Whether you are a parent, educator, medical professional, reseaercher or individual dedicated to imprioving the life of individuals with autism, you will not want to miss this conference.
 

 
Click here to down load the full conferenece brochure or visit autismcanada.org for full conference details.
 
Lectures from Canadian doctors include:

Wendy Edwards, MD

Presentation Title: Biomedical Treatments for Autism - An Overview.

Abstract: This talk will cover three main areas of medical dysfunction in the patient with autism and how to treat them: gastrointestinal dysbiosis and inflammation; abnormalities of the immune system; and metabolic abnormalities leading to increased oxidative stress and abnormal detoxification. While discussing each area, reference will be made to research studies/journal articles to support the findings and treatment use.

Derrick MacFabe, MD

Presentation Title: Exploring Brain-Dietary-Gut Links to Autism- From Animal Models to Human Populations.

Abstract: Clinical observations suggest that gut and dietary factors transiently worsen, and in some cases appear to improve, behaviours in a subset of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However biochemical mechanisms on how these factors influence brain function and behaviour are poorly understood. Recent studies have found unique gut bacterial populations and metabolites in patients with ASDs. This lecture examines the possible role of infectious agents in the causes and symptoms of ASDs. It discusses the effects of a series of infective and dietary agents of increasing incidence that are capable of inducing brain changes and complex behaviours (i.e. aggression, biting, food craving, preservation, object fixation, social impairment, movement disorder, seizure) in humans and experimental animals. Dr. MacFabe presents his current research examining the ability of a panel of gut bacterial metabolic products (i.e. short chain fatty acids) associated with antibiotic and hospital acquired clostridial infections, to induce neurodevelopmental, electrographic, neuroinflammatory, metabolic, epigenetic and behavioural changes closely resembling those found in ASDs. It discusses the hypothesis that ASDs are produced by pre- or post-natal antibiotic resistant clostridial infections in sensitive subpopulations. These studies may offer novel approaches in the prevention, screening and treatment of ASDs.

Bonnie Kaplan, PhD

Presentation Title: Micronutrients versus Standard Medication Management in Autism.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by self-injurious behavior (SIB), aggression, and tantrums, symptoms that have reportedly improved with micronutrient treatment with vitamins and minerals (micronutrients). This lecture will report on a recent study that compared the outcomes of 44 people with ASD treated with micronutrients to 44 treated with conventional medications. Although both groups improved in many ways, micronutrient treatment was associated with some significant advantages: lower activity level, less social withdrawal, less anger, better spontaneity with the examiner, less irritability, lower intensity SIB, markedly fewer adverse events, and less weight gain. Advantages of medication management were insurance coverage, fewer pills, and less frequent dosing. The underlying mechanisms likely involved in micronutrient treatment will also be discussed.

Evodokia Anagnostou, MD

Presentation Title: What parents need to know about medications and autism!

Abstract: This talk will review the evidence for existing medications that may be useful for the treatment of irritability/aggression, repetitive behaviours, hyperactivity/inattention, and anxiety. The emerging data to support the development of new compounds for other chemical targets in the brain will also be discussed.