NAA Past Events

Thursday, July 8 - Dr. Andrew Wakefield

NAA blog post about the event.
Katie Wright reviews the event on Age of Autism.

Satuday, June 19 - Bike Clinic with Eric Chessen

Riding a bike is one of those cornerstone childhood achievements. If mastered however, riding a bike can become a family activity and can provide valuable sensory input for a child on the autism spectrum. For many young individuals with ASD, learning to ride a bike is an anxiety-provoking, physically intimidating, and often aversive challenge. That is why on June 19th, 2010, the NY Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association partnered with Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen to provide a free workshop in NYC's Riverside Park: Applied Bike Accomplishment!

Using the same concepts that have made his Autism Fitness programs so fun, successful, and adaptable, Eric provided parents and family members with strategies not only for teaching bike riding skills, but to develop those skills in a positive, stress-free environment. In addition to focusing on bike-riding skills, Eric also took participating families and athletes through a variety of dynamic fitness activities. Many of these exercises have direct carryover to the physical skills needed to ride a bike.

Learn more about Eric Chessen at his website: www.AUTISMFITNESS.COM

Tuesday, June 22 - DVD presentation from the 2009 National Conference - By Jeff Bradstreet, M.D.
'Common Problems and Effective Treatments'

Dr. Jeff Bradstreet discusses common problems in autism and advocates a practical approach to treatment. His presentation focuses on:
A goal-oriented approach - neuro-typical being the benchmark.
A treatment approach that relies on lab results.
Viable biomarkers for chronic autoimmune disorders and non-invasive biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease or similar conditions.
How bacteria in the system determines what intervention will work.
Testing for gut inflammation in children with ASD
Selecting the lab to perform these specific tests
Addressing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Success stories
Recent research that may explain the circumstance of families with multiple children on the spectrum
Six keys to success
Parents at risk

Jeffrey Bradstreet, M.D. graduated from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and received his residency training from Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. As a flight surgeon, he was involved in aerospace medicine research and has extensive experience and training in environmental medicine and toxicology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a member of the American College of Toxicology. He is involved in autism related outcome studies and environmental research with the University of Washington and UCLA. He serves as adjunct Professor of Child Development and Neuroscience at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. He is internationally recognized as a lecturer and researcher in autism. His son, Matthew, is recovering from autism with the combined help of biomedical and behavioral interventions.

Wednesday, May 26 - The Thyroid-Autism Connection
Raphael Kellman, M.D.

For details, see blog
Visit Dr. Kellman's website: www.raphaelkellmanmd.com

Thursday, May 20th "Transitioning Your Child From Early Intervention to CPSE and CPSE to CSE" With Sarah Birnbaum

A special collaboration with Beth Israel Medical Center's Department of Developmental Pediatrics
Read event details on our blog
Visit Sarah Birnbaum's website: www.nyspecialneeds.com

Tuesday, April 27 - David Kirby
Animal Factory reading and Q&A

Read event details on our blog
Visit the website for Animal Factory: www.animalfactorybook.com

Thursday, April 22 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
BioMedical Therapies-A Practical Approach
with Dr. Fred Pescatore, Karen Paris and Geri Brewster

For details, see blog
Visit our speakers' websites:
Fred Pescatore, M.D. and Karen Paris: www.drpescatore.com
Geri Brewster: www.geribrewster.com

Sunday, March 21 - Bowlathon

Read event details on our blog

Wednesday, March 10 - "Life After High School" workshop with Helene Craner of Resources for Children with Special Needs

Read event details on our blog

Tuesday, March 24 - Classical Homeopathy and Autism
Presenter: Pierre Fontaine, RSHom (NA), CCH

Read event details on our blog

Wednesday, March 3 - Tax Deductions For Parents of Children with Special Needs
Presenters: Mark Berger and Kim Mack Rosenberg

Read event details on our blog

Download Powerpoint presentation

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - Staten Island Program
Dietary Interventions" by Julie Matthews
DVD from 2008 NAA Conf followed by discussion

Event details to come.

Tuesday, February 23 - Classical Homeopathy and Autism
Presenter: Pierre Fontaine, RSHom (NA), CCH

Read event details on our blog

Tuesday, February 9 - Staten Island Special Diets for Autism Resource Fair

Read event details on our blog

Wednesday, January 27 - Relationship Development Intervention A new approach to remediating the deficits of ASD
Presenter: Laura Hynes, LMSW and RDI Program Certified Consultant

Read event details on our blog

Thursday, January 21 - Next Generation Beverage Makes a Generous Donation to the National Autism Association

Read event details on our blog

Holiday Party 2009

Read all about this wonderful event on our blog

Thursday December 10, 2009 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
Common Issues that Affect the Marriage of Parents Raising a Child with Special Needs
With Lynn Seskin, Psy.D. and Miriam Aframe, Psy.D.

Event details to come

Wednesday, November 18 - The Role of Enzymes in Autism and Gut Issues
Presenter: Dr. Devin Houston, Ph.D. Biochemist Founder and CEO of Houston Enzymes

Read event details on our blog. Visit his website for more information: www.houston-enzymes.com

Sunday, November 8 - Autism and Shamanism at the Rubin Museum of Art

Read event details on our blog

Sunday, October 25 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
"Learn to teach Sports and Fitness to your child with special needs" with Eric Chessen.

