The following press release may be of interest to readers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Best Buddies International , a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is pleased to announce that Johan de Nysschen , President, Audi of America, will serve as Chairman of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington, D.C. More than 1,200 people are expected to participate in the Challenge – a charity walk, run and ride to benefit Best Buddies International – on October 22.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Honorary Chair of this year’s Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington D.C.,” said de Nysschen. “And I am particularly proud of the extended level of connection our company has established with Best Buddies since the inception of the partnership. This year, with over 100 employees, dealers, partners and their friends and families joining the Audi team, our participation once again reflects this commitment.”

Additionally, Ted Leonsis, Owner, Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics and Washington Wizards, and his buddy Ken Holden, a Best Buddies participant, will join de Nysschen as Honorary Co-Chairs.

US Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), US Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), US Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), US Senator Tom R. Harkin (D-IA), US Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS), US Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), US Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), US Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (Democratic Leader), US Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), US Senator Marco A. Rubio (R-FL), and US Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) have also graciously agreed to join the Challenge’s Political Ambassador Committee to help promote not only the event, but also inclusion for individuals with IDD.

“I personally know how much people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have to offer if just given the chance,” said Senator Harkin. “I have always worked toward creating a world where all people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have meaningful opportunities for participation and inclusion. Best Buddies works every day to achieve this goal, and I am so proud to support their work.”

On Saturday, October 22, hundreds of cyclists will take to the starting line at the base of the Washington Monument on the National Mall for a 100K (62-mile) or 20-mile ride through our nation’s capital. The Challenge, which is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action, also features the Carl Lewis Challenge , a 5K run/walk led by the Olympic gold-medalist himself, and the Celebrity-Student Fun Run , a 5K run/walk for high school and college students led by “Glee’s” Lauren Potter, who is also serving as Honorary Chair of the Fun Run.

“I am looking forward to leading the Celebrity-Student Fun Run, because I want to help raise awareness about Best Buddies,” said Potter. “Best Buddies is very important, because it helps makes everyone – especially kids and young adults with intellectual disabilities – feel included! I hope that people who watch me on ‘Glee’ will want to join me in supporting this amazing organization!”

Several other celebrities, professional athletes and special guests are also expected to participate in the Challenge, including pop artist Romero Britto ; Miss Teen USA Danielle Doty ; American cycling legend Bobby Julich ; and American Olympic cyclist Bobby Lea and his brother Syd Lea , a Special Olympics gold-medalist in cycling, all of whom will be encouraged to compete in Friendship Races on tandem bicycles. This year, there will be a special Friendship Race in honor of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver called the Family Challenge, during which participants will be invited to compete with their mothers and fathers for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The Challenge will be capped off by a luncheon and private musical performance by Kool & The Gang.

In addition to Title Sponsor Audi, Challenge sponsors include: May Liang & Jim Lintott, the Capital Trust Group, Gerry Klingman & Associates, the Leonsis Foundation, Bosch Diesel Systems, Rosetta Stone, Perfect Sense Digital, Niche Media, and NBC.

I know that many other parents of a child with autism wonder about the future – will my child be able to live independently? Will my child be able to hold a job? I have these same questions and so when I see videos like this one I feel a little better about what the future may hold for my kids.

Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the most well recognized names in the world of autism. She is a frequent speaker at Future Horizons autism conferences and has a feature-rich website. Her website just got better, though, with the addition of a new question and answer section.

If you’ve ever wanted to ask Dr. Grandin a question, now is your chance. Although the feature is relatively new, there are already several different questions and answers on the website.

The first question, from Nicholas, touches on the sometimes-controversial topic of biomedical interventions. Nicholas asks Dr. Grandin whether she thinks that autism is reversible with biomedical treatments.

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Grandin’s answer:

“Some biomedical interventions can bring about some significant improvements. Some of the most effective ones would be dairy free, wheat/gluten free and sugar free. These dietary interventions work for some people and for some they do not. Usually about 20% see results.”

Check out the rest of this answer and more, visit Dr. Temple Grandin’s website now.

