Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh Speaks in Florida

AUTISM EXPERT PRESENTS WHY BEHAVORIAL AND BIOMEDIAL INTERVENTIONS ARE CRITICAL TO GROWTH AND RECOVERY AT NATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE

Media Contact:
Daphne Plump November 03, 2008
Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.
19019 Ventura Blvd, Ste 300, Tarzana, CA
(o) 818.345.2345 x 270 / (c) 661.478.6512

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will speak at the National Autism Conference (NAC) on Friday, November 14, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Weston, Florida. Her presentation begins at 3:00pm.

Dr. Granpeesheh, one of the nation’s leading autism researchers and psychologists, will present, “The Child as a Whole: Why Behavioral and Biomedical Interventions are Both Critical to Growth and Recovery.”

Treatment approaches grounded in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) are now considered to be at the forefront of educational interventions for children with autism. However, research supports a biomedical etiology for autism and while studies are conducted to identify exact biomedical pathways, many case studies point to successful outcome with biomedical treatments. While ABA and Biomedical practitioners have individually helped provide successful treatment models for autism, in developing a “Best Practices” Model, Dr. Granpeesheh has discovered these interventions must work together to provide the best possibilities for successful outcomes.

During the presentation, Dr. Granpeesheh will show case studies in support of the behavioral-biomedical treatment model. The recent research she will present will also show successful outcomes with these protocols.

Her presentation will be followed by an evening screening of her award-winning documentary, Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, held in the Hyatt’s amphitheater at 8:30pm. The film tells the story of four children diagnosed with autism, who achieved success using treatments rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis. The documentary includes clips of therapy sessions along with interviews of the children who are now teenagers, their parents, therapists, and Dr. Granpeesheh.

About Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh:
Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA is world renowned for her therapy method and recovery rates. She has treated tens of thousands of children with autism in her career and has seen significant recovery rates.

A highly recognized psychologist in the field of autism, Dr. Granpeesheh recently earned one of the Autism Society of America’s highest honors – the Wendy F. Miller National Recognition Award for Professional of the Year (2007). The award recognizes significant contributions made by a psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, and other professionals in the autism field. That same year, Dr. Granpeesheh was elected to the Autism Society of America (ASA) Board of Directors. She also serves on the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Executive Council and the US Autism and Aspergers Association (USAAA) Scientific Advisory Board.

“I am truly humbled and gratified to be recognized for the work that CARD does to help children and young adults with autism attain their highest potential,” Dr. Granpeesheh said. “The work we do at CARD is the epitome of a team effort, and so the credit for any recognition that comes our way must go to our hardworking and highly committed therapists, supervisors, and researchers.”

About Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.:
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) was established in 1990 and is headquartered in Tarzana, California. CARD is among the world's largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism and related disorders, operating 17 satellite offices throughout the United States and abroad. CARD has treated thousands of children around the world. Its services include assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training and one-to-one therapy.

About Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back:
RECOVERED is a newly released documentary by filmmakers Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA, and Michele Jaquis. The film won BEST DOCUMENTARY at the Director’s Chair Film Festival 2008, in Staten Island, New York. The documentary ends all debates on whether or not it is possible to recover from autism. This documentary offers a behind the scenes look at the lives of families with children with autism, children on the autism spectrum, and offers unprecedented insight and resources for parents navigating their way around the world of autism. “Our aim in producing this documentary is to provide hope to families of newly diagnosed children that recovery from the Autism Spectrum is indeed possible. It is also our intention to bring awareness of this fact to the general population, medical practitioners and government funding agencies so that the needed support for the treatments of Autism becomes a priority. As an artist I am interested in producing work that engages its audience on an emotional level and sometimes that means delving into difficult subject matter. It is challenging to go back and relive a part of one's life that was difficult, and Doreen and I asked these families to do that. It is my hope that the families who are featured in RECOVERED have found their involvement to be both cathartic and rewarding. “Says Michele Jaquis, Director/Producer/Videographer.

For more information about Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, visit:
www.recoveredautism.com.