US Autism and Asperger Association has assembled 32 of the leading experts that focus on ways to improve the quality of life for the affected individuals and their families/caregivers by conducting presentations in the areas of biomedical interventions, research, adjunct therapies, diet and nutrition, and family issues.
This following is a list of the 33 presenters for the US Autism and Asperger Association 2007 International Conference August 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center in Denver, Colorado.
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Jeffrey Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP
Randy Chapman
Judy Converse MPH, RD, LD
Phillip C. DeMio, MD
Mark Geier, MD, PhD
David Geier
Temple Grandin, PhD
Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD
Steven Gutstein, PhD
Boyd Haley, PhD
Valerie Herskowitz, MA-CCC-SLP
Devin Houston, PhD
Jerry Kartzinel, MD, FAAP
Raun K. Kaufman
Shannon Kenitz
Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD
Lori Knowles
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Arthur Krigsman, MD
Stan Kurtz
Patricia S. Lemer, MEd, NCC
Woody McGinnis, MD
Brenda Smith Myles, PhD
James Neubrander, MD, FAAEM
Valerie Paradiz, PhD and son Elijah Wapner
Marlo Payne Rice, MS
Dan Rossignol, MD
Patrick J. Rydell, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
William Shaw, PhD
Stephen Shore, ABD
Kenneth P. Stoller, MD, FAAP
Lauren Underwood, PhD
J. Michael Uszler, MD
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 Jeffrey Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP
Dr. Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP is founder of and a treating physician at the International Child Development Resource Center in Florida, adjunct professor of nutritional neuroscience and child development at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, adjunct professor of neurosciences at Stetson University, and a clinical consultant to the University of California Davis MIND Institute. A versatile man in the research and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, he has published landmark studies with regard to the role of mercury and measles virus in autism, such as A Case Control Study of Mercury Burden in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, published in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, as well as speaking before Congress and the IOM. His 11-year old son, Matthew, is recovering from autism. Dr Bradstreet is the founder of a special school for children with autism that encompasses biological, behavioral, sensory, auditory and speech therapies into a combined program. |
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 Randy Chapman
Randy Chapman is the Director of Legal Services at The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, Colorado’s Protection and Advocacy System. Mr. Chapman has represented people with disabilities for 29 years focusing on enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and protecting persons with disabilities from abuse and neglect. He has made more than 400 presentations on the rights of persons with disabilities, nationally and in Colorado. Mr. Chapman is the author of The Everyday Guide to Special Education Law, (The Legal Center 2005)The New Handbook for Special Education Rights (The Legal Center 2000), and Assistive Technology: Universe of Opportunities, (The Legal Center 1999). He also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the IDEA Compliance Alert published monthly by Eli Research Inc. In 1998 he was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award by the Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission. He has served as the Chair of the Legal Committee of the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems and the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council. Mr. Chapman graduated from the University of California, Davis with a BA in Political Science in 1974 and obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977. |
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 Judy Converse, MPH, RD,LD
Judy Converse MPH, RD, LD is a licensed, registered dietitian. Judy holds a master of public health degree, nutrition major, from the University of Hawaii (1988) and a bachelor of science degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Vermont (1982). She obtained registration status from the Commission on Dietetic Registration/American Dietetic Association in 1989. Judy's practice, Nutrition Care for Children, began in 1999 in response to requests from parents seeking help with infant and child feeding, developmental, allergy, and growth problems. Since then NCFC has served families, individuals, federal zero to three programs, non-profits working with special needs and autism, and pediatric providers needing nutrition information. Prior to finding this niche, Judy was an outpatient dietitian for Kaiser Permanente, a nutrition educator for Hawaii Medical Service Association, and a grant writer for an independent clinic serving the homeless and uninsured of Honolulu. In addition to providing nutrition care, Judy has published articles on nutrition and developmental delays and presents on this topic to parent and professional audiences. She has testified before state and federal legislative committees on vaccine safety and has published a book on the subject. Judy incorporates Defeat Autism Now (DAN) protocols into her nutrition care and has undergone DAN advanced practitioner trainings sponsored by the Autism Research Institute since 1999. Click here to read Judy's recent appeal to Harvey Fineberg, MD, PhD, President, Institute of Medicine regarding where realities of child nutrition clash with vaccine policy, and no one seems to be paying attention. |
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 Phillip DeMio, MD
