"I returned
home with renewed hope...knowing I have a solid treatment plan toward full recovery for my son!"
-Meredith Sawyer, ASI attendee
Autism Society of America; Illinois Chapter (ASI), the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism, announces success with its 7th
Annual Parent Professional Networking Conference. Celebrating over 50 years of leading the way in the
effective treatment of autism, ASA was founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other
parents of children with autism. The Autism Society is the leading
source of trusted and reliable information about autism The event, benefiting Autism Society of Illinois, was held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at
the legendary Hyatt Hotel, 1400 Corporetum Drive, in Lisle, Il.
One
in 110 children is diagnosed with autism in America. The Neurolmmune disorder is more prevalent than pediatric cancer, juvenile diabetes and
AIDS combined. "Autism is a global issue that challenges the very fiber
of humanity," says blogger and activist, Kersten Rojas. "As a mother of a child with 'autism', I support families
and communities struggling to secure treatment while preserving dignity.
I commend Autism Society of Illinois for making resources and live help available to those
who lack the financial means."
This
star-studded, charity event drew over 300 supporters including doctor's, educators, leading autism researchers and therapists from around the
nation, and children who have recovered from autism, with the help of select conference speakers and ASI staff.
One such star was Henry Kahrn, a young adult on the spectrum, who auctions, commissions, and sells his artwork to help families directly by donating proceeds to ASI. Autism Society is no stranger to promoting its own brilliant and creative minds. The Autism Society's Advisory Panel of People on the Spectrum of Autism is
a first-of-its-kind advisory panel comprised solely of individuals with
autism, who help Autism Society staff create programs and services that
will advocate for the rights of all people with autism to live
fulfilling, interdependent lives.
The most notorious and invaluable speakers at the event, according to attendees, were Dr. John Hicks of Elementals Living, Ann Stout-Rigby of The Neuroconnection, Dr. Ochsner-The
chiropractic 'Autism Whisperer', Kate Ross of Easter Seals who demonstrated IPAD applications, Michele Ricamato co-founder of Soaring Eagle Academy, Dr. Robert Daniels of Chicago Children's Clinic, and Sherri Schneider, LSCW who spoke on Government Benefits: What's New and What's True.
With
over 65 vendors, the conference delivered plenty of give-away's from
interactive pens to craniosacral therapy and chiropractic adjustments
for weary warrior parents to an IPAD and apps. Prominent vendors such as The Healing Light, Impacting Autism, Autism File Magazine (featuring Curt and Kim Linderman of Live Linderman on AutismOne Radio), Family Benefit Solutions, Speech Nutrients (Speak), The Hope Institute, The Exercise Connection, CranioSacral Massage, and Spiritual Life Coaching, provided a plethora of information, advice, and compassion to over 250 Conference Attendees.
Select lectures and speakers were captured on video and will be available on CD for donation through Autism Society of Illinois.
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Tags: ASI, Autism Conference, Autism Society of America, Autism Society of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, Mary Kay Betz, Michael Gallivan
