Autism Landmines& Primum Nil Nocere

Why is POAC-NoVA Giving this Workshop?

• This workshop is not an endorsement of any methodology or provider.

• All information provided or published by POAC-NoVA is for informational purposes only. Reference to any treatment or therapy option or to any program, book, service or treatment provider is not an endorsement by POAC-NoVA. POAC-NoVA assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided by POAC-NoVA.

• Reality: POAC-NoVA primarily supports educational interventions including ABA-VB. However, many parents are interested in and utilizing other methodologies.

Autism Landmines• Is there an epidemic?• Can ASD be cured?• Is ASD Medical, Educational or Psychological?• Are the best treatments educational, psychological, or medical?• Is ASD a Disability?• Should more resources be used for adults or adolescent ASD individuals?• What should the State/Federal/Local government do for ASD? • Are autistic self-advocates more or less important in organizational decisions?• What is the cause of ASD? Genetic, Environmental, Vaccines, Reality TV?• What is the best state for ASD services?• What needs to be done now for ASD individuals?• What services do ASD individuals need now?• What services do ASD individuals need in the future to be more independent?• Should NCLB be scrapped?• Should insurance cover ASD treatments? Which treatments should be covered? How much

should be covered?

Biomedical Interventions• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)• Elimination Diets (Gluten Free / Casein Free)• Supplements / Vitamins• Audio Therapy• Anti-fungals• Chelation• Electroconvulsive Therapy• Aversion therapy• Anti-Psychotics• Anti-Depressants• Stimulants• Neurofeedback

Different Types of Autism?

• Autism is a disorder comprised of a collection of symptoms that creates a very large umbrella

• DSM-V proposes to make it larger• “The likelihood of one individual being right

increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others are trying to prove him wrong.”

Primum Nil Nocere

• “First, do no harm.”– Use the Scientific Method• Problem / Observe / Hypothesize / Experiment /

Analyze / Repeat / Conclusion

– Take Data– Remember Time is a Variable– One Treatment at a Time

• ABA-VB can be used on neuro-typical children and husbands without harm!

Snake Oil Salespeople

• “It's immoral to let a sucker keep his money.”• Stages of Grief– Shock & Denial – Pain & Guilt– Anger & Bargaining– Depression– Acceptance & Hope

• None of us have unlimited resources– Maximize your Money– Maximize your Time

End Goal

• “My parents were told to put me in an institution...They are... it’s called Harvard.”

• Work every day• You are your child’s primary therapist• Pick your battles• Quality of Life• Move On