Dr. DeMio is a Defeat Autism Now! Practitioner and the father of a child with autism. Prior to medical school he taught and worked in the organic chemistry laboratory at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with honors in metabolism, women and children’s health, and neurosciences. He has been an MD for over 20 years, including as a faculty member at several teaching hospitals with a career that includes E. R. medicine, with an emphasis on toxicology. Dr. DeMio is accredited for speaking nationally on medical topics including brain toxicology, nutrition, and the use of supplements in health and disease for children and adults. Currently a program host on Autism One Radio, he has previously hosted different health talk radio programs. Dr. DeMio is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Mark Geier, MD, PhD, Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mark R. Geier has an MD., with a PhD in genetics. Dr. Geier is president of the Genetic Centers of America, president of the Institute of Chronic Illnesses and has been in clinical practice for more than 25 years. He was a researcher at the National Institutes of Health for 10 years. Dr. Geier was also a professor at the Johns Hopkins University and at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He has addressed the Institute of Medicine of the United States’ National Academy of Sciences, the United States’ State Department, the Government Reform Committee of the United States’ House of Representatives, and numerous other professional meetings. Dr. Geier has authored almost 100 peer-reviewed scientific/medical publications, and most recently, he has co-authored about 40 peer-reviewed scientific/medical publications on vaccine safety, efficacy and policy. He has received critical acclaim from his colleagues for his research on vaccines by winning the “Stanley W. Jackson Prize,” which is given to authors having the best paper in the preceding three years in the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences published by Duke University. His research has received national and international media coverage. Over the past few years Dr. Geier, now the head of the Institute of Chronic Illnesses, has been studying the relationship of genetic, biochemical and hormonal changes in autism which has resulted in new insights as to the cause and treatment of autism and other chronic illnesses. Dr. Geier has also been involved in vaccine cases before the no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) and in civil litigation. Dr. Geier's most recently published paper is entitled Early Downward Trends in Neurodevelopmental Disorders Following Removal of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines. Click here for additional information
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 David Geier, Keynote Speaker
David A. Geier is president of MedCon, Inc. He is also vice president of the Institute of Chronic Illnesses. He graduated with honors from UMBC with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in History. He has been a researcher scientist at the National Institutes of Health. David has co-authored about 40 peer-reviewed scientific/medical publications on vaccine safety, efficacy, and policy. He has received critical acclaim from his colleagues for his research on vaccines by winning the “Stanley W. Jackson Prize,” which is given to authors having the best paper in the preceding three years in the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences published by Duke University. He has addressed numerous professional meetings, and most recently co-addressed the Institute of Medicine of the United States’ National Academy of Sciences on vaccines. His research has received national and international media coverage. Over the past few years David, now a member of the Institute of Chronic Illnesses, has been studying the relationship of genetic, biochemical and hormonal changes in autism which has resulted in new insights as to the cause and treatment of autism and other chronic illnesses. David Geier also has been involved in vaccine cases before the no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) and in civil litigation. |
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 Temple Grandin, PhD, Keynote Speaker
Dr. Temple Grandin is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She has been featured on major television programs, such as "ABC's Primetime Live", the "Today Show", "Larry King Live", "48 Hours" and "20/20" and written up in national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars. Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping and humming. In 1950, she was labeled "autistic," and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed being diagnosed "autistic" was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.
Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and, yes, professionals, too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can." (Taken from Emergence: Labeled Autistic). Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities, which she later expanded into becoming a successful livestock handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift and others. She presently works as an Associate Professor at Colorado State University but also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. Dr. Grandin's current best seller is Animals in Translation. She also authored the best seller - Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports From My Life With Autism and produced videos - "Visual Thinking," "Careers" and "Medications" VHS; and Dr. Temple Grandin (DVD), which can be obtained from Future Horizons. |
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Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA
Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, has dedicated over 25 years to the study and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Through her research, curriculum development and treatment implementation Dr. Granpeesheh helped demonstrate the effectiveness of intensive, early Applied Behavior Analysis intervention. Dr. Granpeesheh earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA in 1990, and was licensed by the Medical Board of California in 1992. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In 1990, Dr. Granpeesheh founded The Center for Autism and Related Disorders CARD), and through its fourteen offices she has helped thousands of children affected by Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS. CARD services include assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training, and one-on-one behavioral therapy. Through Dr. Granpeesheh’s vision of helping as many individuals with autism as possible, CARD has become an industry leader in administering effective multi-disciplinary treatment plans. Dr. Granpeesheh is also on staff at Thoughtful House Center for Children, located in Austin, Texas. Dr. Granpeesheh is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association.
