Showing posts with label Doreen Granpeesheh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doreen Granpeesheh. Show all posts

World’s Leading Autism Organization Founder to Host Community-wide Festival in Centreville this Month

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. celebrates 20 years of excellence with 20 worldwide family fun days,
kicking off in Centreville, Virginia.

Doreen Granpeesheh, PHD, BCBA-D, the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the world’s largest autism organization, will host a Family Fun Festival in Centreville, Virginia. The event will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 1pm until 5pm. It’s the first of 20 Family Fun Festivals CARD will host throughout the country this year, in celebration of its 20th Anniversary.


"It’s an exciting time for us and we want to celebrate the great strides our clients have made, and bring awareness to the issue of autism,” says CARD Virginia Managing Supervisor Mary Ann Cassell, MA, BCBA. “This event is for everyone in Centreville and surrounding communities. It will be a fun family event, and we invite the community to come out and join us.”

CARD Virginia is one of 20 CARD clinics worldwide that provides effective Applied Behavior Analysis-based therapy and parent training with great success.


“We’ve had wonderful success with our clients and have even recovered several. These kids go on to attend regular school, develop friendships, and lead happy lives,” said Cassell. “This is what we are celebrating.”


The family festival is free and open to the entire autism community. It will feature games, resource booths, food, raffles, prizes and music. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Autism Care and Treatment (ACT TODAY) http://www.act-today.org


About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):

CARD, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is among the world's largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism and related disorders. CARD operates 20 clinics worldwide. CARD has treated thousands of children around the world. Its services include (but not limited to): assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training and one-on-one applied behavioral therapy.


CARD was established in 1990 by Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA. For more information about CARD, visit www.centerforautism.com.


For details about CARD hosted anniversary events around the world, visit www.centerforautism.com/card-anniversary.



CARD Brings Experts Together for an East Coast Autism Conference

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will host a one day, comprehensive CARD Rochester Autism Conference on October 28, 2009 at The Country Party House located at 321 East Linden in Rochester, New York.


“CARD has brought together six of its leading autism experts to present workshops which will deliver the most effective autism interventions, the latest in autism research and information on the most successful autism curricula to date,” says CARD Rochester Managing Supervisor Denise Rhine, MS Ed, BCBA. “We are confident that both professionals and parents will greatly benefit from this intensive conference.”

The CARD Rochester Autism Conference is designed for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), parents, caregivers, students, and professionals (including teachers, social workers, speech and language pathologists, and others).

The conference begins with a keynote address by world renowned autism expert, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and ends with a screening of RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, an award-winning documentary of four children who recovered from autism.

For more information about the conference, visit www.centerforautism.com/autism_conference. Registration deadline is October 23, 2009.

About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for each child. CARD provides services around the globe. For more information about CARD, visit www.centerforautism.com.

Dr. Edward (Ted) Carr Will be Missed....

On June 20th, 2009, I learned that my dear friend

and colleague Dr. Edward (Ted) Carr

was killed in a car accident.

By Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D

CARD Founder and Executive Director


Ted was the leading professor in the Department of Psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Over the past 33 years, he published numerous papers on issues related to applied behavior analysis and positive behavior support in the home, classroom, workplace, and community. Ted lectured extensively, giving workshops in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He served on the editorial boards of 17 journals and was also internationally recognized for his research on new treatments in autism and related disorders. His work with self-injurious and other problem behaviors was instrumental in the development of functional behavior assessment, which then led to the development of Positive Behavior Support, an approach for dealing with serious behavior challenges now mandated by the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).


Ted was Past President of the Association for Positive Behavior Support. He was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Ted was also recognized as Teacher of the Year in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook for two consecutive years, from 2003 – 2004 and 2005 – 2006.


Moreover, Ted was a widely recognized author of the best-selling book, Communication-Based Intervention for Problem Behavior. He received numerous awards, including the Applied Research Award in Behavior Analysis (American Psychological Association, 2001) and the Distinguished Research Award for Career Achievement (ARC, 1999).


I honestly cannot find the words to express the sadness I feel over the loss of such an amazing human being. Ted and I worked on several papers together and talked often. We were even scheduled to talk this week to discuss new research projects. He was full of integrity, full of energy and full of life. He was a dear friend who always made me laugh. He was truly incredible; a brilliant man with a kind heart. We chatted about life often and I always felt his support. At a professional level, he made enormous contributions to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and was one of few behavior analysts who understood and accepted the medical aspects of autism. His death is a great loss to our community. He will be deeply missed and I pray for his family to find peace.


