THE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Subject to change.
SCHEDULE AND PRESENTATIONS - Sessions include: The Time is Now: 10-minute keynotes about what we learned from living with autism (first time ever at an autism conference); Ten Tips to Reduce Brain Overload; Biomedical Interventions: Treating the Underlying Causes of the Symptoms; A Compelling Story of Recovery; Nutrition and Cooking; The Continuums of Autism: Cognition, Sensory Processing and Behavior; Social Skills; Assessing and Teaching Functional Living Skills to Individuals of All Ages; Music, the Carrier Signal for Verbal Communication; Diagnosis of and Treatment for Disorders that are Comorbid with Autism (depression, anxiety, and others); New Discoveries in the Underlying Pathobiology of Autism; Functional Imaging of the Brain - New Discoveries; Adult Challenges; Severe Autism; Sensory Issues; Autism Breakthrough: Tantrums and Other Challenging Behaviors; 10 Key Steps to Finding a Job and Keeping It; Support Services Panel; Transitioning; Cutting Edge Research; Siblings; Parents Facing a Lifetime of Daunting Challenges Panel; Preparing for the Future; Self-Advocacy; The Detection and Treatment of the Most Common Biochemical Abnormalities in Autism; New Interventions for Schools; plus much much more.
For additional information and group registration, call 1-888-9AUTISM or 801-816-1234 (Direct Conference Line).
Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure your space.
PRINTABLE SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM
Speaker Bios
Abstracts and Learning Outcomes
Continuing Education
The Exhibit Hall is open during the entire conference.
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE |
Thursday, September 4 |
4:30pm-9:00pm |
Registration and Expo open |
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General Session |
6:30pm-6:45pm |
Welcome |
6:45pm-7:45pm |
Panel Discussion: The Siblings
Siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum will share their experiences and answer questions.
Abstract |
7:45pm-9:00pm |
Meet and Greet: Networking and Support
All attendees, including parents, siblings, individuals with ASD, speakers, health care professionals, teachers, and everyone registered for the conference, will have an opportunity to network with each other in a relaxing atmosphere. |
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Friday, September 5 |
7:00am-5:30pm |
Registration and Expo open |
8:15am-8:30am |
Welcome and Opening Remarks |
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General Session |
8:30am-9:30am |
World Premiere - The Time is Now: 10-minute keynotes about what we learned from living with autism.
Keynotes
Raun K. Kaufman -The Importance of Being Unrealistic
Subject of an award-winning NBC television movie
Stephen M. Shore, EdD - Music To My Ears
Self-advocate and world renowned professor at Adelphi University
Benjamin Tarasewicz - Breaking Barriers
Self-advocate, public speaker, actor, musician
Jennifer O'Toole - My Own Ruby Slippers
Self-advocate, Founder of Asperkids and teacher
Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA - For the Love of Art
Self-advocate and USU Professor of Art and Photography
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9:30am-10:00am |
Break and Expo |
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Breakout Sessions
Salon F,G |
Breakout Sessions
Salon D,E |
Breakout Sessions
Salon A,B,C |
10:00am-11:00am |
Effective Biomedical Interventions: Treating the Underlying Causes of the Symptoms
Phillip C. DeMio, MD
Abstract |
Autism Breakthrough: The Groundbreaking Method
Raun K. Kaufman
Abstract
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Core Academics: All Classrooms Begin With a Focus On "Me"
Gil Tippy, PsyD
Abstract
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11:00am- 12:00pm |
Assessing and Teaching Functional Living Skills to Individuals of All Ages Using The AFLS™
James Partington, PhD, BCBA
Abstract |
The Detection and Treatment of the Most Common Biochemical Abnormalities in Autism
William Shaw, PhD
Abstract |
Unlocking the Precious Precocious Potential of ASD Kids
Jennifer O'Toole
Abstract |
12:00pm-1:00pm |
Break, Lunch on your own, Expo, and "Meet the Authors" |
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Breakout Sessions
Salon F,G |
Breakout Sessions
Salon D,E |
Breakout Sessions
Salon A,B,C |
1:00pm-2:00pm |
New Discoveries in the Underlying Pathobiology of Autism
Valerie W. Hu, PhD
Abstract
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The Continuums of Autism: Cognition, Sensory Processing and Behavior
Marlo P. Thurman, MS
Abstract
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Music, the Carrier Signal for Verbal Communication
Stephen M. Shore, EdD
Abstract
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2:00pm-3:00pm |
Diagnosis of and Treatment for Disorders that are Comorbid with Autism (e.g., depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD)
Theodore Henderson, MD, PhD
Abstract |
A Compelling Story of Recovery
Lori Knowles-Jimenez
Daniel Knowles
Abstract |
Panel: New Interventions for Schools
Jennifer O'Toole
James Partington, PhD, BCBA
Stephen M. Shore, EdD
Marlo P. Thurman, MS
Gil Tippy, PsyD
Abstract |
3:00pm-3:30pm |
Break and Expo |
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General Session |
3:30pm-5:00pm |
Panel: The Doctors and Researchers
The panelists presenting in this workshop discuss the most frequently asked questions associated with medicine, research, and interventions. They will review medical cutting edge interventions and treatments as well as cutting edge research. Each panelist will provide a take away message with regards to their area of specialty in the field of autism/Asperger's Syndrome.
