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United Autism
Alliance Hosts the 11th Annual ``Autism: A Journey to Solutions 2002''
Conference in Los Angeles
Story Filed: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 11:00 AM EST
PASADENA, Calif., Mar 12, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nation's Largest Autism
Conference Arrives at a Time When the State of California Has Declared Autism to
Be a Statewide Public Health Crisis
United Autism Alliance (UAA), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that helps
people with autism reach their fullest potential and lead meaningful lives, is
hosting its 10th annual "Autism: A Journey to Solutions 2002" Educational
Conference from March 15-17 at the Pasadena Convention Center & Civic Auditorium
in Southern California.
"Autism: A Journey to Solutions 2002," now the largest conference on autism
in the nation, aims to educate and offer parents, caregivers and professionals
the opportunity to hear from renowned speakers throughout the country and learn
first hand about new and exciting advances in autism.
"Autism is a major problem -- a public health crisis in California -- and
people need to be aware of how pervasive and far reaching it is. This conference
seeks to educate and support lives that are touched by autism," said Frank
Paradise, executive director of UAA. "It's grown with the problem. Three years
ago, 900 parents attended the conference held in Burbank and since then, we have
increased to about 3000 attendees this year."
Autism is a severe, lifelong neurological development disability and,
amazingly, three years ago one in 500 children were diagnosed with autism --
today, that number is one in 250. Moreover, 37 percent of all disability cases
being filed in the state of California are related to autism. UAA is focused on
providing direct services and educational programs to those with autism spectrum
disorders and their families to the entirety of Los Angeles County. As autism
becomes more prevalent in today's society, it is imperative that the public is
made aware of what is available to them.
"Autism: A Journey to Solutions 2002" will feature 30 renowned speakers
throughout the country speaking on various topics concerning autism and the
services available, 75 product and service exhibitors, and reach over 3000
people who have already signed up for the event.
In addition, there will be three special "Super Sensory" sessions by Gail
Gillingham, MS, who will give 60 people (20 people per session) the opportunity
to walk in the shoes of a person with autism for an hour in an effort to
replicate the experience of their world. These 60 individuals will also have the
chance to share their experience with other conference goers at a session held
later in the conference. Gillingham has 13 years of experience working in the
field of autism and has written two books: "Autism: Handle with Care" and
"Autism: A New Understanding."
Enhancements to the conference include a live interactive "T1" conference
from Washington, DC. This will be a unique session that features a technology
that is 50 times faster than satellite transmission. Stanley I. Greenspan, MD
will speak about "A Comprehensive Developmental Approach for Assessment and
Intervention with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Challenges in Relating and
Communication" and will be able to visually call on people raising their hands
in Los Angeles to ask a question. Dr. Greenspan is best known for creating the
model of "Floortime" for young children with autism that is now used worldwide
and incorporated into thousands of behavioral programs.
For more information, please visit UAA's Web site at
www.autismsocietyla.org
About United Autism Alliance
Based in Los Angeles, the United Autism Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3
association that provides education, support services, community resources and
legislative advocacy on behalf of individuals with autism spectrum disorders,
helping them reach their fullest potential and lead meaningful lives. The UAA
serves as one of the largest resources for persons with autism, their families
and professionals who work with persons with autism in Los Angeles County.
Additionally, because of its size and scope, the UAA exerts its influence as an
advocate surrounding legislation concerning autism and other disabilities at the
county and state levels.
Originally the Autism Society of Los Angeles, the UAA was founded in 1969 by
a group of parents who united to fight on behalf of their children to prevent
them from being placed in state hospitals at an early age and to support the
implementation of pilot programs to include all children with developmental
disabilities in the public school system.
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KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION
MEDICAL
TRADESHOW
SOURCE:
United
Autism
Alliance
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