All meetings at the Vineyard:

	June 12, 2004:	NEW PARENT SEMINAR (NOTE: different start time and registration fee!) Note: due to the Dr Jerry seminar for many of the “advanced families,” we looked to helping the “new families” on the TACA meeting date. Regular TACA Costa Mesa meetings start up again July! THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING!
	June 19, 2004:	Dr Jerry Kartzinel: The latest in Biomedical Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders ($25 fee and reservations required – more info in MAY).
	July 10, 2004:	Neurology & Autism: The latest findings in neurology and why genetics play an important role Sara Spence M.D., Ph.D. – UCLA Pediatric Neurology Director
	Much more is being planned for 2004! Stay tuned!

a) Upping The Autism Ante

Upping the Autism Ante

[By Neil Munro for the National Journal - Washington, DC. Available online only through subscription or fee.] http://nationaljournal.com/pubs/nj/

Record numbers of children have been diagnosed with severe autism over the past few years, and many parents suspect that mercury-based preservatives in vaccines are the cause. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which sets vaccination policies, have just released partial details of anew analysis that seems to exonerate the preservative.

But parents and some scientists were quick to criticize the analysis. The details provided by the CDC are too vague, said Mark Blaxill, a board member of one parents' advocacy group, Safe Minds. “The thing we need is to get the right answer, not the answer that either side wants.”

The stakes in this debate are high. If the parents' claims are correct, the CDC's vaccine policies over the past decade have caused autism in tens of thousands of children. Many thousands more may have suffered less-severe brain damage, the parents say. If their argument is scientifically validated, the careers of many vaccine professionals will be damaged, as will the financial health of some vaccine makers. If the parents and their allies are wrong, they are diverting attention from other, potentially better avenues of research.

The growth in autism rates is difficult to track, but California’s Department of Developmental Services has the most-detailed data. In the first quarter of 2004, the state added 795 severely autistic children to its treatment program; the number of new patients was 173 during the same period in1994. That kind of growth has boosted the number of severely autistic children in the California system from 5,281 in 1994 to 24,297 in 2004.

The severely autistic have a normal lifespan but require lifetime support costing more than $1 million. According to the parents and some scientists, a mercury preservative, Thimerosal, which is used in many
vaccines, has increased the incidence of autism.

Thimerosal is still in use, and many infants received extra doses of it after 1990, when CDC officials recommended additional vaccinations.

In response to growing concerns, CDC officials in June 1999asked companies to stop using Thimerosal in vaccines. They also conducted a study, results of which were published in the November 2003 issue of Pediatrics; the article said “no consistent significant associations were found” between the Thimerosal-containing vaccines and disorders such as autism. The study was based on a huge database maintained by HMOs on the West Coast.
But the lead author of the article, Thomas Verstraeten, said recently that the article “does not state that we found evidence against an association,” and he also recommended additional study. Also, Mark Geier, a
vaccine specialist in private practice who provides expert testimony for plaintiffs suing vaccine makers, conducted a study of the same database at the request of Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla. Geier's study tested the hypothesis that children who had received Thimerosal in all four shots of the combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine were more likely to be autistic than those who got no Thimerosal in their four shots. Geier said his study revealed 10 times as many cases of autism among children given Thimerosal. “That's a very nice hypothesis ... [and the result] was very concerning to us,” researcher Robert Davis told a February meeting of the National Academy of Sciences. Davis is a co-author of the CDC's article in Pediatrics. He is employed at the Center for Health Studies, a commercial research center that has contracted with the CDC to study vaccine safety. The research center also receives funding from vaccine makers. It is owned by Group Health Cooperative, an HMO that provided part of the database for the CDC study. Davis is also an untenured research professor at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“We attempted to replicate [Geier's] analysis using the exact same data,” Davis told the NAS audience, and discovered a rate of autism among children given Thimerosal 18 times greater than among those who received none. But because the children in Geier’s study were of various ages, he said, “we reanalyzed the data” to compensate for the differing ages. The new analysis showed “no statistical association” between Thimerosal and autism, Davis said.

But Blaxill says that Davis's analysis “is dramatically different” from the Geier study, partly because it includes many children too young to be identified as autistic. Children can be diagnosed as autistic before turning 3, but most diagnoses aren’t made until after age 3.

