Overview | Accommodations | CEU Accreditation | Educator's Worshop | Participating Exhibitors | Registration | Schedule | Speakers
USAAA assembles thirty world renown experts that focus on ways to improve the quality of life for the affected individuals and their families and caregivers by conducting presentations in the areas of biomedical interventions, research, behavioral and developmental therapies, diet and nutrition, and family issues. It is attended by Parents, Health Care Professionals, Caretakers, Educators and anyone who wants to learn more about services and treatment for children living with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
This following is a partial list of the presenters for the US Autism and Asperger Association 2008 International Conference September 4-7, 2008 at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel, Austin, Texas.
A partial list of speakers are listed below.
*Keynote speakers
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Michael Beloff, CFP
Jesus Caquias, MD
Kazuko A I Curtin
Phillip C. DeMio, MD
Mark Geier, MD, PhD*
David Geier*
Sadir Gupta, MD, PhD
Valerie Herskowitz, MA-CCC-SLP
Devin Houston, PhD
Lawrence P. Kaplan, PhD
Jerry Kartzinel, MD, FAAP
Raun Kaufman
Shannon Kenitz
James Neubrander, MD, FAAEM
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J. Dennis Odell, MD
Valerie Paradiz, PhD & son Elijah Wapner
David Quig, PhD
Doris Rapp, MD*
Dan Rossignol, MD
Paul Shattock, PhD, OBE*
Angela Shoemaker
Stephen Shore, EdD
Ken Stoller. MD
Marlo Payne Thurman, MS
Lauren Underwood, PhD
Theresa K. Wrangham
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Michael Beloff, CFP®
Mr. Beloff graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988 with degrees in Business and Math and was a Stone Scholar at Columbia Law School. After practicing corporate law in New York City for four years at a major international law firm, he provided information and marketing services to lawyers at LexisNexis and Martindale-Hubbell. He has been a financial advisor since 2001 and became a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner in 2006. As a father of a child with disabilities, Michael also gives back to the community by coordinating a fathers’ support group in Greenwich, CT and by serving as Treasurer of Greenwich ARC. He also speaks regularly on financial planning issues for special needs families in local and national settings. |
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Jesus Caquias, MD
Dr. Caquias holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Tennessee and a Doctor of Integrative Medicine from Capital University of Integrative Medicine in Washington D.C. He was the Health Authority for the City of Brownsville in Texas for 18 years while doing a Private Practice in Primary Care Medicine in the same City and is responsible for the passage of various statutes related to health which have benefited the citizenry of Texas. Dr. Caquias began practicing Alternative Medicine in 1997 progressively implementing alternative treatments and using them in combination with conventional medicine including chelation. His practice has gradually increased in the alternative field earning him the criticisms of his peers and the praise of his patients. He has been certified by the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine*, American Association of General Practice*, the American Association of Integrative Medicine*, the Society for Clinical Bone Densitometry, the Advanced Medical Education & Services Physician Association*and is a Diplomat Candidate of the American Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology*. He believes that intravenous therapy is the most effective treatment for treating toxicity related disorders and for restoring health, as it bypasses a major obstacle “the battered Gut”. Dr. Caquias was a “DAN”* doctor who has gone intravenous. He has been directing the treatments and therapies at the CARE Clinics in Austin, TX since February of 2006. Several thousand I.V. treatments have been given with the vast majority of patients demonstrating significant improvements. Many are no longer labeled as autistic and have entered mainstream education. *Entities not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
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Kazuko A I Curtin
Kazuko AI Curtin is the founder and CEO of CARE Clinics. Over a decade ago, Kazuko set out to find the very best treatments for her son, James, who was diagnosed with autism at two years-of-age, and given no chance of recovery. Since that time, Kazuko has traveled the world in search of answers for her son. First, Kazuko developed expertise in behavior therapy. She received training in ABA therapy, and invented “Autism Visual Learning Method”, which is patented in the U.S., and is pending in 150 countries. Then she learned about biomedical treatments for James, and began building what later became CARE Clinics. Kazuko was a successful entrepreneur since she was a college student in Tokyo. Among many achievements, Kazuko was a leader at DASCOM, which was an extremely successful computer software company that was later sold to IBM.