Read more about Dr. Carr...



Love, Hope and Healing: A Mother's Day Luncheon

Parents and supporters of children with autism gathered for a special Love, Hope and Healing: A Mother's Day Luncheon , held at The Resort at Pelican Hill on May 4th, in Newport Coast. The event was hosted by Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!).

"The gift of hope is the best gift a mother can receive. We wanted to show mothers of children on the autism spectrum love by treating her to a day of inspiration at one of the most beautiful resorts in the world," says ACT Today!'s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson.

The ACT Today! fundraiser luncheon featured
Honorary Guests Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, a world renowned autism researcher and psychologist, who has recently been noted for her award-winning documentary "RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back" and fellow autism expert and biomedical clinician, Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet .

"As the mother of a son who's recovered from autism, my heart goes out to families who are unable to afford treatments which will help their children," says Event Producer Laura Marroquin. "It is a privilege to indirectly help by being part of this fabulous event."

Sponsors of this event included David and Sandy Stone and Family, Newport / Naples Rib Companies, Oxy Health, and Reaction Audio Visual.
VIEW EVENT PHOTOS
click on images to enlarge
Honorary Guest Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and her mother

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh with her children

OxyHealth Corporation Owner Samir Patel, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh,
Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet, and ACT Today!
Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson


Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet and Philanthropist Sandy Stone

Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and Barry Saywitz

ACT Today! Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson

ACT Today! Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson,
ACT Board member J Ocana and wife Jennifer Ocana


Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet, Karen and Fran Ursini,
Event Producer Laura Marroquin


ACT Today! Board members J Ocana and Tiffany O'Day, Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet,
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh


ACT Today! Board member William Cernius, Philanthropist Sandy Stone,
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh

Silent Auction on Terrace

VIEW MORE PICTURES!
ABOUT AUTISM CARE AND TREATMENT (ACT Today!):
ACT Today! is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to increase access to effective autism treatments. Since July of 2008, ACT Today! has given a total of approximately $200,000 in grants to families seeking assistance. Grants given range from behavioral therapy, bio-medical treatments and testing, safety equipment, school and camp programs, and social skills groups.

Dr. Granpeesheh to Speak - TUESDAY - at NY Metro Chapter of NAA!

The New York Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association (NAA) presents ...

What is ABA and How Does it Work Side by Side
with Biomedical Interventions?


By Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Doors Open:
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Social/Networking Hour, Light Refreshments

Keynote Presentation:
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

***
Location:
Rebecca School, 40 East 30th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY

Arrive Early - There is no registration and no fee - Limited Seating

About Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh:

Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) and President of the Board of Autism Care and Treatment Today (ACT Today!). Dr. Granpeesheh received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA and is licensed by the Medical Board of California, the Texas State Board of Psychologists and the Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

Dr. Granpeesheh holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been providing behavioral therapy since 1979.

In 1990, Dr. Granpeesheh founded the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) and through its 20 offices world wide, she has provided diagnosis, assessment and behavioral treatment for thousands of children with autism and related disorders.

In 2005, Dr. Granpeesheh founded ACT Today!, a non-profit organization that provides support and funding to families of children with Autism. In addition, Dr. Granpeesheh is also a principle member of the Thoughtful House Center for Children, a charity organization that provides behavioral services in collaboration with medical treatment and research.

Dr. Granpeesheh is member of the Defeat Autism Now Executive Council, on the Scientific Advisory Board of the US Autism and Asperger's Association and First Vice Chair of the National Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America. Dr. Granpeesheh is also the executive director and co-producer of the award-winning documentary, RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back.

Scientific Review of the Immunization Action Coalitions Guidelines to Vaccination Policies

The issue of whether vaccines are related to autism in any manner remains a controversial and divisive one. The tremendous financial and public health ramifications of the issue render it difficult to imagine that individuals from any community, be it scientific, pharmaceutical, governmental, or parental, can remain unbiased while addressing it.

The following article, which is slated to be published soon, is by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, one of the most active and controversial players in the debate, and consists of a response to the document entitled “Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby’s Shots” by Dr. Ari Brown, published by the Immunization Action Coalition.

Among the primary points of the paper is the fact that the debate can only be solved by sound scientific research, not strong opinion, a point with which we firmly agree. We encourage a careful reading of the paper and we encourage the reader to assess the levels of evidence presented for the various claims on both sides.

This is not a debate that will be solved by faith in one’s own position, nor by acrimony toward others, but by scientific research alone.

ABA: Addressing Cognitive and Emotional Development in Children with Autism

By
Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA
Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA

Click here for a complete read of the article featured in Autism Advocate, Dec 2008 issue.