Phillip C. DeMio, MD - Internationally recognized autism physician
Theodore Henderson, MD, PhD - Psychiatrist with unique approach to treating ASD patients
Martha Herbert, MD, PhD - Harvard professor on the cutting edge of autism research
Valerie W. Hu, PhD - GWU Professor identifying new biological pathways
William Shaw, PhD - Researcher of the biochemical basis of autism
Kenneth Stoller, MD - Physician with expertise in functional medicine
J. Michael Uszler, MD - Internationally recognized brain SPECT imaging specialist
Abstract
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Saturday, September 6 |
7:00am-5:30pm |
Registration and Expo open |
8:15am-8:30am |
Welcome and Opening Remarks |
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General Session |
8:30am-9:30am |
Ten Tips to Reduce Brain Overload
Martha Herbert, MD, PhD - Harvard professor on the cutting edge of autism research
Keynote
Abstract
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9:30am-10:00am |
Break and Expo |
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General Session |
10:00am- 11:30am |
Panel: Self-Advocacy - Challenges Throughout the Lifespan
The panelists presenting in this breakout session each describe his or her personal experiences with autism or Asperger Syndrome in the areas of Visual Thinking, Sensory Problems, Difficulties with Communication, Socialization, Work Environment, Education, and many other challenges they face each day. Panelists discuss challenges and transitioning through the life span. One specific area discussed will be bullying and ASD.
Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA - Self-advocate and USU Professor of Art and Photography
Jennifer O'Toole - Self-advocate, Founder of Asperkids and teacher
Tim Page, DFA - Pulitzer Prize winner and USC professor of music, communication and journalism
Stephen M. Shore, EdD -Self-advocate and world renowned professor at Adelphi University
Benjamin Tarasewicz - Self-advocate, public speaker, actor, musician
Abstract
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11:30am-12:30pm |
Break, Lunch on your own, Expo, and "Meet the Authors" |
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Breakout Sessions
Salon F,G |
Breakout Sessions
Salon D,E |
Breakout Sessions
Salon A,B,C |
12:30pm-1:30pm |
Functional Imaging of the Brain - New Discoveries
J. Michael Uszler, MD
Abstract
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From Preschool to Post-Secondary Education: Navigating Systems and Preparing for Transitions
Marlo P. Thurman, MS
Abstract |
Special exclusive interview with Tim Page - Grateful for the Diagnosis; It Explained Everything
Tim Page, DFA
Abstract |
1:30pm-2:30pm |
Get Started Now - Food and Nutrition Matter!