Photo: jurvetson/Flickr

The battle of the budget, deficit reduction and the debt ceiling rages on in Washington. The proposed Medicaid changes could have a significant impact on adults with autism. The following is an executive summary by the Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) concerning the proposed Medicaid changes:

Executive Summary: Response to the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making for CMS-2296-P, Medicaid Program Home and
Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

Submitted by A Four-State Alliance for ASDs Adult Community Housing & Living and The Autistic Global Initiative (AGI)

This executive summary responds to the ANPRM, detailed in CMS-2296-P. While in some instances the proposed rule change is supportive of the populations we represent, there are several instances where sweeping rule changes negatively impact individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related disorders, and do not afford the nuanced diversity of needs and supports that the terms “person-centered” and “community-based” imply. For a copy of the full letter, see: http://www.autism.com/pdf/response/agi_medicaid_response_rev.pdf.

Participants in this executive summary and the full comment letter have come together for a specific purpose: to offer a collaborative statement that combines multiple perspectives from the autism community. In doing so, we offer commentary that includes self-advocates with ASDs, parents of individuals with autism, service providers, and professionals working in the autism and developmental disability fields. Although we hold a variety of opinions and beliefs, we find the process of understanding one another to be our strength. We share the fundamental values that housing options for our citizens with ASDs and other developmental disabilities must support individuals’ safety and security, enable them to enjoy meaningful, productive lives, recognize their value within the broader community and promote choices for them and their families.

Our position is simple: one size does not, must not and cannot fit all. Policies and settings must recognize the heterogeneity and characteristics of individuals with autism and provide appropriate evidence-based supports. We need more quality options as they relate to design, service delivery and training. Key principles for housing options must support the individual’s daily life choices, interactions with those without disabilities and accessibility to the broader community. Options must take a multidimensional approach, including the use of technology. Policies that rule out entire housing models cannot be described as person-centered.

With the rapidly increasing population of adults with ASDs and our country’s fiscal challenges, we must encourage not discourage innovation now more than ever. Greater demand and fewer government resources have resulted in a “New Services Paradigm” (NSP) now being implemented, which shifts 24/7 support resources to those who are most in need; whose support requirements reflect that they are either a danger to themselves or to others; or who are at immediate risk of becoming homeless.

For those whose needs are not as severe, they will be asked to stay at home much longer with their parents, their siblings or other extended family. This group will be offered a menu of service packages and options to assist their families in long-term care, either within the family home or in the community. The result: families will be operating as case managers and service providers. Proper training by support brokers/coordinators in self-determination and self-direction models will be indispensible. In order for the New Service Paradigm to function, individuals with disabilities, their families and the universe of support providers at home and in the community must be informed, trained, empowered and well prepared to successfully navigate daily life and long-term security in the home and community.

Summary of Other Comments on CMS-2296-P:

• Changes should not result in a diminution of current services and supports.
• Settings created must recognize the characteristics of individuals with ASD and provide appropriate evidence-based supports for effective daily life skills training and behavioral therapies.
• Intentional communities can simultaneously address several societal needs.
• The current fiscal environment is not a time to discourage innovation in either design or service delivery.
• Many individuals already use waivers for intentional or agricultural communities. In addition to those who already use waivers for intentional or agricultural communities, others participate in such communities while on the waiting list for waivers. Neither group should be forced to choose between their home and accepting a waiver.
• The purpose of HCBS waivers is to promote choices for individuals. Choice should rest with the waiver recipient and not be dictated by policy.
• Assisted living models should not be arbitrary, by becoming limited to those of a certain age. Assisted living options should be available to those who choose them and for whom they are appropriate, regardless of age.
• In many cases, models that separate control of the housing from services offer greater stability and flexibility for the individual.
• Successfully transforming a person-centered plan to a self-directed life requires weaving existing programs and funding streams with natural supports into new patterns. The move to person-centered planning gives individuals, their allies and families unprecedented ability to direct their futures. To coordinate these elements, all affected require training about what is both positive and possible.
• “Autism One-Stops” could fill a niche by acting as a focal point for training of service providers. In so doing, Autism One-Stops answer the call of Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA), representing a collaboration of 14 organizations, and the AFAA National Public Policy Agenda, which prioritizes the training of direct care workers to provide vocational and residential assistance to adults living with autism.
• The standard audit process is the best way to achieve compliance. Training is needed to ensure providers successfully play by the rules.
  Providers need to have a way to cover the cost of staff and family trainings for groups of parents if compliance is to improve.
  CMS must avoid cutting hours and reimbursement rates if health and safety are to be maintained and experienced providers are to remain in the field.