For other recent articles by Dr. Granpeesheh, click here.

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh on How Biomedical Intervention Improves ABA Success


Autism Action Plan founder Dr. Kurt Woeller interviews Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA at the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) conference.

Interview - Part One

Also:

Want to view other indepth interviews on autism by Dr. Granpeesheh? Click here.

You can also visit: www.centerforautism.com.

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh Appears on California PBS Talk Show this Week

Orange, CA – Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will once again be featured on the KOCE – PBS (California) award-winning talk show, Dialogue with Doti and Dodge. The show, hosted by Jim Doti and Kristina Dodge airs tonight, December 09, at 11:30pm, and again this Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 11:00am.

You can also watch the show anytime, by clicking here.

The show includes a discussion about causes, treatments and most importantly the issue of recovery which has been a controversial topic. Some believe it is not possible to achieve “recovery” and others say it should not be a goal of individuals with autism. Dr. Granpeesheh will define recovery and discuss the science behind recovery. She will also present proof in the form of her newly released film, Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, directed by Michele Jaquis. 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.

Dr. Granpeesheh will also touch on issues of treatment funding, and will be joined by Nancy Alspaugh, the executive director of ACT Today! (Autism Care & Treatment), a non profit organization with a mission to expand access to effective autism treatment.

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh 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.

CARD SKILLS ©

Shaping Knowledge Through Individualized Life Learning Systems, also known as CARD SKILLS ©, is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive three part system designed to give anyone who will be a behavioral educator of children with autism (including parents, teachers, behavior analysts, and other professionals) access to: (a) training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how it is used to teach skills to children with autism, (b) an assessment (SKILLS Index) to identify the child’s mastered and unmastered skills, and (c) a set of curricula that can be utilized to design an individualized ABA-based program based on the needs of the child identified by the SKILLS Index.

Available 2009!

E-Learning
Provides training in ABA and how it is used to teach skills to children with autism. It is composed of on-line training modules which focus on topics such as:

  • Autism and how it is diagnosed
  • Introduction to ABA and its principles
  • Assessment and identification of skill targets
  • Teaching Paradigms
  • Natural Environment Training (NET)
  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
  • Fluency-Based Instruction (FBI)
  • Procedures
  • Discrimination training
  • Prompting and Fading
  • Shaping
  • Chaining
  • Generalization and Maintenance
  • Functional behavioral assessment (FBA)
  • Interventions for challenging behavior
  • Data collection
"The CARD E-Learning series won't make a user a pro overnight, but it will teach basic skills and information to establish a foundation in which a user can build with proper supervision,” said Dr. Adel Najdowski, CARD Research and Development Manager and co-creator of CARD SKILLS.

"We recommend that users work along side a CARD Supervisor in order to gain the most value from CARD SKILLS. Once a trainee finishes an e-learning module, he or she must take and pass a quiz before moving on to the next training module. Then, once a trainee completes all modules of the e-learning, he or she is ready to begin using (with supervision) behavioral analytic techniques to teach skills to children with autism."

CARD’s SKILLS Index is the alternative to the complex myriad of psychological, cognitive, and intelligence tests.

SKILLS Index
The SKILLS Index is an assessment tool comprised of a series of yes or no questions that the behavioral educator answers about the child.


The questions are organized by skill area and listed in chronological order of child development across eight domains:

Language, Play, Adaptive, Motor, Executive Functions, Cognition, Social, and Academic Skills

Answers to the assessment questions are logged in a computerized database which automatically produces simple bar graph reports identifying skills that are in the child’s repertoire versus those that need to be taught. The report is relevant to the child’s age and is summarized according to skills that the child’s same-age peers would exhibit.

Based on this information, specific skills can be targeted. The CARD SKILLS Index directs the child’s behavioral educators to areas of the CARD Curricula© that can be used to teach identified skills. The outcome of this process is that the behavioral educator is able to use the SKILLS Index to develop an age-appropriate comprehensive ABA-based program for the child.

“CARD SKILLS is like no other product because of its comprehensiveness,” said Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, CARD Founder, Executive Director, and Co-Creator of CARD SKILLS.

“This single package derived from what we know about child development is a one-stop-shop for treatment providers who are developing ABA-based intervention programs for children with autism ages 0 – 8, because once the assessment results are obtained they tie directly to a comprehensive set of curricula. There is no longer the need to decipher what to teach because it is all there for you.”


CARD's Curricula includes lessons to teach skills in each of the eight skill domains assessed in the SKILLS Index.

