Omega to Hold Conference: Autism Through the Life Span
Sponsored by The Center for Discovery's Environment and Health Institute
RHINEBECK, NY - Given the dramatic rise in the number of people diagnosed with autism in the past decade-now estimated to be at 1 in 166 Americans-Omega Institute is offering a timely, insightful, and far-reaching investigation into this challenging condition. Autism Through the Life Span, a 3-day conference, will take place August 17-19, on Omega's Rhinebeck campus. A highlight of the conference will be a lecture by Temple Grandin, Ph.D., on Saturday August 18, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Often regarded as the most accomplished and well-known adult living with autism, Grandin is one of several extraordinary speakers appearing over the course of the conference. The Grandin lecture is open to non-conference attendees for a cost of $20.Omega and The Center for Discovery present this rare gathering of some of the country's most innovative voices in the autism community to explore the latest approaches to diagnosing, treating, and living with autism. Hosted by Valerie Paradiz, author of Elijah's Cup and director of education at New York University Child Study Center's Asperger Institute, this conference steps away from obsolete, overly pathological or medical views of the autistic individual. Instead, participants will learn about alternative approaches to education and therapy; how to support the emerging, autistic self-advocate; and ways to understand environmental, sensory, and cognitive differences from the autistic insider's point of view.
Together we explore the full autism spectrum and the truth that "Auties" and "Aspies" can-and are-living more meaningful and productive lives than ever before. The esteemed faculty includes: Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Theresa Hamlin, Ed.D., Stephen Shore, and Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. They are joined by special guest teenage, autistic comic, Elijah Wapner. He was featured on MTV's True Life and performs standup in venues from Manhattan to Las Vegas.
"As an organization committed to a holistic approach to healing, Omega is deeply gratified to partner with The Center for Discovery to bring new insights and resources to those working or living with autism. By approaching healing from many angles-including those outside the traditional medical model-we can learn how to improve the overall health of individuals and society," said Carla Goldstein, Director of External Affairs.
This conference is for family members of people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, professionals, educators, therapists, and others who provide support for individuals with autism. To register for the full conference or just for Grandin's appearance Saturday night, please call 800.944.1001 or visit www.eomega.org.