Keynote Address: Piece of Body, Piece of Mind, Piece of Hope - Autism, A Treatable Whole Body Disease            Speaker: Dr. Julie Buckley

Working from Leo Kanner's initial description of autism, Dr. Julie Buckley will show how many behavioral manifestations of autism have their origins in metabolic and physiologic dysfunction. At the conclusion of this talk, attendees will have fundamental understanding of autism as a whole body physical illness which, when appropriately treated, results in improved behavioral, cognitive, and social functioning in the classroom and at home.

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine and of the Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Buckley developed an abiding interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders when her daughter regressed into the world of autism at four years of age.  She is the author of Healing our Autistic Children, A Medical Plan for Restoring Your Child’s Health and maintains a unique practice in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida combining neurotypical primary care pediatrics and an integrative medicine approach to autism spectrum disorders.  In addition to surviving breast cancer in late 2009, she continues to be actively involved in research and raising a family with the help of a wonderfully supportive family.  You can read more about Dr. Buckley and her book at www.juliebuckley.com.

Keynote Address: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum                      Speaker: Chantal Sicile-Kira

To become as independent in adulthood as possible, teenagers of all different ability levels must learn self-care, appropriate behaviors, modesty and sexuality. Areas to be covered include: explaining about puberty and changing bodies, hygiene and self-care and how to problem-solve difficulties in teaching self-care routines, and what to do about masturbation. For safety reasons and in preparation for adulthood, all teenagers need to learn about relationship boundaries, and sexuality.

Chantal Sicile-Kira, is an award-winning author, speaker and autism advocate known for her practical advice on raising teenagers and the transition to adulthood, and the founder of AutismCollege.com. Her son Jeremy, severely impacted by autism, graduated from high school in 2010 with a GPA of 3.75. Chantal was appointed by the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders to serve as Co-Chair, South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce.  Chantal dispenses guidance and information on her webinars on  http://autismcollege.com/ and in her books: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, Autism Life Skills, and 41 Things to Know About Autism.  For more information, go to www.chantalsicile-kira.com 

Additional Topics and Speakers:

• Beginning the Journey into Health, Hope, and Recovery - Dr. Julie Buckley
• Apps for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Toby Price
• Dietary Interventions in Autism - Laurie Brasher
• Rapid Prompting Method - Chantal Sicile-Kira, Maranie Adams & Carmin Mizell
• IDEA Basic Rights - Pam Dollar
• Medicaid Home & Community Services - Mary Troupe

• Advance Registration:    Parent/Student $50    General Public $75
• On-Site Registration:     Parent/Student $65    General Public $90

Registration includes: • Program book • 2 nationally known keynote speakers • Booth exhibits • Lunch served on site • Continental Breakfast • Meet & Greet Friday night with “Meet the Author” book signing • Unlimited participation in a variety of professional growth workshops • T-shirt • Door Prizes

A limited number of scholarships for parents and teacher assistants are available.

Application has been made for continuing education units for teachers, nurses and dietitians

Contact Leah Price at: leahnaams@gmail.com or (601) 559-5700 for scholarship information and questions about registration/conference