CARD's Curricula

CARD's Curricula includes eight different areas: Language, Play, Adaptive, Motor, Executive Functions, Cognition, Social, and Academic Skills. Each curriculum is composed of lessons developed to give behavioral educators examples of specific concepts that should be taught. Each lesson provides information such as:
  • Average age ranges for when skills develop
  • Prerequisites necessary before teaching the skills in the lesson
  • Type of nonverbal or verbal operant that is being taught
  • Sample Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals related to the skill
  • Ideas for setting up teaching materials and scenarios
  • Teaching points for ensuring the child’s success in learning targeted skills
  • Ideas for programming for generalization
  • Direction for what to teach next
Taken together, CARD SKILLS, which consists of the CARD E-Learning, SKILLS Index, and CARD's Curricula provide behavioral educators with the knowledge and confidence necessary (with supervision) to implement ABA-based programs for children with autism.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CARD SKILLS ©

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh on Dialogue with Doti and Dodge

Dialogue with Doti and Dodge is a PBS talk show, based in Orange, California. This show you are about to watch features Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, one of the nation's leading autism researchers and psychologists and Nancy Alspaugh, executive director of Autism Care and Treatment. Watch the show now!

A Parent Talks About RECOVERED

Excerpt from Parent's blog:

"The Best Documentary on Autism"

My mom came across a documentary called "Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back".
It is amazing!

I have never seen anything explain autism, the need for early diagnosis and intense ABA IBI DT (Applied Behavioral Analysis, Intense Behavioral Intervention, Discrete Trial) therapy 30 plus hrs a week. Of course, Dr. Lovaas proved this a long time ago and there are many, many once autistic children who are now recovered adults among us unbeknownst to us because of this great man! But, for some reason the medical and public school experts are usually unaware of it, and we are often told to not expect our children to talk and to start saving money for their lifetime care. I love it when parents with children who lose their diagnosis of autism go back to those medical experts and watch the look of bewilderment in their eyes. Proof is seeing.

Read her complete story.

RECOVERED Takes Top Honors


Staten Island, New York – Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back wins Best Documentary in the 2008 Director’s Chair Island Arts Expo and Film Festival, in Staten Island, New York.

RECOVERED is a film by one of the nation’s leading autism researchers and psychologists, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, and seasoned videographer Michele Jaquis. The film tells the story of four children diagnosed with autism, who achieved success using treatments rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The documentary takes viewers inside of therapy sessions along with interviews of the children who are now teenagers, their parents, therapists, and Dr. Granpeesheh.


“Many people don’t believe it is possible to recover from Autism. Our intention in providing proof of Recovery and in identifying a course of action toward that goal is only to bring hope and determination to those families who feel it is in the best interest of their child to learn new skills in order to better access the rewards of life. We feel every child has the right to be healthy, to be taught the skills they need to interact appropriately with their peers and to be allowed to demonstrate their strengths, instead of fight their weaknesses. We feel confident we have found the path to make this a reality.” Says Dr. Granpeesheh.

The combined stories families of Nick, Janna, Brett, and Ruffin illuminate both their struggles and triumphs while providing hope to families of newly diagnosed children that recovery 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,
Videographer/Editor.

RECOVERED was released in April 2008, by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. The film has been introduced in nearly 20 cities across America. Critics call the documentary …”eye
opening”…”candid”…”inspirational”…and “informative.” The celebrated, original documentary.For more information about RECOVERED, visit: http://www.recoveredautism.com/.

About Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA: Executive Director/Producer, RECOVERED
Dr. Granpeesheh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., and has dedicated over 30 years to the study and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Granpeesheh earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA under the guidance of Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She is a licensed psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

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.

About Michele Jaquis: Director/Videographer/Editor, RECOVERED
Michele Jaquis is an interdisciplinary artist and educator, with over 10 years experience working within the field of Autism, first as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist and most recently as a videographer and editor for the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Jaquis earned her BFA in sculpture and experimental studio with a minor in psychology from Hartford Art School/University of Hartford and her MFA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. She is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the Artists, Community and Teaching Program at Otis
College of Art and Design, where she developed and teaches an Integrated Learning course called "Creative Solutions to Living Through Autism." Jaquis is also the co-founder of Rise Industries: Interdisciplinary Projects. Her installations, performances, videos and digital prints have been exhibited across the U.S.

About the 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 18 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 the Director’s Chair Island Arts Expo and Film Festival:
The 2008 Director’s Chair TV Island Arts Expo strives to applaud the independent filmmakers, photographers, musicians and artists of Staten Island. This is the festivals third year.

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.