In addition to treating her son, Kazuko has recovered from chronic illness herself, by using the therapies at CARE Clinics. The success of treating both herself and her son has bolstered her resolve to create a world-class treatment center that helps both parents and children recover from difficult, chronic illnesses such as autism and cancer. Kazuko is a frequent speaker at many autism conferences, including UCLA, ASA, ATF, GPL, CASD, which help parents make informed decisions for their children. Kazuko is the author of New Autism Treatment Paradigm, printed in Japanese, and leads a team at CARE Clinics that is authoring a New Autism Treatment Paradigm 2008, printed in English, and to be released April 1st, 2008.
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Phillip DeMio, MD
Dr. DeMio is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He received his M.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with honors in Neurosurgery, Endocrinology/Metabolism, Advanced OB/GYN, and Advanced Internal Medicine. Dr. DeMio has been a faculty member at several teaching hospitals including Case Western University School of Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is accredited by the Teaching System of U.S. Armed Forces Medical Core and his career includes an emphasis on toxicology. Dr. DeMio is currently the Medical Director for the Whole Health and Wellness Centers located in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. His practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a father of a child with autism, Dr. DeMio explains his mission to help patients reach their maximum potential through biomedical care with the philosophy, "that our children and loved ones are first and foremost in all of our treatments." Dr. DeMio's practice includes primary care and integrative medicine/toxicology for children and adults. The Centers are the largest participant in a research program regarding the use of multiple enzyme preparations. He has also emphasized other broad issues. “We must address the immune system in every child so that this major piece of the biological aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders can be treated,” said Dr. DeMio. Ongoing research also emphasizes early diagnosis including methods to identify at-risk children before symptoms develop, along with helping families prepare for subsequent pregnancies. Dr. DeMio is Chief Medical Office for US Autism and Asperger Association. Currently a program host on Autism One Radio, he has previously hosted different health talk radio programs. http://www.drdemio.com/ |
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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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Sadir Gupta, MD, PhD
Dr. Sudhir Gupta is the highest ranking Professor of Medicine Pathology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, the Chief of the Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology at the University of California, Irvine. He is internationally known for his important contributions in the fields of cellular and molecular immunology as it relates to AIDS, cancer research, aging, primary immunodeficiency diseases, and autism. Dr. Gupta has published more than 450 scientific publications, invited reviews, and book chapters. He has edited 20 books in various areas of cellular, molecular and applied immunology. Dr. Gupta has trained more than 50 physicians and scientists from all over the globe. Many of his trainees are now Professors and Head of the Departments at major Universities around the globe. |
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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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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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Lawrence P. Kaplan, PhD
Dr. Kaplan is a parent of child with autism. Dr. Kaplan ’s work in autism evolved in 1995 when his son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. He founded Special Abilities, a non-profit charitable organization. It was one of the first organizations to offer assistance to special education schools and provide educational programs for parents who have children with ASD. Drawing on his decade long tenure in professional and collegiate sports, he created a “team approach” to develop a parent-physician partnership that has been presented at national and international autism conferences. This innovative concept led to authoring the book, “Diagnosis Autism: Now What? 10 Steps to Improve Treatment Outcomes; A Parent-Physician Team Approach.” Dr. Kaplan was the chief investigator for the first study on early diagnosis of ASD. His dissertation, “Autism Spectrum Disorders: Two Significant Quandaries,” was the foundation for this research. Dr. Kaplan is editor of four Conference Proceedings Manuals and is also a contributor to "The Official 101 Autism Manual and E-book." Dr. Kaplan has spent many years collaborating with the non-profit community. He was a board member of the Children’s Biomedical Center of Utah. He worked on many projects over a ten year period with the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association while employed with the State of Florida.
