Anaheim, California, October 2007, Full Defeat Autism Now! Conference Webcast

The 'autisms' we face may feature maldigestion of carbohydrates and proteins, malabsorption of fats, and physiological disorders resulting from abnormal internal effects of dietary substances. Individuals may benefit from dietary avoidance of complex sugars, casein and/or gluten, and they may improve markedly with digestive enzyme use.

Before starting a pharmacological chelation protocol, dietary, nutritional, and gastrointestinal issues need to be addressed. In addition, supporting natural detox pathways such as methylation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation allows the patient to safely detox naturally. Only then, should an individualized chelation protocol be initiated.

One child's road to recovery that led to a sibling's recovery from ADHD and Lyme Disease, and Mom's recovery from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. All accomplished through the use of biomedical approaches to healthcare.

Newer treatments may not be better treatments, but they certainly standout on the chat lists and support groups as the latest hope to a disorder that needs lots of hope. We will evaluate the best and weakest of these new therapies and go behind the hype to explore both the risks and benefits of these amazingly diverse options.

Treatment approaches grounded in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) are now considered to be at the forefront of educational interventions for children with autism. However, research supports a biomedical etiology for autism and while studies are conducted to identify exact biomedical pathways, many case studies point to successful outcome with biomedical treatments. While ABA and Biomedical practitioners have individually helped provide successful treatment models for autism, in developing a Best Practices Model, these interventions must work together to provide the best possibilities for successful outcome. Case studies will be presented in support of the behavioral-biomedical treatment model and recent research will be presented to show successful outcomes with these protocols.

Nourishing the body and its biochemistry through food and essential nutrients is an important first step to healing - and no one needs good nutrition more than picky eaters! This session presents the foundations of a healthy diet, making changes that work for the whole family, and tips for picky eaters. Julie will provide a high-level overview of the respective therapeutic applications of the many ASD diet options discussed in the DAN! community - including GFCF, SCD, Body Ecology, Feingold, low oxalate, and more. With a particular focus on food quality and blending traditional wisdom with modern science, you'll learn how food can heal, where to start with diet, and how to increase your child's nourishment over time.

A growing body of evidence from either published or broadly accepted authorities is defining a variety of biochemical, immunological and toxicological markers of autism. A better understanding of these should lead to improved treatment plans and monitoring for treatment endpoints. These biomarkers will likely be useful tools as indicators of effect in clinical trials.

DMSA was found to clearly increase excretion of some metals and this open study also found it resulted in some improvements in behavior. Also, the severity of autism was found to correlate with the initial level of glutathione, and some symptoms correlated with the amount of lead and mercury excreted in the urine after taking DMSA.

Abnormalities in crucial pathways in methylation biochemistry, intestinal function, immune regulation and detoxification biochemistry provide opportunities for treatment and hope for improvement in autistic symptoms. This lecture will provide a synthesis of how these biologic processes operate in systematic ways and how to restore the functioning of these crucial cycles.

Children today face unprecedented exposure to persistent toxic chemicals including heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, and many related substances, plastics, and solvents. Children with autism show impairments in defense and detoxification systems, which we believe contribute directly to their injuries and symptoms. Our job is to reduce toxic input and enhance output of toxins to help them heal. Additionally, this joint presentation will feature information on finding alternatives to make our lives and homes healthier.

Stephen Edelson, PhD, Director of the Autism Research Institute will introduce the representatives from SafeMinds, Lyn Redwood, RN, MSN; A-CHAMP, John Gilmore; and National Autism Association (NAA), Wendy Fournier. The panel will focus on ways to create change on state and federal levels in order to advance public policy issues affecting children with autism.

This talk will use case studies to discuss pearls and caveats for clearing various types of toxins from our children. We will discuss heavy metals and environmental toxins and various ways to deal with these sources of problems.