Julie Matthews, CNC
Abstract
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Improvements in Overall Behavior
William Shaw, PhD
Abstract
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10 Key Steps to Finding a Job and Keeping It
Margaret Dillon Katz
Abstract
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2:30pm-3:00pm |
Break and Expo |
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Breakout Sessions
Salon F,G |
Breakout Sessions
Salon D,E |
Breakout Sessions
Salon A,B,C |
3:00pm-4:00pm |
Co-Infections Including Lyme Disease and How To Treat Them
Kenneth Stoller, MD
Abstract |
Building Relationships, Marriage, and Family in the Context of Autism
Gil Tippy, PsyD
Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA
Abstract |
Panel: Support Services for Missouri and Kansas
Vonda Minor
Jennifer Smith
Scott Adams, CFP
Abstract |
4:00pm-5:00pm |
Enzymes and Autism: Gut Health, Diet, and Nutritional Balance
Devin Houston, PhD
Abstract |
Living with Aspergers: Navigating a Delicate Balance
Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA
Abstract |
Panel: Parents Facing a Lifetime of Daunting Challenges
Joyce Miller DeMio
Tammy Matassa
Vonda Minor
Scott Adams, CFP
Abstract |
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Sunday, September 7 |
8:00am-12:00pm |
Registration and Expo open |
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Breakout Sessions
Salon F,G |
Breakout Sessions
Salon D,E |
Breakout Sessions
Salon A,B,C |
9:00am-10:00am |
Tips and Tricks for Your New Grocery Shopping Treasure Hunt
Joyce Miller DeMio
Abstract |
Nutrition Workshop: Supplements, Kids, and Fun with your Blender
Julie Matthews, CNC
Devin Houston, PhD
Abstract
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10:00am-10:30am |
Break and Expo |
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General Session |
10:30am- 12:00pm |
Panel: Bringing It All Together
Leading autism experts who are parents of children with autism and professionals will share in their personal experiences in the areas of medical/biomedical treatments, behavioral/developmental interventions, diet and nutritional interventions, advocacy, adjunct therapies, family issues, special needs trusts, IEPs, and much more. Q&A
Joyce Miller DeMio
Phillip C. DeMio, MD
Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA
Theodore Henderson, MD, PhD
Raun K. Kaufman
Lori Knowles-Jimenez
Julie Matthews, CNC
William Shaw, PhD
Marlo P. Thurman, MS
J. Michael Uszler, MD
Theresa K. Wrangham
Lawrence P. Kaplan, PhD, Moderator
Abstract
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12:00pm |
Conference Concludes |
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QUICK FACTS
The US Autism & Asperger Association 2010 World Conference became the most viewed Autism/Asperger conference in the world. This was the first ever Autism and Asperger conference streamed lived in its entirety..
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"In the fall of 2011, the greatest gift we received yet was attending the four-day USAAA conference in Seattle. There I met my heroes and found mentors that gave me hope and expanded my paradigm. Since the conference, we now approach life and our son from the view of acceptance, help him to see and know himself, teach him how to self advocate, and join with him in enjoying the things that make him smile. We no longer fight against our son’s differences but embrace them and this way of loving has even taught us to how better accept and love each other as a couple. We still have a long way to go and even more to learn, but I now know that hope has no limit unless I place it there.
- Sara McCarter, Mom to Magnus "the great"

"Let's experience what their life is like for a day. Our children are in pretty much of a constant state of overload. Your living room is like LAX [Los Angeles International Airport] to your child. They can't recognize patterns the same way we can, so everything that seems predictable and understandable to you and I seems totally unpredictable to our children."
- Raun K. Kaufman
"I was the kid who grew up with no diagnosis. I was undiagnosed Asperger's (Diagnosed recently). I originally refused to do it [get diagnosed] because of institutional discrimination. I grew up in the 70's, one of the odd balls and I have fought and struggled my way. I was "the dumb one" of the family. I am the only one with a higher education degree at this point."
- Christopher M. Gauthier, MFA
"The vast majority of persons on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) who make significant gains from biomedical treatments will require care that addresses the triad of dietary intervention, digestive/gastrointestinal problems, and detoxification techniques."
- Phillip C. DeMio, MD
"When we gaze back into the past and evaluate our impressions during the early stages of our children’s lives, we observe an experience unlike anything we had ever expected. When we receive a warning that our baby does not seem to be developing like other “normally developing” kids, we may either shift into early denial or become too intimidated to ask what we feel are appropriate questions. Unfortunately, when we do ask the right questions, the replies often are either not sufficient or are limiting in nature." (from Diagnosis Autism Now What? 10 Steps to Improve Treatment Outcomes; A Parent-Physician Team Approach).
- Kaplan/Burstein, 2005
"Autism is defined behaviorally, as a syndrome of abnormalities involving language, social reciprocity and hyperfocus or reduced behavioral flexibility. It is clearly heterogeneous, and it can be accompanied by unusual talents as well as impairments, but its underlying biological and genetic basis is unknown."
- Martha Herbert, MD, PhD
Our goal should be to help persons with autism understand and use their strengths to work around any presenting challenges so they, just like everyone else, has an equal chance at living a fulfilling and productive life.
- Stephen M. Shore, EdD

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