This conference features leading researchers, educators and clinicians in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's Disorder, Learning Disabilities and ADHD. Once a year the organization brings together some of the country’s leading experts to create a cutting edge conference addressing the most current facts and latest breakthroughs in research and treatment in autism, learning disabilities and ADHD.

The Help Group Summit 2005 will take place on Friday, September 30, 2005 and Saturday, October 1, 2005. The location is - Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California CA 90049.

"Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's disorder, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems."

The Help Group campuses are located in Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Valley Glen and Van Nuys. The toll-free number is 1-877-943-5747. A tour of a campus requires a reservation and will take about 90 minutes. This is for adults only and no children for the tour.

This past February I was scheduled for a tour in Sherman Oaks, but had to cancel at the last minute. I still plan to take a tour once Nicholas starts school next month. I hope to find a placement for Matthew and possibly one for Nicholas for the middle school years. We have already decided on The Los Angels Zoo High School Magnet.

There is an Autism Track and the ADHD & Learning Disabilities Track. Friday is from 7am - 5:30 pm with lunch included. The Saturday hours are 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Telephone registration is 818-779-5212 with all major credit cards accepted. There is a price breakdown for students, parents, professionals for both days combined or just one day. Parents fees range from $50-125, students from $35 - $100 with professionals from $60-$175.

Topics covered at The Help Group Summit 2005 include:

The use of medication in the treatment of Autism & ADHD

Environmental Risk Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Challenges of finding the Autism Genes

Developmental Assessment of Children suspected of ADHD

LD & ADHD Panel - Ask the Experts

California Legislative Policies and Autism

Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Guide to Improving the Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Teaching Children with Reading Disabilities

Current Research into the Causes of Autism

Virtual Reality and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities


Some of the speakers covering these topics:

David Amaral, Ph.D., MIND Institute at UC Davis
James T. McCracken, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Eileen Costello, M.D., Co-author, Quirky Kids
Alison Tepper Singer, Senior Vice President Autism Speaks
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D., The Help Group Autism Spectrum Disorders
Susan L. Smalley,Ph.D., Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior at UCLA

Isaac N. Pessah, Ph.D., MIND Institute UC Davis
Daniel H. Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D., UCLA Department of Neurology
Enrique López Psy.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Lewis P. Lipsitt, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Brown University
Joseph Torgesen, Ph.D., Florida State University Department of Psychology


A reminder to those families who reside in the State of California and are consumers of The Regional Center System - Contact the Training and Development department and your Service Coordinator to apply for funding to the conference. They like to get it three weeks prior to the conference deadline. Here is the Directory of Regional Centers. For more information, visit their site. www.thehelpgroup.org


***UPDATE*** - THE HELP GROUP SUMMIT 2005 AVAILABLE IN AUDIO TAPES

The audio tapes cover the two days of presentations which addressed the most current facts and latest breakthroughs in research and treatment in autism, learning disabilities and ADHD.

An order form for the CDs is available on The Help Group’s website; audio presentations may be purchased individually for $12 each, or in discounted sets. PowerPoint presentations are available for download at the organizations website free of charge. www.thehelpgroup.org

The Help Group Summit 2005 audio CD will be available for purchase for three years through MobileTape Company and are covered by lifetime guarantee. Special packages include: all recorded sessions on Audio CDs, in albums for $199.00; any 12 audio CDs for the price of 10, in an album for $120.00; any 6 audio CDs for the price of 5 for $60.00. A complete online order form is available for download at www.thehelpgroup.org; CDs may also be purchased by calling toll free (800) 369-5718.
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Some other articles to peruse at your leisure:

Behavior Support Planning

The Pros and Cons of Assessments

Autism Related Publications

Family Friends