Davis declined to provide National Journal with a detailed description of his analysis, but the CDC e-mailed additional information about it showing that a high percentage of children in the analysis were underage 2. Geier said his study had already compensated for age differences by examining children who had gotten all four of their DTP shots. This selection ensured that all the children in his study were at least 18 months old, he said. All the children were under age 3, he said, because he was not allowed to examine post-2000 data.
If the parents' claims are true, Blaxill said, the reduced use of Thimerosal after 2000 will reduce the number of new autism diagnoses within a few years. This month, Rick Rollens, a California autism activist, combed through state data and reported that the number of new autism cases over the past six months, as compared with the same period 12 months ago, dipped 6 percent, from 1,560 to 1,471. A few more quarters are needed to confirm the trend, Blaxill said, but “that's the acid test.”

b) CALL TO ACTION – FEDERAL LEGISLATION – IDEA RE-AUTHORIZATION

Greetings,

Our latest information indicates S.1248 may come to the Senate floor for a vote on May 5th. TASH (www.tash.org), SpEdVoters (www.spedvoters.org), and OCLB (www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com) are organizing a national "May Day! Save Our Students" call-in day, Monday, May 3, 2004, to refresh the Senators’ memories on the issues with the bill.

Our (OCLB, SpEdVoters, TASH, and more than 100 other organizations) position remains the same. We are encouraging Senators to vote NO. We want them to help "Save Our Students (SOS)". For additional information and a copy of the call-in flyer and call-in script, please check out www.spedvoters.org or www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com.

Please forward this call to action far and wide, and don't forget to call in.

Thanks.

Dave Wong

c) LATEST CA STATE BUDGET NEWS: Governor backs off on home care cut

The Sacramento Bee
http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/v-print/story/9003908p-9929892c.html

This story is taken from Politics at sacbee.com.

If feds share cost, the state can fund program for the disabled.

By Clea Benson -- Bee Capitol Bureau - (Published April 22, 2004)

The Schwarzenegger administration wants to back off plans to eliminate a state program that pays the spouses and parents of disabled Californians to care for their relatives at home - and is optimistic that the federal government will pick up part of the tab instead, an administration official said Wednesday.
In a major shift, the administration intends to announce at a Senate budget hearing today that it will seek permission to use federal dollars for the $450 million state-funded program, which serves low-income people who would otherwise need to live in a nursing home, said the official of the California Health and Human Services Agency.
Whether the administration is able to avoid making the cut will depend on whether the federal government agrees to carry some of the costs, the official said. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Health and Human Services Secretary S. Kimberly Belshé have been discussing the issue with the Bush administration since February and are optimistic that they will get permission to start using federal Medicaid funds.
If that happens, the service would continue uninterrupted for the 75,000 people now enrolled. The legislative analyst, the Legislature's nonpartisan research arm, has estimated that the cut would cause about 27,000 of those people to lose their services entirely, while others would have to fire their parents or spouses and hire strangers to care for them instead.
Schwarzenegger proposed eliminating the service - known as the In-Home Supportive Services residual program - in his January budget. The service covers home care for Californians who are not eligible for a similar program that is subsidized by the federal government under Medi-Cal, the state's health insurance program for the poor.
That similar service has 225,000 clients. Together the two programs have grown by 52 percent in the past five years, making home care the fastest-growing social service in the state. Annual costs have almost doubled in that time, from $1.4 billion to $2.7 billion.
Federal rules dictate that federal dollars cannot go to pay spouses and parents to provide care, and that federal money also cannot be spent simply to provide help with domestic tasks or protective supervision for people with diseases such as Alzheimer's.
So the state and counties have been picking up the entire cost of care for people in those situations.
But the federal government does bend the rules for some states, which currently use their federal Medicaid dollars to allow the disabled and elderly to hire relatives to provide their care.
Advocates for home care praised the administration's plan Wednesday, but they said they were still concerned about other cuts to home care that the administration has proposed.
" This positive step to secure federal funds for the residual program is terrific," said Karen Keeslar, a lobbyist for the public authorities that run the home care programs in each county. "We'll view it as a positive step that they can work out the other things."
In addition to cutting the residual program, the GOP governor has proposed other reductions to home care, including cutting the state subsidy for workers' pay back to minimum wage of $6.25 an hour.
Currently, the state subsidizes wages, which are set by the counties, of up to $9.50 an hour.
Schwarzenegger also wants to repeal a 1999 state law that required counties to set up centralized authorities for home care, making it easier for care workers' unions to organize.
In the next year, that move would save the state about $95 million.
The disabled and their advocates are planning to march on the Capitol today to protest the cuts.
" It's a real victory, but it's not the end of this story," said Patricia Yeager, director of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.
" When you're still cutting wages, you're still looking at putting people back into abusive situations with low-paid workers."