To learn more about AGI, visit www.autisticglobalinitiative.com.

Photo: VinothChandar/Flickr

Robert MacNeil, grandfather of a boy with autism, will be hosting a six-part Autism Today program on PBS NEWSHOUR in honor of Autism Awareness Month. The six-part series will begin on Monday, April 18, 2011. The schedule and topics of discussion follow:

Monday, April 18
An introduction to Nick and autism as a whole body experience:  MacNeil brings viewers along on a visit with his daughter and grandson Nick in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to see how autism affects the whole family, including his 10-year-old sister, Neely.  Nick experiences autism not just as a disorder in brain development but also as physical ailments affecting the whole body.

Tuesday, April 19
Autism Prevalence:  Why are the numbers of children with autism increasing?  At the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, California, MacNeil sees the wide range of different behaviors that comprise the autism spectrum. Anthropologist Richard Grinker argues that the rising  numbers of children with autism is explained because conditions previously given other names, like mental retardation, are now included in the autism spectrum.  Scientist Irva Hertz-Picciotto says the wider definition only partly explains the increased prevalence, pointing instead to a variety of environmental factors.

Wednesday, April 20
Autism Causes: The rise in autism numbers has caused a surge in research to find the causes.   For the latest thinking, Robert MacNeil speaks with four leading researchers: Dr. Gerald Fischbach of the Simons Foundation, Dr. David Amaral of the MIND Institute, Dr. Martha Herbert of Harvard University and Dr. Craig Newschaffer of Drexel University.

Thursday, April 21
Autism Treatment: Although children with autism see doctors periodically, they go to school everyday.  It is the school system that bears most of the burden of treating children with autism because treatment means education.  MacNeil visits two schools in New York – a public school in the Bronx teaching 700 children with autism and a charter school created in Manhattan as a model of possibilities in educating children with autism.  With only 30 students, it can use one-on-one teacher/student ratios employing intensive Applied Behavioral Analysis – the gold standard treatment for autism.

Monday, April 25
Adults with Autism: Although federal law mandates educational services for children with autism, there are virtually no services when they become adults.  MacNeil profiles Zachary Hamrick in Mahwah, New Jersey, about to turn 21. As his family contemplates the uncertain future now facing hundreds of thousands of young people like him, his parents ask themselves, “What will happen when we die?”

Tuesday, April 26
Autism Policy : The NEWSHOUR series ends with a discussion of the public policy issues raised in the series, including the enormous discrepancy in the quality and availability  of services  for  children and future adults in what the federal committee that determines research priorities for autism now calls a “national health emergency” with a panel of experts including:  Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Catherine Lord, Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Ilene Lainer, Executive Director of the New York Center for Autism – a private advocacy group, and John Shestack, a Hollywood producer and the co-founder of “Cure Autism Now” a former advocacy group. 

Check your local listings for channel and time information.

Photo: BLW Photography/Flickr

The following information came to me via email, passing it on for anyone that is interested.

Are You the Parent of a Child or Adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

If so, with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, Danya International, Inc. (Danya) has developed a support group program, Caring for Caregivers, to help caregivers like you cope with and manage stress.

To ensure that the Caring for Caregivers support group is the best program possible for caregivers, Danya is conducting a research study to evaluate the program. Participants will receive a stipend based on their assigned group.

• Experimental group will receive $150 for participation.
• Control group will receive $75 for participation.

OAR is pleased to aid the efforts of Danya, a Maryland-based health communications research firm that promotes innovation for social impact and a longtime partner with OAR.