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 Steven Gutstein, PhD
Dr. Steven Gutstein has more than 20 years experience as a psychologist counseling children, adults, couples and families, conducting applied research, and developing programs for special populations as Professor of Psychiatry at Texas Children's Hospital and in private practice. Most recently, Dr. Gutstein has developed the RDI Program© A parent-based developmental approach toward the remediation of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Currently, over 3000 families world-wide participate in RDI Program© and nearly 100 professionals in child development are certified as RDI Program© Consultants. Dr. Gutstein is also founder of the Foundation for Autism Research & Remediation (FARR), a 501(c)(3) public non-profit charitable foundation and father of two children, both artists. |
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 Boyd E. Haley, PhD
Boyd Haley, PhD, former Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky from 1996-2005, has now chosen to devote additional time to research, in addition to his being an active professor. An NIH Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Physiology, Yale University Medical School from 1971 to 1974, in the past 17 years, Dr. Haley has emphasized studies on the biochemistry of Alzheimer’s disease. His research in the biochemical aberrancies in Alzheimer’s disease also led to his identifying mercury toxicity as a major factor in this disease. He was one of the first to propose that the organic-mercury preservative (Thimerosal) in infant vaccines was the most likely toxic agent involved in Gulf War Syndrome and autism related disorders. Dr. Haley has testified before numerous government agencies on the effects of mercury toxicity from dental amalgams and vaccines. His articles include Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby Haircuts of Autistic Children, which was published in the International Journal of Toxicology. Click here to read transcript of Interview with Dr. Boyd E. Haley: Biomarkers supporting mercury toxicity as the major exacerbator of neurological illness, recent evidence via the urinary porphyrin tests. Interview by Teri Small on AutismOne radio. Article-in-press; Medical Veritas: The Journal of Medical Truth; Volume 3, Issue 1; April 2006. Medical Veritas is the journal of Medical Veritas International (MVI), www.MedicalVeritas.com.
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 Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
Ms. Herskowitz's career as a speech pathologist has spanned the past 27 years. Since 1981, as owner of Dimensions Therapy Center, she has been providing private therapy services and special family outings to the families in the South Florida area. She is on the adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Herskowitz is the President of the National Autism Registry, a non-profit organization. She was awarded the Stevie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for her work with autistic and special needs children. She was honored for starting two innovative community programs, Mothers of Special Needs Individuals (MOSI) and the Family Club. Ms. Herskowitz is also an international speaker on the subject of computer-based intervention with special needs individuals. Her youngest son, Blake, was diagnosed in 1993 with autism. Being both a parent to Blake as well as a therapist has given Ms. Herskowitz the opportunity to reach out and help families deal with the unique problems that they face in parenting a child with autism. Ms. Herskowitz is on the advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Devin Houston, PhD
Dr. Houston obtained a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Houston’s graduate work focused on how the aging process affected certain enzyme systems. Dr. Houston accepted a post-doctoral position at the University of Virginia where he became involved in several fields of research, including ligand-receptor interactions of the adenosine receptor, diabetes, and mechanisms of how cells respond to environmental signals. In 1990, Dr. Houston accepted a position at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. While there, he obtained the position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. In 1997, Dr. Houston left academia for industry, and accepted a position as Manager of Research and Development at National Enzyme Company. While there, he upgraded the existing lab and instituted more advanced methods of analysis. Instrumental in new product development, he is the formulator and inventor of SerenAid(tm), an enzyme product currently distributed by Klaire Laboratories. In March of 2000, Dr. Houston left National Enzyme and became a scientific consultant to the dietary supplement industry prior to founding Houston Nutraceuticals, Inc. |
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 Jerry Kartzinel, MD, FAAP
Dr. Kartzinel is on staff at Pediatric Partners in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. He is Board-Certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Kartzinel received his Medical Doctorate at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is the Co-Founder of the International Autism Research Center, located in Central Florida. He is well recognized for his pioneering and innovative approaches in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Kartzinel’s practice is solely devoted to the research and treatment of autism and other neurodegenerative disorders. His approach includes a comprehensive history and physical exam, and laboratory investigations that seek to find what is biologically different in a child. Once found, he implements therapeutic interventions and monitors closely how they affect restoration of health and behaviors. He and his wife have 4 children. Their youngest child, Joshua, is recovering from autism. |