d) New Autism Data: Slight Decrease May Reflect Mercury Removal from Vaccines

Red highlights are from TACA super mom – Cherri Cary
This might be the good news we've been waiting so long for. .I hope the numbers continue to decrease!

New Autism Data: Slight Decrease May Reflect Mercury Removal from Vaccines
[From California autism advocate Rick Rollens.]

The following is information just released by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and reflects the latest data on autism in California's 35 year old developmental services system. This information and more is available at: www.dds.ca.gov/autism or www.dds.ca.gov/factsStats/Diagnostic_Info.cfm

1. In the past 89 days (January 5 - April 2, 2004), California added 795 new cases of professionally diagnosed DSM IV full syndrome cases of autism to it's system. The 795 new cases in 89 days represents, on average, 11 new children a day, seven days a week. These new cases DO NOT include any children under the age of three years old and no children with a "autism spectrum disorder" like PDD, NOS, Asperger's, etc.

2. Ten years ago, in 1994, the January to April report documented 173 new cases. Today the January to April 2004 report shows the number is 795 new cases. Ten years ago there were a total of 5,281 cases of full syndrome autism in the entire system. Today there are 24,297 (50% of whom are between the ages of 3 and 9 years old and 80% under the age of 17 years old.)

3. For many years autism accounted for only 3% of the total number of persons in California's system (which includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and conditions that have mental retardation as a component). Ten years ago autism accounted for 21% of the total number of new cases reported. Today that number is 55%. Just last year in 2003 that number was 48%. Autism today is far and away the fastest growing and number one disability entering California's developmental services system.

4. Today, nearly half (48%) of all the persons in the system with full syndrome autism are between the ages of 3 and 9 years old, with 68% between the ages of 3 and 13, and 77% between the ages of 3 and 17. What this means is that nearly 8 out of 10 of all persons in the system with full syndrome autism are between the ages 3 and 17 years old. The hordes of autistic children are here. The social and fiscal disaster that is the autism epidemic is upon us. God help us.
Now for some possible good news. For the first time in over 20 years, a consecutive two quarterly (six month) reporting period (October to January and January to April) has shown a DECREASE in the number of new cases compared to other recorded October to April reporting periods...a 6% decrease in 2004 over 2003. This may or may not be a trend. Time will tell.

As noted earlier, California's system does NOT include children under the age of three (3) years old. What this means is that those children born in 2000 and some in 2001 are just now entering the system.
For those who are carefully watching the effect on autism rates and the reduction of the use of certain mercury containing childhood vaccines which began in 2000, these next few months to a year or so could be very interesting. DDS has documented in it's last major report (Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Changes In The California Caseload: 1999 Through 2002) that it takes up to five (5) years for a birth cohort year to fully flush all of the full syndrome cases of autism into the system. The Report also noted that California's system captures only 85% of all the full syndrome cases in the state. As horrifying as the reported epidemic numbers of new cases of autism in California are, they represent a huge under representation of the true incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders, since at least 15% of all full syndrome cases and 100% of all autism spectrum disorders (PDD, NOS, Asperger's, Retts, Fragile X, etc.) are NOT included in the DDS figures and reports.

(Special thanks to Cherri for the commentary. And to Rick and Dr. Huff for the report!)

a) SafeMinds Calls Upon ABC News to Make On-Air Correction; 'Investigative' Report Appears to Lack Even Most Basic Facts

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-23-2004/0002158603&EDATE

SafeMinds Calls Upon ABC News to Make On-Air Correction; 'Investigative' Report Appears to Lack Even Most Basic Facts

WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- SafeMinds -- America's leading scientific organization investigating the risks that mercury-containing medical products pose to our children-is outraged by the biased comments made in last night's Primetime Live Thursday story, "Out of Darkness," that profiled a family with three autistic children. When describing the potential causes of autism, Primetime reporter Elizabeth Vargas stated matter-of-factly that at one time vaccines containing Thimerosal were suspected of being a cause of childhood autism, but "now doctors don't think so."

