Connecting the Pieces: Addressing the Treatable Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Society WNY Chapter and Autism Services Center for Learning Invite You To Attend A Workshop on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 8:45am to 12:45pm at Classics V Banquet and Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY.

The workshop will feature Richard Frye, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist, researcher, and the Director of the Autism Multi-specialty Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

The idea that children with autism can be success-fully treated medically to achieve optimal outcomes has only recently become more broadly accepted. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between autism and abnormalities of several metabolic systems, including disorders of folate, mitochondrial, and glutathione metabolism. These metabolic abnormalities have been associated with a wide range of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurological disorders.

Safe, well-tolerated treatments for these metabolic abnormalities are being developed that are reported to have positive effects of the symptoms of ASD. Many of these metabolic systems are interrelated so that treatment that addresses one metabolic system results in improvements in another, and vice versa. Biomarkers (biological markers) have been identified that may be used to determine which children will benefit from treatment and potentially be used to detect children with ASD prior to symptoms appearing so that treatment can begin early. Although preliminary, this evidence paves the way for optimal outcomes ranging from improvements in functioning to potential recovery from the disabilities that are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

At the conclusion of the workshop participants will be able to:

1. List metabolic abnormalities that have shown positive responses to new treatments.

2. Describe how biomarkers of these physiological disorders may increase early identification/diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

3. List treatment strategies that target both core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

Cost to attend is $10 for Parent/Individual with ASD, $20 for Professional/Student, and $30 for SLP/Audiologist/OT/COTA/PT/PTA. Scholarships are available for parents or individuals with ASD based on financial need.

Call 716.633.2275 or check with www.autismwny.org to learn more. Also learn more and register at www.friendsofasi.org. Walk-ins add an additional $10 to above fees. Fees payable to ASWNY Chapter, 19 Limestone Drive, Suite 1, Williamsville, NY 14221.