If you are interested in enrolling in this research study or getting more information, please email cfcinfodanyacom or call the Caring for Caregivers Research Assistant at 301-960-2941.

Please view the flyers on OAR’s Web site for more information, and pass this on to anyone who may be interested.

Thank you!
Copyright 2011 Organization for Autism Research All Rights Reserved
2000 North 14th Street, Suite 710 Arlington, VA 22201
Tel: 703.243.9710

I just finished a fantastic autism book – Raising Brandon: Creating a Path to Independence for Your Adult “Kid” with Autism & Special Needs by Amalia Starr. I’m going to deviate from my traditional review format because this book really touched me and I want to share a couple of specific parts with you. Needless to say Starr’s book gets a must-read recommendation from me.

About Raising Brandon
The following is the description of the book from the back cover:

When most people hear autism they associate it with a child. But like Brandon, my son who is now thirty-six, our children grow up, and we want them to live well and learn how to survive in the world.

As a mom, this is what I’m most concerned about – my children growing up, living a good life and surviving in the world in an independent living situation.

Asperger’s Syndrome & Epilepsy
Brandon is my age and has several learning disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and epilepsy. Amalia is Brandon’s mother and she shares with us the challenges of raising a child with obvious differences in a time when such differences were never to be discussed.

At the age of 9, Brandon had a seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. The neurologist cautioned his mom to never tell anyone about his seizure disorder. This was in the early 1980s and evidently something like epilepsy needed to be kept a secret. I can’t imagine the loneliness that Amalia must have felt not being able to share her secret with anyone.

My son also has Asperger’s Syndrome and epilepsy and I get so much support from his teachers, staff at the school and others that have been made aware of his condition. Walking this journey without sharing that knowledge would be immensely more difficult.

Inappropriate Laughter
Partway through the book Amalia shares a story about a trip to the bank with Brandon when he was 27 years old. The title of the section is “His Infuriating Laughter” and I knew immediately what she was going to describe. Here is an excerpt from that section:

“Suddenly, he began laughing hysterically, but not because he thought the situation was funny. He often laughs when he becomes extremely anxious, but I wasn’t aware of this distinction at the time.”

My son will laugh, sometimes uncontrollably, at the most inconvenient times. When I’m frustrated and he giggles it sometimes makes me more frustrated. I know that he can’t control but seeing the big grin on his face while I’m neck deep in frustration does not help the situation. Knowing that I’m not alone with this frustration does help, though, and next time it happens I promise to be more understanding of my son’s laughter.

Too Much to Share
There are just too many great moments in this book to share so I really suggest that you go out and get a copy to read. Whether you are the parent of an adult child with special needs or your young child just received an autism diagnosis, Amalia’s book will open your eyes. While reading the book I found myself smiling and nodding in agreement, crying at times, cheering at others and ultimately I found myself much more accepting of the unknowns of the future.

The following is a press release from Easter Seals.

Easter Seals’ Study Reveals Notable Disparities Across Every Aspect of Life for Adults Living with Disabilities and their Families

Parents of adult children with disabilities have far greater levels of concern about their child’s future than parents of adult children without disabilities—especially around finances, quality of life and employment.

Parents of adult children with developmental disabilities are struggling with extreme concerns that impact every aspect of their lives, especially when it comes to their financial well-being. They are particularly fearful about what will happen to their son or daughter with a disability after they die, yet have done little to prepare for that time, according to a new study released today by Easter Seals via a webcast featuring actor Joe Mantegna, who is also the father of a young adult daughter with autism. The study was made possible by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and conducted online by Harris Interactive.*

“After age 21, young adults with disabilities ‘age out’ of the services and supports provided by law through the school system. Whatever help families living with disabilities may have received through childhood simply goes away,” says Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, Easter Seals national director autism services. “Families are met with harsh realities about their adult child’s immediate needs for employment, housing, independence, transportation, social interactions, recreation, healthcare, and financial security.”