"This is not only not true, but Primetime's assertion flies in the face of the best current research being performed by the recognized experts in this field," stated Lyn Redwood, RN, MSN, NP, president of SafeMinds. At a February 2004 meeting of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Vaccine Safety Committee, a majority of renowned experts offered their research from the past decade, which continues to show a strong link between Thimerosal-containing vaccines and neurological injury like America's autism epidemic in children.

”Primetime's claim that their story was an 'investigative' report would have been far more believable if it appeared they had even attempted to present the whole story," continued Redwood. "They make the claim that experts do not think that mercury-containing vaccines are a risk to our children when just last week a well-known, highly respected medical doctor-Rep. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R-Fla.)- submitted the bi-partisan bill, HR.4169, to the U.S. Congress. This bill calls for the removal of Thimerosal from vaccines specifically because of the threat it represents to the health of America's children." Dr. Weldon's bill, cosponsored by Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), is in answer to the CDC and FDA's repeated failure to take formal action on their own recommendations to prevent the potential of vaccine-induced neurological injury.

”We are amazed that a respected hard news operation like ABC's Primetime Live appears to have failed to check their facts before making such a blatant misstatement," Redwood said. "Their mistake has the effect of misleading countless audience members on the very real threat that Thimerosal-containing vaccines pose to their children. We therefore call upon ABC News to make an on-air correction to this glaring oversight." For more information, visit http://www.safeminds.org.

CONTACT: Joe Giganti, 703-928-9695 Joe@VeritasMediaGroup.com
SOURCE SafeMinds Web Site: http://www.safeminds.org

b) For the FULL PRIME TIME STORY:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Primetime/Living/autism_augier_040422-1.html

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2004 (in lieu of the regular TACA Costa Mesa Meeting)

Goals of the Seminar:
After receiving the diagnosis of autism for a beloved child (or children), parents typically struggle as they search through various resources to locate information needed to help their child the fastest. The goal of the one-day New Parent Orientation is to provide parents and caretakers the “jump start” they need at the beginning of their journey from parents who have “been there, done that.” In addition to sage advice, parents who attend will receive: an overview of beginning therapies and biomedical intervention, where to go for what information, and recommended first steps. The seminar will be given by experienced parents who volunteer their time in providing the education new parents need.

Note: Seminars will be available via TACA on a quarterly basis.

Who should Attend?
This one-day seminar is geared for parents and caretakers of children affected by autism in Southern California. Content will be provided in an “overview” presentation with web and book resource information for additional details. This seminar is geared to parents and caretakers new to the autism journey (less than 6 months) who have not yet started a behavioral/educational program or biomedical testing and interventions.

Seminar Agenda
1. Introductions & review of the agenda
2. What’s in a diagnosis?
3. Surviving the first year
4. Biomedical (necessary tests and protocols)
5. Therapies (including: behavioral, academic, play therapies, social skills, speech & more!)
6. Dietary Interventions
7. Legal issues
8. Organization & Planning 101
9. Questions and Answers

Seminar Time:
9:30am – 4:00pm (refreshments and light lunch to be served)

Seminar Location:
Location is in Costa Mesa, CA by South Coast Plaza. Location confirmation and address will be sent once registration payment and information is received.

Seminar Costs:
PARENTS & CARETAKERS: $20 registration and materials fee required
Non Parents/Professional registration: $50 registration and materials fee required

How to Register:
Registration fee made payable to TACA
Mail fee to TACA at PO Box 12409, Newport Beach CA 92658-2409
Registrants MUST INCLUDE: name, email address, and address.
Available spaces are LIMITED! Be sure to RSVP @ least 10 days before the seminar!

Babysitting:
Sorry, babysitting and child care is NOT available at these seminars.

For more information:
Please contact Lisa Ackerman at contact us or 949-640-4401 or www.tacanow.com

Seminar funding and assistance is provided by TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) – Families helping Families

Topic: Dr Jerry Kartzinel – Pediatrician from ICDRC
International Child Development Resources Center - Melbourne, Florida
COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEMS & TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
IMPORTANT NEW STUDIES TO BE REVIEWED
Guidelines and suggestions for PARENTS and Physicians
NOTE: Even if you have seen Dr Jerry BEFORE, this presentation material changes.