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 Raun K. Kaufman
Raun K. Kaufman, CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America™, will provide concrete, bold strategies you can implement now for your child’s immediate gain. As a child, Mr. Kaufman was diagnosed with severe autism and recommended for lifelong institutionalization. Instead, his parents developed The Son-Rise Program, which enabled their son to completely recover from his autism. Now an international speaker and Ivy League graduate with a degree in Biomedical Ethics, Mr. Kaufman bears no traces of his former condition. Raun's story was recounted by his father, Barry Neil Kaufman, in the best-selling book Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues, and was also the subject of an award-winning NBC television movie, Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love. His lecture focuses on some innovative, outside-the-box techniques you can use today 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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 Shannon Kenitz, Featured Speaker
Degreed in psychology, Shannon Kenitz is the Executive Director of the International Hyperbarics Association, a non-profit organization that promotes Hyperbaric Therapy through education and research. Shannon Kenitz knows firsthand the heartbreak and struggles of having a child with a disability. Her youngest daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with a very rare mitochondrial disorder that kept her in the hospital virtually for the first three years of her life. Grace more recently has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Shannon did not accept the recommendation to cease life-prolonging measures. And because of that, Grace progressed to feed herself, recover from blindness, and at almost 7-years old, walk for the first time on January 20, 2006. Shannon has interviewed for the Montel Williams show and has a book and movie forthcoming. Click here to read more about Shannon who was interviewed on AutismOne Radio in March, 2006. |
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 Dietrich Klinghardt MD, PhD
Dr. Klinghardt is known for his successful treatment of chronic pain and illness. He studied medicine and psychology in Freiburg, West Germany. After graduating, he conducted three years of research on the dysfunction in autoimmune disorders at the Albert-Ludwig University in Freiburg. Dr. Klinghardt's PhD Thesis was on the involvement of the autoimmune and collagen in vascular diseases. He has conducted clinical research on the effects of heavy metal toxicity on the brain and developed the "5 Levels of Healing: A Philosophical model and vision in healthcare." His Board Certifications are: Facharzt fuer Allgemeinmedizin; American Board of Pain Management; American Board of Pain Management Specialties; American board of Orthopedic and Neurological Medicine; American Board of Neural Therapy. Dr. Klinghardt has been synthesizing traditional and alternative medicine for more than 32 years. He developed Autonomic Response Testing, a comprehensive diagnostic system which has helped to transform many practices in the U.S. and abroad into healing centers and helped many practitioners to become accomplished healers. He currently resides in Bellevue, WA where he treats patients and teaches workshops on his healing methods. He currently offers workshops in the United States and Europe. His teaching and philosophy include recent insights into the influence of the family system on one’s health through working with family systems oriented healing approaches developed by psychoanalyst, Bert Hellinger. Dr. Klinghardt is the author of a groundbreaking German book on biofeedback guided psychotherapy: “Psychokinesiology – A New Approach in Psychosomatic Medicine.” Due to his innovative contributions to Neural Therapy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Energy Medicine and Energy Psychology he is regularly invited to teach workshops at the prestigious "Medicine Week" in Baden-Baden, Germany. His holistic technique combines Neural Therapy with the principles of non-surgical orthopedic medicine. |
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 Lori Knowles
Lori Knowles is a mother of a recovered child and 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. Over the past five years, she has collaborated with physicians, naturopaths, scientists, autism researchers and parents in order to create a diverse product line that parents and physicians can trust. Lori enjoys drawing from both her extensive research, professional and personal experience in recovering her own child to support parents and practitioners seeking answers to improve the lives of children affected with autism. |
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 Arthur Krigsman, MD, Keynote Speaker
Arthur Krigsman, MD attended medical school at the State University of New York at Brooklyn, and completed his pediatric residency at SUNY Brooklyn - Kings County Medical Center. He holds dual board certification in General Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology.