Through Parents’ Eyes: Huge Disparities
Easter Seals Living with Disabilities Study provides insight into the challenges facing adults with developmental disabilities and parents of adult children with disabilities, as compared to parents of adult children without disabilities. In every measure of comparison, the study shows parents of adult children with disabilities had significantly higher levels of concern for their children than parents of adults without disabilities. There is a consistent, notable gap between the two groups across every aspect of life:

• Finances: Huge gaps exist in parents of adults with disabilities’ assessment of their child’s ability to manage their own finances (34% vs. 82% parents of adults without disabilities) and have the life skills necessary to live independently (30% vs. 83% parents of adults without disabilities). Seventy-four percent of parents don’t see their adult child with a disability as financially independent; while more than half (52%) of parents say their adult children without disabilities are financially independent.
• Quality of life: Just 6 in 10 parents of adult children with a disability rate their child’s quality of life as excellent or good (61%), compared to 8 in 10 parents of adults without a disability (82%).
• Employment: Only 11% of parents of adult children with disabilities report their child is employed full time (or 19% part time), while 48% of parents of adults without disabilities report the same (or 24% part time). A little more than a third (39%) of parents say their adult children with disabilities are able to work for pay, compared to nearly all (92%) of parents of adult children without disabilities.
• Independent living: Seven in 10 adults with disabilities (69%) live with their parent(s) or guardian, only 17% live independently – compared to more than half of adult children without disabilities (51%). Furthermore, only 45% of parents strongly agree their adult child with a disability will always have a place to live; whereas, 75% of parents of adult children without a disability strongly agree.

Easter Seals will use the findings to raise awareness of and advocate for the life-long services families desperately need – including school to work transitions, employment support, residential and community support, and financial planning — working to lessen the disparities and bridge the gap for the millions of people living with developmental disabilities.

Preparation for the Future
Yet, given parents many concerns for their adult children with disabilities, nearly one third (32%) have done little to nothing to prepare. At most, these parents may have created a will (41%) and designated a guardian (30%).

“Given parents’ stress levels and daily caregiving demands, it’s no wonder so few have been able to take steps to prepare for their adult child’s future,” says John Chandler, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for MassMutual. “Our Special Care Planners across the country are uniquely trained and sensitive to estate planning issues, government benefit programs and regulatory issues, so they are able to help make this part of the parents’ struggle a little easier. We want to give families living with disabilities peace-of-mind that their adult children will be okay.”

As an Easter Seals corporate partner and the study sponsor, MassMutual is committed to serving people living with disabilities through its exclusive SpecialCareSM program, an innovative solution that gives families with individuals with special needs access to information, specialists, and financial strategies that can help improve their quality of life.

Family Life: We’re Stronger Together
“Through the study, parents also shared the many positives of having an adult child with a disability – citing patience, respect, acceptance of others, compassion and new found roles as advocates for people with disabilities as true benefits,” adds Wright.

When asked if their life had been negatively or positively impacted by their child’s disability, many parents felt raising a child with a disability through adulthood is a balance of the two:

• While nearly half (49%) of parents of adult children with disabilities report being negatively impacted by their child’s disability, 30% say their quality of life has been positively impacted.
• Parents of adult children with disabilities rate their child’s quality of life lower (61%) than parents of children without disabilities (82%), but the majority still say it’s excellent or good.
• Older parents of adult children with disabilities are less likely to rate their child’s quality of life as excellent or good than younger parents — age of parents 35-44: 79%; age of parents 45-54: 60%; and age of parents 55+: 58%.

Family cohesiveness is one of the areas most positively impacted by having an adult child with a disability. Parents say having an adult child with a disability has positively effected: the cohesiveness of my family (42%), the relationship with my partner/spouse (32%), and the relationship with my other children (30%). To download the key findings and full report, visit www.easterseals.com.

Understanding animal behavior has always come easy for Dr. Grandin; she has devoted her life to studying animals and making their lives better; she has taught the world to look beyond our own thoughts on animal contentment and cherish the bond we have with them

Bestselling author and animal advocate Temple Grandin will visit For Your K9 in Melrose Park, IL for a one-day information-packed seminar on Saturday, November 20th from 9am – 4:30pm. During her time with us she will share how her autism has helped her develop a better understanding of animals. Her perspective will change how we treat them, altering our ideas about what animals want and need – on their terms, not ours.

