A three-day conference on autism and stress-related disorders that starts Friday at the Pasadena Convention center will feature nationally and internationally known clinicians, researchers and leaders in the field, including renowned pediatrician Dr. T. Berry Brazelton.
The nonprofit Profectum Foundation's 1st International Conference, Three Dimensional Thinking in Autism and Stress Related Disorders, coincides with Autism Awareness Month and is intended to serve as an educational seminar and a training opportunity. Experts in mental health, autism treatment, parenting stress and sensory processing disorders will share their expertise with clinicians, parents and families.
"The adage is if we know one child with autism, we know one child," said Dr. Ricki Robinson, a board member of the Profectum Foundation and a La Canada Flintridge pediatrician for autistic children. "They are so different from each other. They fit the diagnosis of autism but that doesn't help us figure out the right treatment approach for the right kid. That's what we do at Profectum. We've learned to integrate the treatment to be the best for the individual child, family and community. "
The foundation's approach, she said, is that nothing is better than making human connections to help advance those with autism. "It's through these connections that we're first getting to core issue of autism," Robinson said. "It's also the way we can maximize therapeutic
During the conference, Brazelton, recipient of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, will be honored for his lifetime contributions. Brazelton, 94, has hosted "What Every Baby Knows" on TV and is a pioneer of developmental approaches to support children and families.
Robinson said Brazelton's work helped pave the way for children with special needs.
The conference will also feature the stories of people who have autism, have been treated with developmental approaches and have become contributing members of society.
One of them is Christopher Lynch, 25, of Pasadena who is unable to speak but communicates with an iPad and has launched a business, "Christopher's Cuisine," with his family and a support team. Lynch has delivered salads to businesses, and now he and his team are in the process of rolling out a tasty artichoke bruschetta that can be ordered online.
The business' mission is "Changing the face of autism one spoonful at a time." It allows Chris to live his life "meaningfully" with his autism while raising awareness in the community, his mother Marianne Lynch said.
"The developmental approach is the only thing that made Chris take a deep breath, relax and move on to the stages of development," she said. "The relationship-based approach for Chris is what really made a big difference for him. "
Visit link:
International autism conference starts Friday at Pasadena Convention Center