Dr. Krigsman has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal pathology common in children with autistic spectrum disorder, and has detailed the symtomatology and endoscopic/histopathologic character of this disease in this unique, poorly understood group of children. His findings have been presented at scientific and lay meetings in the United States and Canada. |
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 Stan Kurtz
Stan Kurtz is dad to 5-year-old Ethan, who recovered from an autism diagnosis. Stan recovered himself from ADHD and IBS while he was working on therapies for his son. Stan has presented at the USAAA 2006 International Conference and the DAN! Conference, and he is one of a few parent-researchers to present and attend the DAN! Think Tank and contribute to the DAN! Physician's and Nurse’s training. Stan innovated the MB12 Nasal Spray therapy, and his research continues to highlight the collective relationship between viruses, fungus, bacteria and mercury in children with autism. He moderates the Yahoo! autism parent group MB12Valtrex, which focuses on antiviral and Nasal Spray MB12 therapies. Stan has published many recovery videos including a groundbreaking video of a 23 year old with ADHD attached to an EEG showing a lack of brainwave synchronicity that recovers in minutes after taking MB12 Nasal Spray. Stan and Dr. Richard Deth, PhD, are working with UCLA on a study of MB12 Nasal Spray for ADHD. Stan also has a grant from the Autism Research Institute to study MB12 Nasal Spray. Stan is the radio host of "From the Children’s Corner" on Autism One and is the owner of Children's Corner School in Van Nuys, California, a unique school that includes special needs children in the classroom and focuses on research and health as a foundation for child development. Stan is also the Co-Chairman of Hand in Hand Child and Family Development Center in Encino, California, a Regional Center Provider for Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Behavioral Therapies. Mr. Kurtz is is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Patricia S. Lemer, MEd, NCC
Ms. Lemer is co-founder and the Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR), an international, non-profit organization integrating conventional and holistic therapies for children with developmental delays. She holds a Masters of Education in counseling and learning disabilities from Boston College and a Masters in Business from Johns Hopkins University. She is a National Certified Counselor, and practiced as an educational diagnostician for over 30 years. Ms. Lemer lectures nationally on autism spectrum disorders. She is especially interested in helping families prioritize therapies, so as to use their financial personal resources most efficiently. Another area of Patty’s great interest is vision and the role of visual dysfunction in AD(H)D and autism. She is the author of numerous articles. Ms. Lemer is is on the advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Woody McGinnis, MD
Dr. McGinnis was educated at Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado. After volunteer medical work in rural Peru, he practiced general medicine in Arizona for many years. In 1995, Dr. McGinnis began studying nutritional influences on behavior in order to help his own son, Ryan. Nutritional treatment of autism and other behavioral disorders became the primary focus of his practice, and since 1998 he has lectured frequently on the behavioral effects of nutrition, toxins and emotional stress. In 2001, Dr. McGinnis committed to full-time research. He coordinates the Oxidative Stress in Autism Study, a first-of-its-kind, multi-center collaboration measuring a broad range of oxidative markers in the urine, blood and central nervous system of children with autism. The study was funded by parents of an autistic child and the NIH. Dr. McGinnis organized the first Oxidative Stress in Autism Symposium (OSAS) at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities in 2005. He conceived and coordinates research on separate projects examining Mercury in Autism, Relaxation and Oxidative Stress, and Immortalized Cells for Autism Research. HPL (Mauve Factor) is an area of special interest, and Dr. McGinnis' pending publication, "Discerning the Mauve Factor", presents evidence for urinary HPL as clinically useful biomarker for specific nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress. Dr. McGinnis resides in Ashland, Oregon, with spouse, Julia, and two sons. To balance his work, he plays frisbee, practices yoga, picks blueberries, grows orchids and generally strives to exemplify a healthful, low-oxidizing lifestyle. |
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 Brenda Smith Myles, PhD
Dr. Myles is the Chief of Programs and Development of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence and an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas where she co-directs a graduate program in Asperger Syndrome and autism. The recipient of the 2004 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award and the 2006 Princeton Fellowship Award, she has written numerous articles and books on Asperger Syndrome and autism including Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success (with Adreon), the winner of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Work. Brenda has made over 500 presentations all over the world and written more than 150 articles and books on autism and Asperger Syndrome. She is on the executive boards of several organizations, including the Organization for Autism Research and Maap Services Inc. In addition, she was recently acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world from 1997 to 2004. |
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James Neubrander, MD, FAAEM
Dr. James Neubrander is board certified in Environmental Medicine with special interests in heavy metals and B-12 biochemistry. At his medical practice in Edison, New Jersey, Dr. Neubrander helps patients seeking the Defeat Autism Now approach to autism. Dr. Neubrander is one of the leading physicians treating autistic children with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. An international conference speaker, Dr. Neubrander has greatly contributed to the well-being of children in the autism community as the virtual “father” of methylcobalamin – also known as M-B-12 – therapy, and he is a co-author of the study entitled Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004. Dr. Neubrander is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Valerie Paradiz, PhD and son Elijah Wapner