Date: Saturday June 19, 2004
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm (lunch on your own)
Location: Orange County, CALIFORNIA – (you must RSVP to receive directions)
Costs: $25 per person BEFORE June 10, 2004
After June 10th and On-Site: $35.00
Scholarship opportunities are available if needed

Registration: Payment is $25 per person –

Please make your check out to ICDRC
Mail to: TACA – Dr Jerry Seminar
PO Box 12409 Newport Beach, CA 92658-2409

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR INFORMATION:
Name of each attendee
Email address (confirmation will be sent via EMAIL ONLY)
Mailing Address, City, State, ZIP Code
Phone Number
Note: This event will sell out. Please be sure to mail your check early. Thank you. CHECKS WILL BE RETURNED IF MADE OUT TO THE WRONG PARTY!!

Questions?? tacanow@cox.net
Who is Dr Jerry? http://www.icdrc.org
Babysitting: Unfortunately no babysitting is available for this event

Please note:
This seminar is filling up rapidly. Please be sure to send in your registration –
IT WILL SELL OUT AND WE ARE OVER ½ THE WAY THERE!

Remember to DO SOMETHING to recognize April as Autism Awareness month! This is not just for your family that is aware of autism everyday, but for the folks around you! As more people become aware of autism, the lack of funding for research and treatment and how it affects families, THE MORE GOOD FOR OUR FAMILIES THAT WILL HAPPEN! Go out there and make folks aware!

Special note: we sold out on the more than 400 nice, metal, autism awareness pins this past 2 weeks. Thanks to everyone for your support! I have ordered more pins for the next TACA meeting because every month is Autism Awareness month!

TACA Familiy Social Event

Attention all TACA members! Diane Gallant has worked hard with South Coast Plaza in arranging FREE CAROUSEL RIDES for children with Autism and their siblings!!
Come join us for a morning of fun and horse rides at South Coast Plaza!

Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, May 15th
Saturday June 26th
Saturday July 24th

Times: 8:30am-9:30am (BEFORE the mall opens)

Local: South Coast Plaza by the carousel (NOT the Crystal Court carousel!)

Costs: FREE!!!!!!!!!

Park: Park by ZTejas Restaurant and the Bank of America ATM’s off Bristol

Note: Kids can ride as often as they would like and based on availability.

NO NEED TO RSVP! JUST COME AND PLAY!!

YOUTH EXPO Where Kids Rule!

Dates: April 30 - May 2nd
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds
Costs: FREE ADMISSION 7 PARKING

Things to see and do:
• Jazz Festival
• Talent Search
• Petting Zoo
• Amusements
• Exhibitors
• Pony Rides
• Free Arts & Crafts
• Girl Scouts
• 4-H Clubs
• O.C. Science and Engineering Fair
• Lots of Great Food!

Date: Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm / Saturday and Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm
For more information call: (714) 708-1931 or visit www.ocfair.com
YOUTH EXPO 2004 Jeanette Summers
For Upcoming Conferences and Events, click below:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Higher-Functioning-Autism-Southern-California

Inland Regional Center Resource Library (909) 890-4794 - 1855 Business Center Drive.
For Family & Friends, Professionals, Educators & Students and Members of the community to increase public awareness of Developmental Disabilities. Check out the Web Site: www.irclibrary.com E-mail address: irclibrarian@yahoo.com

Autism Society of America Orange County, Fiesta Educativa and Project SEA presents Abierto 2004 – The first Latino benefit event for Autism

Autism Society of America Orange County, Fiesta Educativa and Project SEA will be hosting a benefit event Thursday June 17, 2004 at The Mayan in downtown Los Angeles, California. Performers and special guests will bring forth a night of awareness, joy and excitement for all who attend.

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) April 14, 2004 -- Autism Society of America Orange County, Fiesta Educativa and Project SEA will host “Abierto 2004” Thursday June 17, 2004; a benefit event in support of Latino families in Los Angeles and Orange County areas affected by Autism.

This will be the first event that targets the Latino Autism community from music, dance, performers and style. Community leaders and performers will make this an event to remember and all for a great cause. The location is The Mayan in downtown Los Angeles which is worldly known as a “unique mystical dynamic venue.” Live performance will be provided by Tribäl.

