoming book, “Animal Factory – The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment,” will be published by St. Martins Press.

Kim Stagliano
Kim Stagliano is Mom to three daughters on the spectrum. She is Managing Editor of Age of Autism, a daily newspaper devoted to the autism epidemic and treatment. She also writes for Huffington Post, Betty Confidential and other publications. She and her family reside in Connecticut.

Barbara Fischkin
Barbara Fischkin is an author, journalist, university journalism instructor and nationally known autism parent advocate. Her books, published by Bantam Dell and Scribner include Confidential Sources, a novel depicting an "autism family" very much like her own, Exclusive, a journalism satire and the nonfiction work Muddy Cup: A Dominican Family Comes of Age in a New America. She is currently writing a work of narrative nonfiction about adult autism.More at http://barbarafischkin.com

Dan Olmsted
Dan Olmsted is Editor of Age of Autism, the daily web newspaper of the autism epidemic. His columns for United Press International on autism -- including the low prevalence of the disorder among less-vaccinated populations like the Amish, and evidence of ethyl mercury exposure in the earliest reported cases of autism -- was described as "some of the most enterprising journalistic contributions" by the Columbia Journalism review. A journalist for 35 years, he was a founding editor of USA Today, and is co-writing a book on the natural history of autism.

Stephen Shore, Ph.D.
Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies" Dr. Shore was 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. Recently, Dr. Shore has accepted a professorship at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism. In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his 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.

Sunday Session

Nancy O’Hara, MD
Nancy O’Hara, MD, has treated hundreds of children on the autism spectrum. She is also one of the lead instructors for the Defeat Autism Now! physician training series, which is the largest training program for physicians working with children with autism.

James Adams, Ph.D.
James Adams, Ph.D., is serving his 10th year as President of the Autism Society of America - Greater Phoenix Chapter, currently serves on the Board of Directors for national Autism Society of America, and is a professor at ASU doing research on the causes of autism and how to treat it. He is also the Science Director of the Autism Research Institute and Defeat Autism Now!.

Peter H. Bell
Peter Bell is executive vice president for programs and services at Autism Speaks. He oversees the foundation's government relations and family services activities and also serves as an advisor to the science division. In addition, on an interim basis, he is overseeing the organization's communications and awareness efforts. Prior to his role at Autism Speaks, Bell was president and CEO of Cure Autism Now, which merged with Autism Speaks in February 2007.

Geri Brewster, RD, MPH, CDN
Geri Brewster RD MPH CDN has been a clinician, nutrition educator and health coach for over 25 years. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she graduated summa cum laude. She earned her Masters in Public Health Nutrition from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York and was awarded the Sirach Award for outstanding achievement in the field of Public Health. Ms. Brewster is also a certified dietitian-nutritionist with the State of New York. She is a Defeat Autism Now! practitioner.

Melvin Kaplan, O.D.
Melvin Kaplan, O.D. is the Director of The Center for Visual Management in Tarrytown, NY. Dr. Kaplan specializes in the visual spatial treatment of patients with perceptual, psychological and autistic dysfunctions. He is a board certified fellow in the College of Optometry in Vision Development and has been a principal lecturer for optometric audiences, both in the United States and abroad. He is also a frequent lecturer at autistic, educational, psychological and psychiatric conferences. Dr. Kaplan has a significant body of published research on ambient lenses and their role in the treatment of individuals with said disorders. His most recent publication by Kingsley Press, Seeing Through New Eyes, is now available.

Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and the Founder and President of the Board of Autism Care and Treatment Today (ACT Today). Dr. Granpeesheh received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA and is licensed by the Medical Board of California and the Texas and Arizona State Boards of Psychologists. Dr. Granpeesheh holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been providing behavioral therapy for children with autism since 1979. Dr. Granpeesheh is first Vice Chair of the National Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America.

Location:

Stephen Gaynor School
148 West 90th Street
New York, NY 10024

The Stephen Gaynor School is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues and is easily accessible by bus and subway.

Map:

View New York Autism Conference in a larger map

Parking:

There are 3 garages right on 90th street. Two that are right across the street from one another, and come exactly right before the school when you are coming from Amsterdam Avenue going east. The other is further up the block, closer to Columbus. Another option is to try and find a space around the neighborhood.

Hotel Suggestions:

Hotel Belleclaire

250 W 77th St.
New York, NY, 10024
Phone: (212) 362-7701
Web: www.hotelbelleclaire.com

Park 79

117 W 79th St.
New York, NY, 10024
Phone: (212) 787-4900
Web: www.park79.com

On The Ave Hotel

2178 Broadway at W 77th St.
New York, NY, 10024
Phone: (212) 362-1100
Web: www.ontheave-nyc.com

Registration

Note: All Purchase Orders, Students, Parapro/Hab must download registration form and register by fax or mail only.

Questions? Call (212) 330-8282 (in NY) or (480) 831-2047 (live)

Rates:

Early Bird: Registered and paid by September 10, 2009

1. Register Online

Register online with a credit card.

Register Now!

online event registration
by RegOnline

2. Register by Mail/Fax

Fax registration: Download registration form and fax completed for with credit card information to (480) 272-9693.

Mail registration form and payment: Download registration form, complete and send with check or money order (made payable to Autism Conferences) to Autism Conferences of America, 1340 E. Vinedo Lane, Tempe, AZ 85284.

√ Financial aid available for families with income under $50,000/year.
For more information call us at (480) 831-2047 or email us at autismconferences@gmail.com by Monday, September 21, 2009 to ensure availability.

Early Bird Registration: Registered and paid by September 10, 2009

Regular Registration: Registered and paid after September 10, 2009

* For Parapro/Hab Rate: Include letter from agency stating you work with autistic children/adults and that your salary is below $20/hour. Register only by mail/fax.

* For Student Rate: Include copy of your transcript showing that you are taking 12 or more credits. Register only by mail/fax.

Referral Incentive:
For EACH referral, your name will be entered in a random drawing to win FREE registration towards the NEXT conference. One Grand Prize Winner: 2 Days, Two: 2nd Prize Winners 1 Day each.

Drawing will be done at conference site. Winner's name(s) will be posted at registration desk and online. Prize must be claimed within 30 days of end of conference. Must provide proof of identity. Prizes not claimed within the 30 days of conference will be null and void and are non-transferable.

Exhibitors & Advertisements

Contact:

Jerry Lundy
Phone: (562) 864-3049 or (212) 330-8282
Fax: (562) 864-6508
E-mail: exhibitors@autismconferencesofamerica.com

Limited exhibitor space is available.

Advertising is available in our conference syllabus.

Exhibitor Registration Form
New York City Autism/Asperger's Conference

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