Dr. Valerie Paradiz is the Director of Education at the NYU Child Study Center's Asperger Institute. She is also the co-founder of the Open Center for Autism (www.oautism.org). Her work developing pioneering educational programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) has been featured in the New York Times, Redbook Magazine, Autism Spectrum Quarterly, and on Japanese Public Television. Dr. Paradiz's memoir, Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley, 2005) is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autistic son, their involvement together in the grassroots self-advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger syndrome. The book offers readers an insider's history and celebration of autistic culture, including profiles of individuals who are now believed to have had autistic-like traits, such as visual artist Andy Warhol, comedian Andy Kaufman, and physicist Albert Einstein. Dr. Paradiz speaks nationally and internationally on topics relating to Asperger Syndrome and Autism, such as parenting strategies, improving and creating school programs for children with ASDs, strengthening advocacy skills in parents, professionals and individuals on the autism spectrum, and developing emerging talents in children with ASDs. She is on the board of directors of the Open Center for Autism, the Global Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, and the advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. She is also a participant in the Organization for Autism Research's 2006 Research Convocation on Evidence-Based Interventions for Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the co-host, with Stephen Shore, of the upcoming radio program "Adventures in Autism" on Autism One Radio.
 Elijah Wapner, a teenager diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and son of Valerie Paradiz, presents with his mother at autism conferences and parent groups nationally. A budding performer in his own right, Elijah developed his intensive, catalogue interest in comedy—first beginning with repeated viewings of Charlie Chaplin films at age three—into original standup routines that he performs live at clubs and cafes. He speaks with his mom on topics such as adolescence and Asperger’s syndrome, how humor can support developing social skills and social awareness, and tips and insights for parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals in the autism community.
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 Marlo Payne Rice, MS
Marlo Payne Rice, M.S. is a School Psychologist and Education Consultant who obtained her Specialist Master’s degree from the University of Utah. Marlo has founded both the Center for Education Enrichment and the Brideun School for Exceptional Children located in Lafayette, Colorado. In her private practice, Marlo offers assessment, educational consultation, advocacy, cognitive therapy and social skills training. In designing, directing and administrating the Brideun School, Marlo has created an alternative model of therapeutic education that integrates strength-based learning with individualized, playful teaching allowing different-minded learners to find success. Marlo is active in education reform, researching and speaking extensively on alternative means to reach and teach children with divergent minds. She specializes in sensory-based learning and arousal. Marlo is currently working on the expansion of her models towards a franchise for new schools and therapy centers. Marlo holds board positions with Brideun Learning Worlds, The Bridge School and the nationally recognized 2E Newsletter. She has been honored for her achievements with feature articles in the New York Times, People Magazine, ADDitude Magazine, The National Special Educator and numerous local venues. |
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 Dan Rossignol, MD
Dan Rossignol, M.D. 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 the father of two children with autism, ages five and three. He is currently a staff physician at the International Child Development Resource Center. One of his clinical interests is the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in neurodevelopment disorders, including autism. He has authored several papers on the use of HBOT in autism and other conditions. He is a medical advisor to the International Hyperbarics Association, has spoken many times on the use of HBOT in autistic individuals, and is actively involved in research on HBOT, metal toxicity, and nutritional treatments for autism. Dr. Rossignol is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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 Patrick J. Rydell, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Rydell has been in the field of autism and communication disorders for over 25 years in public school, hospital, university, private practice settings, and administration. Dr. Rydell is the owner and director of Rocky Mountain Autism Center (RMAC) in Lakewood Colorado, a private practice dedicated to working with children with autism spectrum disorders and similar disabilities. Dr. Rydell's doctorate and master's degrees were earned in the field of communication disorders and special education, with a primary program emphasis in autism and early childhood education. Dr. Rydell is a co-author of the SCERTS® Model and a Fulbright Senior Specialist Grant Recipient (2005). He has co-authored five book chapters and numerous research articles in autism and unconventional verbal behaviors, and frequently speaks at international, national, state conferences on topics related to autism. |
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 William Shaw, PhD
Dr. William Shaw received his Ph.D. in biochemistry and human physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is board certified in the fields of clinical chemistry and toxicology by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. He has supervised large endocrinology, nutritional biochemistry, and toxicology and immunology departments in positions at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Smith Kline Laboratories in Atlanta. He was the director of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology and Toxicology at Children's Mercy Hospital, the teaching hospital of the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Shaw is the Director of The Great Plains Laboratory for Health, Nutrition, and Metabolism, a laboratory specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders of adults and children along with autism, PDD, hyperactivity, inborn errors of metabolism, and adult disorders such as Depression, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue.