Event proceeds will provide family training scholarships, continued community outreach and continued family social event programs for the Latino community.

Abierto is Spanish for “Open”; and that is the emphasis of this event. To open the doors of understanding and bring forth awareness of a disability that is robbing our children and their families. By opening the doors, we can better understand the needs of our children and the dilemma’s their families encounter daily. Our emphasis is a night of laughter and joy, but also, awareness and education for all of those who attend.

Autism is at epidemic proportions. Twenty-five years ago, autism was diagnosed in about 1:10,000 people. In the United States the number of individuals with autism is about 1.5 million or 1:166 with the number rapidly growing Autism is an epidemic few can continue to ignore.

Press inquiries, interview request or other queries should be sent to Gil Murillo at gmurillo@projectsea.org or direct at 562.366.9700.

Date/Time: June 17,2004 (Door open at 7:30PM)
Location: The Mayan 1038 South Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 746-4674
Admission: $15.00
Ticket Contact: For tickets, contact C. Chavez at (323)578-6778 or email at cchavez@abierto2004.com
Website URL: www.abierto2004.com

Autism Conference announced for Southern California by CASD.
Location: Long Beach – May 14-16
Watch web site for speaker list: http://www.casdweb.org/index.htm
If you have questions or would like more information, please email the director at kazuko@grandecom.net.

DAY 1: May 14th
7:00 am       Registration and Exhibitor Viewing
8:00 am       Welcome Speech CASD Executive Board Member
8:30 am       Keynote Speech Sheila Wagner, M. Ed. - Educating Students with ASD in an Inclusive World
9:30 am       Presentation Bryna Siegel, PhD. - Autistic Learning Disabilities’ (ALDs)
10:30 am     Q and A / Break
10:50 am     Presentation Richard Laitinen, Ph.D. - Fluent Behavior in EducationalProgramming
11:50 am     Presentation Sally Brockett, MA - Do You Hear What I Hear?”
1:00 pm       Lunch CASD
2:00 pm       VIP Presentation Robert Koegel, Ph.D. -Motivating Children with Autism through Lynn Koegel, Ph.D. Pivotal Response Training
3:30 pm       Presentation Mary Bolles, MA - Non-invasive and non-drug-freeintervention
4:45 pm       Presentation Vince Redmond, MA - The C.A.R.D. program: Procedures and Curriculum
5:30 pm       Presentation Sebastien Bosch, Ph.D. -The Behavioral Approach CommunicationSkills
6:15 pm       Q and A for Day 1 Speakers

Day 2: May 15th
7:00 am       Registration and Exhibitor Viewing
8:00 am       Welcome Speech
8:15 am       Presentation Bruce Bothwell, Esq. -Special Education Law; your rights andresponsibilities
9:00 am       Keynote Speech William Shaw, Ph.D. -Biological Evaluation/Treatment forAutism and PDD
10:00 am      Q and A / Break
10:30 am      Presentation John L Kucera M.D. -Family Physician from Colorado Springs
11:30 am      Presentation Woody McGinnis, MD -Therapy for Oxidative Stress & Autism
12:45 pm      Lunch Andy Waters, Esq. -The State of Vaccine Litigation &Autism
1:45 pm       VIP Presentation Aristo Vodjani Ph.D. -Director of Immunosciences Lab,Biomedical Testing
2:45 pm       VIP Presentation John L Wilson, Jr. M.D. -Environmental Medicine and the Treatment of Autism
3: 35 pm       Q and A / Break
3:50 pm       Presentation Joachim Hallmayer, MD -Neurobiology of Autism/PDD, Stanford University
5:50 pm       Presentation Andrew Clarke -CEO of A2 Corporation; Allergy Safe Milk?
6:40 pm       Q and A For Day 2 Speakers

