"The USAAA conference was the best thing I have done in my search for autism education & resources! I learned so much in a few days and made so many contacts that would have taken me years to find out on my own. I feel so full of hope with the next step to take with my child! I feel empowered!" — Betty, California, mother
Speaker Spotlight
Breakthrough Developmental Strategies
Raun's story was the subject of an award-winning NBC television movie
 Raun 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.
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. |
Mr. Kaufman will be presenting "Breakthrough Developmental Strategies" on Saturday, July 11th at the USAAA 2009 International Conference in Los Angeles, California. 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.
For a complete listing of abstracts and learning objectives, click here.
Speaker Spotlight
The Continuums of Autism: Cognition, Sensory Processing, and Arousal
School Psychologist and Education Consultant to present two sessions at USAAA conference
 Marlo Payne Thurman, MS 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.
"We will discuss recognizing the role of arousal in learning, socialization and behavior in the Friday presentation, and identifying the challenges and needs of our high functioning populations in the Saturday presentation." |
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. Marlo currently sits on the US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA) Advisory Panel.
Marlo will be presenting "The Continuums of Autism: Cognition, Sensory Processing, and Arousal," on Friday, July 10, and "Beyond Diagnosis: A guide to Identifying Needs, Prioritizing Interventions, and Advocating for Individuals with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome," on Saturday, July 11 at the USAAA 2009 International Conference in Los Angeles, California.
For a complete listing of abstracts and learning objectives, click here.
Immediate Solutions
Sharing experiences: There isn't a better way to meet parents, physicians, and educators under one roof than at a USAAA conference. Parents, professionals, and educators share their experiences and tips. |
Speaker Spotlight
Nourishing Hope for Autism - Evolving Autism Diets
Certified Nutrition Consultant to present at USAAA conference
 Julie Matthews, CNC, is dedicated to improving people's health through nutrition consultation, specialized diets, and holistic wellness coaching. She studied holistic nutrition through California state certified Bauman College: Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts and hold a Bachelor of Science from U.C. Davis in Agricultural and Managerial Economics. Julie is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), presents for Nourishing Our Children Campaign (Weston A. Price Foundation, San Francisco), and host a weekly radio show, "Reality Sandwich" that airs Thursdays @ Noon, on 89.5FM KPOO in San Francisco.
Helping people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is her [Julie's] passion. When she first discovered that most people with ASDs also have imbalanced biochemistry, she was intrigued and wanted to learn more. She's been studying ever since. |
Julie will be presenting "Nourishing Hope for Autism -Evolving Autism Diets" at the USAAA 2009 International Conference in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday, July 11th.
For a complete listing of abstracts and learning objectives, click here.
Recipe from healthful living
Anna's Muffins
1 cup walnut flour
1 cup pecan flour
1 cup baked flesh of acorn squash, pureed OR:2 eggs
1/2 cup melted coconut butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
honey to taste
Pre-heat oven to 350
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Form batter into balls and drop into lightly greased cupcake tin (use (olive oil or coconut butter) Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool, put tin in the freezer until muffins are firm, solid, and nearly frozen. Transfer to refrigerator.
Tip: Bakes better if the batter has been sitting covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. Other nut flours can be used instead of almond flour if desired.
|
Speaker Spotlight
The Brain, Thinking and Behavior: Understanding Executive Function
Licensed psychologist in the area of neuropsychology to present at USAAA conference
 Mary Jo Lang, PhD founded Beacon Day School, Orange, California, in June 2004 to open up the world of possibilities for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has been involved with the care of children for more than 25 years, first as a Nurse Practitioner and educator, then as an educational psychologist. In 1988, Dr. Lang graduated from the University of Southern California with her PhD in Educational Psychology. A Diplomat of the American Board of Neuropsychology, Dr. Lang has been a practicing, licensed psychologist in the area of neuropsychology since 1991. A member of several professional organizations, including the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychology Society, Dr. Lang is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine.
"This session will examine the Brain activity related to executive function, the influences on Thinking, and the resulting Behaviors that can occur when executive function is impaired." |
Executive Function describes a collection of brain processes that control and manage other cognitive processes. Psychologists credit executive function as responsible for planning, cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking, rule acquisition, initiating appropriate actions and inhibiting inappropriate actions, and selecting relevant sensory information. This session will examine the Brain activity related to executive function, the influences on Thinking, and the resulting Behaviors that can occur when executive function is impaired. Studies have shown that age-related improvements in executive function from childhood to adolescence can occur in children with autism. This indicates some degree of brain plasticity and suggests a window for delivering effective treatment. Mature executive functioning is limited in autism, but with proper treatment, we can maximize a child's ability to grow and function.
Dr. Lang will be presenting "The Brain, Thinking and Behavior: Understanding Executive Function" at the USAAA 2009 International Conference in Los Angeles, California, on Friday, July 10th.
For a complete listing of abstracts and learning objectives, click here.
After the presentation
The presentation doesn't end after the speaker leaves the podium. Each speaker is happy to spend additional time with attendees to answer questions and share ideas. |
|