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 Stephen Shore, ABD
Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies" Stephen 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 Shore is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible. 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 book Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and Understanding Autism for Dummies. A board member of the Autism Society of America and president emeritus of the Asperger's Association of New England, Stephen serves for the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts, MAAP, and the College Internship Program. |
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 Kenneth P. Stoller, MD
Dr. Stoller, Medical Director of the Hyperbaric Medical Center of New Mexico, is President of the International Hyperbaric Medical Association, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, a Diplomat of the American Board of Hyperbaric Medicine, a member of the American College for Hyperbaric Medicine. He was University of California President's Undergraduate Fellow in the UCLA Medical Center's Department of Anesthesiology, and has two decades of clinical experience in pediatric medicine. Dr. Stoller is part of the Divers Alert Network Physician Referral Network. Dr. Stoller is a founding board member of the International Hyperbaric Medical Association, and its current President. He was also a founding board member of the Humane Farming Association, Science Editor of the Animals' Voice Magazine where he was nominated for a Maggie. His Op-Ed pieces have appeared in several newspapers and periodicals from The Atlanta Constitution, Los Angeles Times, Abq Tribune to The Scientist. He has served on both the Injury Prevention Committee and the Environmental Hazards Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics. |
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 Lauren W. Underwood, PhD
Dr. Lauren Underwood received her MS and PhD in biology (developmental neurobiology) from Tulane University. Following graduation, she was awarded a National Institute of Health Post-Doctoral Training Grant Fellowship in Vision Research. Dr. Underwood is the parent of a child recovering from autism, and as a result of this, became a health educator and biomedical consultant for families of autistic children. Dr Underwood is also employed as a Senior Staff Scientist for SSAI, Inc. supporting NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. Dr. Underwood’s experience as a medical research scientist as well as that of a parent of an autistic child puts her in a unique position. She has the scientific ability to interpret and explain many of the biomedical interventions in layman’s terms, giving parents a better grasp of how many treatments may work, as well as the compassion and empathy to understand the constant demands of their situation. Dr. Underwood is also a C.A.R.D., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, IRB Board member and a US Autism and Asperger Association Advisory Board (Scientific) member, and has a monthly radio program on Autism One Radio. She has written 7 scientific peer-reviewed journal articles, 11 abstracts and 4 web articles. |
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 J. Michael Uszler, MD
J. Michael Uszler, M.D., is the Medical Director at Santa Monica Imaging & Therapy Associates, Inc., courtesy staff physician in Nuclear Medicine at Santa Monica - UCLA Medical Center and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical and Molecular Pharmacology at UCLA. Dr. Uszler has been actively involved in SPECT imaging of all body areas for 20 years, with a particular focus on the brain since 1992. His expertise includes quantitative regional brain imaging for normal and abnormal comparisons, for evaluation of both anatomic and functional brain disorders, and for the effects of therapeutic interventions as part of the healing process. Dr. Uszler's most recent emphasis is on "Autism- you'll never see it the same way again", i.e. using SPECT imaging to look at brain regional function patterns in autistic individuals. His work also includes cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, ADHD, stroke and dementia, and in using SPECT brain function imaging to follow the course of various therapies, including medications and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Uszler received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He also received the Hofmeister Award for Excellence in Study and Clinical Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduating Senior Award, Marquette School of Medicine. Dr. Uszler is on the scientific advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. |
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