For the last 30 years Temple Grandin has devoted her life to studying animals and making their lives better. Her research and insight have revolutionized the cattle industry around the world. She has written numerous books including Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human. Dr. Grandin once said that “Autism made school and social life hard, but it made animals easy.” She teaches us to look beyond our theories about animal happiness and honor our bond with our fellow creatures.

Dr. Grandin received her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989. In 2010, she was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine and was also listed as one of twenty-five heroes. Dr. Grandin is a sought-after speaker on autism and animal rights and is considered one of the world’s leading academic theoreticians in her field. She has redefined society’s thoughts on what is possible for individuals with autism.

For Your K9 is thrilled to welcome Dr. Grandin. At For Your K9 our focus is on developing and strengthening the bond between people and their dogs. We offer a wide variety of classes and activities that will help your dog become a well-trained and enjoyable companion. From puppyhood to the serious dog sport competitor, For Your K9 is there to help you enjoy every step of a life shared with dogs.

The For Your K9 vision is humans and dogs truly enjoying their relationship with understanding, caring and love. For more information on attending the seminar, please contact Sue Sentowski at sueforyourk9com or call us at (847) 671-6844. For Your K9 is located at 1975 Cornell Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160.

Photo: jurvetson/Flickr

The Help Group Summit 2010 Convenes More Than 30 Leading Experts In Autism, Learning Disabilities & ADHD

On Oct. 1st and 2nd, 2010, The Help Group will host its annual Summit: Advances and Best Practices in Autism, Learning Disabilities and ADHD. The renowned experts who will be presenting at Summit 2010 are: David G. Amaral, PhD; Linda Andron-Ostrow, LCSW; Bruce L. Baker, PhD; Jan Blacher, PhD; Deborah E. Budding, PhD; Michael G. Chez, MD; Dana Chidekel, PhD; Pamela Clark, MA; Pamela J. Crooke, PhD, CC-SLP; Marcos Di Pinto, PhD; Jack M. Fletcher, PhD; Peter F. Gerhardt, EdD; Irva Hertz-Picciotto, PhD; Jodi Johnson, MA; Connie Kasari, PhD; Elizabeth Laugeson, PsyD; Philip Levin, PhD; Pat R. Levitt, PhD; Sandra K. Loo, PhD; Maja Mataric’, PhD; David Miklowitz, PhD; Jule Mosk Morris, PhD; Derek A. Ott, MD; Ricki G. Robinson, MD; Edward Roth, PhD; Fred W. Sabb, PhD; Jonathan Sebat, PhD; Judy Van de Water, PhD; Bina Varughese, MS; and Lous Vismara, MD.

These distinguished speakers will bring the latest information to professionals, parents, graduate and undergraduate students on topics such as:

Updates on the Causes of Autism

• How to Help Students with Asperger’s, ADHD and LD succeed in college
• Innovative Technologies for Human-Robot Interaction with Children with Autism
• Current psychopharmacological approaches to the treatment of ADHD
• Addressing Heterogeneity of the Autisms: The Brain-Gut connection
• How to Help Students with Asperger’s, ADHD and LD Succeed in a University Setting
• The Aging Out Process for Students with ASD: A Leap into the Great Unknown
• Sexuality & Sexuality Education for Adolescents & Adults with Autism
• Harnessing the Power of the Internet to Advance Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 1st, 8:30 am – 5:30pm and Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 8:30am – 12:30pm. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

WHO: Summit 2010 Co-Chairs:

Dr. Barbara Firestone,

President and CEO, The Help Group, Chair, Statewide Coordinating Council of Autism Taskforces of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders and author, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge.

Dr. Peter Whybrow, Director, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Judson Braun Distinguished Professor & Exec. Chair, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Dr. Robert Bilder , Chief, Medical Psychology-Neuropsychology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Professor of Psychology, UCLA

Summit 2010 Major Sponsors:

First 5 California and First 5 LA

For more information about The Help Group’s Summit 2010, call (818) 779-5212.