Day 3: May 16th
7:00 am       Registration, Exhibitor Viewing and Opening Speech 8:15 am Presentation Lisa Ackerman -Founder of TACA, Parent’s Success Story
9:00 am       Keynote Speech Kendal Stewart, MD -The NEC Approach to Treating Autism
10:00 am      Q and A / Break
10:30 am      Presentation Andrew Cutler, Ph.D. -A through Z of Heavy Metal Detox
11:30 pm      Presentation Karen Slimak -Environmentally Safe Products for
children with ASD
12:45 pm      Lunch Immunosciences Lab., Inc- Conference Executive Sponsor
1:45 pm       VIP Presentation William Walsh, Ph.D. -Director, Pfeiffer Treatment Center; MT protein
2:45 pm       VIP Presentation Claudia Miller, MD -UTHSCSA; The nature of chemical sensitivity in Autism
3:45 pm       Q and A / Break
4:00 pm       Presentation William Shaw, Ph.D. -Yeast, Bacteria, and Nutrition in autism
5:00 pm       Presentation April Oakes -Vaccination in Autism
5:30 pm       Q and A for Day 3 speakers

We have been blessed with giving care to some very special people. These children need our best efforts. We need to keep the momentum up and keep challenging each other to further the understanding of the underlying issues. Together, we can work MIRACLES. CASD appreciates so much for all of CASD speakers and sponsors. Go to www.casdweb.org to get registered today! Long Beach Airport has a direct flight from most of major cities and is also price friendly. Or fly to LAX International Airport! We will make a difference! We are looking forward to seeing you again or meeting you all at the Conference!
With Warmest Regards,
Kazuko A. Irie-Curtin, Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Inc, 501c3 non-profit organization
Request Conference Flyer!!! E-mail to kazuko@casdweb.org or Visit: www.casdweb.org

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Autism One Conference – MAJOR conference in CHICAGO, IL. Yes, that is far, but the speaker lineup and content is AMAZING. Largest amount of speakers and variety of topics! For more details: www.autismone.org  Dates: May 27-30, 2004.  DETAILS:

The Most Comprehensive Conference on Autism Ever Assembled Autism One 2004, the most comprehensive conference on autism ever assembled, will be held May 27 - 30, 2004, in Chicago. It is a conference for parents and professionals for the care, treatment, and recovery of children with autism. For more information please visit
our web site at http://AutismOne.org.
The conference organizers are themselves parents of children with autism. Parents are, and must remain, the driving force of our community. The issues are too sacred and the stakes too high to delegate to outside interests.
Keynote Address - Congressman Dave Weldon, MD Congressman Dave Weldon, MD will deliver the keynote address. Dave Weldon, a physician by training, has been for the past several years, and continues to be, one of the autism community's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill.

More than 100 Presentations - World's Leading Authorities
Autism One features many of the world's leading researchers, educators, practitioners, agencies, and parents. Featuring over 100 speakers including such experts as Dr. Boyd Haley, Dr. William Walsh, Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, Dr. Andy Wakefield, Dr. Sudhir Gupta, and Dr.William Shaw among others. Learn about the latest treatments, your rights when dealing with school districts, the best ways to handle insurance companies, how to petition government agencies, along with a host of other pressing issues. In addition, leading parent-advocates and autism organizations will be on hand to present and inform.

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TASK - IEP RIGHTS AND STRATEGIES
Date: May 5, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275
Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – Transition to PUBLIC SCHOOL
Date: May 10, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – IEP Rights and Strategies
Date: May 15, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – Basic Assistive Technology Information
Date: May 18, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – BASIC LEGAL RIGHTS
Date: May 25, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – Transition to PUBLIC SCHOOL
Date: June 2, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – IEP Rights and Strategies
Date: June 5, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – Software for Younger Children
Date: June 15, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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TASK – BASIC LEGAL RIGHTS
Date: June 16, 2004
Where: TASK, 100 West Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
When: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Contact Info: 866-828-8275 - Fees: $25 / half day, $35 / full day, $45 / two-day
More information about this course can be found at http://www.taskca.org.

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Autism/Asperger's 2004 CEUs for ASHA & APA
Tony Attwood, Ph.D. offers the 2nd in his Asperger's Workshop series, going in-depth on "Behavior & Anger Management, Challenges of Adolescence, Pre-Teen & Teens, and New Perspectives on Turning Special Interests into Positives."
8 am - 4:30 pm
Jul 31, San Bernardino Prof.$135 (group rate Prof $115- Student/Family Member $110 (Fam. group rate $95) Person w/ ASD $75
Please see web site for up-dates.
Future Horizons 800-489-0727 www.FutureHorizons-autism.com and email: info@FutureHorizons-autism.com

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DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW!) CONFERENCE UPDATE:
Fall DAN! Los Angeles, CA - October 1-3 - Watch www.autism.com/ari for more details!