In the summer of 2005, Dr. Kaplan founded US Autism and Asperger Association, Inc. (USAAA) with a mission to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families/caregivers touched by autism spectrum disorders by providing educational and family support through conferences/seminars and published and electronic mediums. Dr. Kaplan’s vision was to create an annual conference in the late summer that concentrated on family, health and sibling issues, adolescence, diet and nutrition, Asperger’s concerns, as well as the latest autism research and treatment. That vision became a reality August 9-12, 2006 in Park City, Utah. In only eighteen months, Dr. Kaplan has directed four conferences (two international) reaching over 2800 parents/caregivers, professionals, educators and individuals with autism. |
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 Jerry Kartzinel, MD, FAAP
Dr Jerry Kartzinel is Board Certified pediatrician and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics. He specializes in the recovery of neurodevelopmental and chronic inflammatory diseases in children. His practice is Pediatric Partners of Ponte Vedra and is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. After receiving his medical degree at St Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his residency in pediatric medicine in the Air Force. Following Desert Storm, Dr Kartzinel practiced general pediatrics in private practice for 10 years until his fourth boy was diagnosed with Autism.
A nationally recognized speaker on children’s health issues, Dr. Kartzinel has presented medical interventions that work to improve the lives of children who suffer from many types of medical conditions that include: autism, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, and sleep cycle disruptions. He regularly teaches Continuing Medical Education courses on Children’s Health issues to physicians and other health professionals. His clinical approach is to treat the whole child by carefully obtaining a full and complete history and based on this history, obtaining very detailed laboratory evaluations. Based on these results, individualized plans are implemented integrating the very latest medical interventions that include both traditional and complimentary medicine approaches.
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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. |
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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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J. Dennis Odell, MD, FAAP
Dr. Odell is Director, BioMedical Division, for Center for Persons with Disabilities, at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He is Board Certified in pediatrics. Dr. Odell is Medical Director, Kids Care Urgent Care Pediatric Clinic, and Budge Clinic, Logan, Utah. He is also Clinical Research Director at CARE Clinics. Dr. Odell received his Medical Degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1979, and completed his residency in Pediatrics at Stanford University Medical Center in 1982. His training includes conventional and biomedical pediatrics, and has extensive experience treating children with disabilities, including autism. Dr. Odell is the author of many peer-reviewed publications in the field of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including the effects of medication on cognitive performance in ADHD and genetic influences in autism. In affiliation with Utah State University, Dr. Odell and his colleagues are utilizing the large database of clinical and biomedical information amassed at CARE Clinics to document commonalities among children with autism, and to verify and publish the effective treatments used for this childhood epidemic.
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Valerie Paradiz, PhD
Dr. Valerie Paradiz develops educational programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), including the pioneering ASPIE School, and has been featured in the New York Times, Redbook Magazine, The Guardian, 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 advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger syndrome. 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 fostering emerging talents in children with ASDs. She is the developer of Integrated Self Advocacy (ISA)™, a curriculum and training series that supports teachers and therapists in teaching individuals with autism in learning greater ability in self determination and advocacy. Valerie is on the board of directors of the Open Center for Autism, the Global Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Individuals on the Spectrum (PSA), and the advisory board of US Autism & Asperger Association. She has two books forthcoming with the Autism Asperger Publishing Company relating to building strong educational programs for students with ASDs in public and private school settings. For more information, visit www.ValerieParadiz.com. |
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David Quig, PhD
Dr. Quig received his PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Illinois. He is currently Vice President, Scientific Support for Doctor's Data, and has recently co-authored and facilitated several studies pertaining to toxic and essential elements in children with autism and learning/behavioral disorders. His current studies include, "“ Efficacy of DMSA suppositories to mobilize mercury and lead into the urine of young autistic children”; “The acute effects of fast-push Ca-Na2-EDTA on biliary/fecal and urinary excretion of toxic and essential elements”, and . “ Lack of effect of chlorella supplementation to enhance fecal excretion of mercury in healthy subjects with dental amalgams.” |
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Doris Rapp, MD
Dr. Rapp is a board-certified environmental medical specialist and pediatric allergist. She is also a homeopath. She served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo until January 1996. She practiced traditional allergy medicine for 18 years. After learning about environmental medicine in 1975, Dr. Rapp began to incorporate the principles of environmental medicine into her pediatric allergy practice. Dr. Rapp is a past President of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. She is also the author of the best selling book "Is This Your Child?" and "Is This Your Child's World?” These books will help identify and provide practical methods of treatment to eliminate substances which can cause illness and behavioral changes in both children and adults. Dr. Rapp has published 29 medical articles, authored eight chapters in medical texts, written eleven books and three booklets about allergy. Her videos vividly demonstrate the dramatic physical and behavioral changes in children and adults that can be produced using the more precise method of allergy testing called Provocation/Neutralization. These diagnostic testing and treatment methods can produce and then relieve symptoms in a few minutes. Dr. Rapp believes it is imperative that both the public and physicians recognize that multiple body areas and a wide range of symptoms can be produced in allergic patients who have unrecognized and atypical forms of allergies. Symptoms can be much more than hay fever, asthma, coughing and itchy skin. The appropriate allergy treatment for dust, pollen, molds, foods and certain chemicals (chlorine, fluoride, etc.) appears to be surprisingly helpful in relieving many acute and chronic physical, emotional and learning problems in both children and adults. |
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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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Paul Shattock, PhD, OBE
Dr. Paul Shattock is Honorary Director of the Autism Research Unit (ARU) following his retirement in 1998 from teaching Pharmacy for over 20 years at the University of Sunderland. He is Chairman of ESPA (European Service for People with Autism) (providing teaching and residential services for young adults with autism) and Vice-President of the World Autism Organisation (WAO) having previously been secretary for Autisme-Europe. His research interests include: rights and models of service provision for people with autism, biomedical and environmental factors implicated in autism, and the use and abuse of medication for autism.The research undertaken by Shattock at the ARU investigated the theory that autism is a consequence of a metabolic disorder, whereby certain biologically active peptides and other related compounds (derived mainly but not exclusively from dietary gluten and/or casein) are not metabolised correctly in the autist, and along with Kalle Reichelt led to the widespread use of the Gluten-free, casein-free diet in treating autism. In 1998 Paul Shattock was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his more than 30 years of service to the autism community. |
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Angela Shoemaker
Angela Shoemaker works as a Physician-to-Parent Liaison to Dr. Phillip C.DeMio. She and Dr. DeMio work together in the biomedical treatment of patients of all ages. Angela’s autistic son has seen dramatic recovery through the use of biomedical interventions. She played an active role in assisting with the development and implementation of his protocol. She has helped many parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, assisting them in starting and implementing biomedical treatments for their loved ones. Angela has spoken nationally at autism teaching conferences. In addition, she speaks at various support groups, schools, conferences and organizations regularly throughout the state of Ohio. She sits on one of the advisory committees to the Autism Research Institute, and she founded the Central Ohio Local Biomedical Support Group.
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Stephen Shore, EdD
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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Marlo Payne Thurman, MS
Marlo Payne Thurman, 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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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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Elijah Wapner
Elijah Wapner is an 11th grader at the Hudson Valley Sudbury School, located in Woodstock, New York. He is currently studying acting, movement and voice in the teen conservatory at Stella Adler Studio in Manhattan, and performs standup comedy regularly at the Gotham Comedy Club. His interests include music and comedy. At age three, beginning with Charlie Chaplin classics, Elijah began a deep study of all the genres of comedy. He enjoys music as well, plays the harmonica, and has initiated his own small business as a performer and presenter at autism conferences. Elijah has been an active participant in the autistic advocacy community since he was 5 years old. His TV debut was on MTV’s True Life. Check out his calendar of performances and presentations at www.MrInevitable.com. |
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Theresa K. Wrangham
Theresa Wrangham is the mother of a seventeen year old affected daughter and brings to the fore an experienced parent’s perspective on raising a healthy child affected by ASD and the benefits of advocacy outside family needs. Ms. Wrangham is the Past President and Co-Founder of Autism Society of Boulder County, which was the first ASA chapter to bring a biomedical and behavioral conference to Colorado’s autism community. Ms. Wrangham also spearheaded Colorado’s legislative efforts to ban mercury containing vaccines in favor of vaccines meeting federal safety guidelines. She currently sits on USAAA’s Advisory Panel and is Director of Educational Development and Conference Liaison for USAAA, is a Board Member and the Vice-Chair of Governmental Affairs for SafeMinds and is a retired AMTA massage therapist. Ms. Wrangham has been featured in several Colorado publications, radio interviews and local news interviews. Her national presentation speaking debut was at the USAAA/Autism Today Autism Orlando Biennial Conference 2008 in February of 2008. |
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