Read event details on our blog. You can also visit Eric's website at: www.autismfitness.com

October 3-4
2nd Annual New York City Autism/Asperger's Conference

Conference related links:
Sabeeha Rehman's post on the NAA-NYC blog
An article by Kim Mack Rosenberg on the "Age of Autism" site
Photo album
Conference handouts

Wednesday, September 23 - Drive Brain Development: Closing the GAP between your child's chronological age and their developmental age.
Presenter: Michael A. Gruttadauria, DC, DACAN

For details on the event, visit our blog.
View Dr. Michael Gruttadauria's Presentation

Thursday, September 17 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
How to Keep Your Marriage Strong" while raising a child with special needs with Lorin Gold and Ethan Schutz

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Tuesday, July 14 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
Rethink Autism with Jamie Pagliaro

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Tuesday, June 16 - DIR Floortime - The Model, Why and How It Works, Current Research
Dr. Gil Tippy - Clinical Director, Acting Educational Director and Floortime Supervisor Rebecca School

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Thursday June 18 - Father''s Night

Event description to come.

Wednesday June 3 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
RDI (Relationship Development Intervervention) with Erica Rahavy

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Family Picnic at Muscoot Farm Sat, May 30

Thanks to Nancy Gardella for putting together an amazing event. For details visit our blog.

Wednesday, May 27 - Tomatis
Speaker: Valerie DeJean

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Wednesday, May 20 - Educate Before You Vaccinate
Speakers: Dr. Andrew Moulden and April Renée

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Thursday May 14 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
"Helminthic Therapy" with Judy Chinitz

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Tuesday, April 28 - What is ABA and how does it work side by side with Biomedical Interventions
Speaker: Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh

For details on the event, visit our blog.

Wed. April 22 - Candle Lighting Ceremony for Autism Awareness Month

For more info, visit our blog and also the Awareness page

Wed. April 1 - Dr Mark Freilich: Finding the right therapetic program for your child

For details on the event visit our blog

Wed. March 25 - Louise Levy, Audiologist

For details on the event visit our blog

Tues. March 10 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting
Tax Deductions

For details on the event visit our blog

March 4, 2009
"Navigating the Insurance Maze" with Christina Peck

For details on the event visit our blog

February 24, 2009. Planning for Special Needs. Stuart Flaum, Wendy Sheinberg, Travis Dauchy, and Anthony Marchiagiano

Wendy Sheinberg provided an article on special needs planning, click to download. For more information about this event visit our blog.

Autism United Coalition's second meeting - January 31, 2009


NAA members at Autism Coalition Meeting

The Autism United Coalition was formed to bring together various groups and have an impact on the legislative activities in Albany. The fiscal crisis and the budget cuts are threatening the special education and early intervention in the NY State, besides threatening other services for our children. The second meeting of the coalition took place on Saturday, 31st January 2009 in Albany. Khalid Rehman, Sabeeha Rehman, Nacy Gardella and Lisa Rudley represented the New York Metro Chapter at this meeting.

Autism Associations Meet in Albany To Form Coalition December 6, 2008


John Gilmore and Louis Conte moderate the session

NAA New York Metro chapter participated in a planning meeting to create a state-wide coalition of autism organizations and individuals with the purpose of calling upon State legislators with pressing issues. In attendance were representatives from NAA Metro Chapter, the American Autism Society, Autism Speaks, Autism United, the JCC of Westchester County, and individuals from central and northern New York; and a legislative aid from the Assembly Speaker Mr. Silver, as an observer.

Practical Spirituality workshop with John Mongiovi -
January 25

Seven women gathered this past Sunday to take a workshop on Practical Spirituality. The first thing we learned is that we all had one thing in common, which is either on-going stress or just our share of stressful experiences. John Mongiovi led us through a wonderful journey exploring ancient teachings of healing and stress reduction. He gave us relaxation techniques that are easy enough to incorporate in the busiest person's schedule to help reduce stress. We left the class at the end of the day with a better understanding of how to keep negative thoughts at bay and how to change bad habits over time. This workshop is truly a gem for anyone who wants to focus the mind and relax the body. Thanks again John. For more information on the class: http://mind-bodydynamics.com

Dads Night - January 13, 2009

We had our first Dads Night this past Tuesday evening. There were about 20 men who came to the event. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many of the dads have expressed an interest in having us hold the event again, possibly even a few times a year. We are extremely happy that it was such a huge success and we were able to connect a group of men to each other that normally might not meet.

Parent Network Exchange Meeting: Hilary McCann on Reiki - December 15

Hilary McCann led us through an inspiring journey through Reiki at our last Parent Network Exchange Meeting. She gave us some of the basic steps in performing Reiki along with the more advanced healing techniques such as distance healing and use of symbols. So the evening was a perfect match for those with no prior Reiki experience and a wonderful booster class for her former workshop participants. Most of us left with a better understanding on how this ancient healing modality could have such a positive effect on ourselves or our loved ones lives.!

Parent Network Exchange Meeting on Holiday Planning - December 3

The Parent Mentoring Committee worked hard at compiling lots of information on buying gifts for children with special needs, recipes for substituting favorite holiday dishes and common family dynamic issues such as answers to difficult questions from family members. All of these wonderful lists will be posted on our blog: naanyc.blogspot.com It was a small group of people that showed up, so it felt more like an intimate holiday party...nonetheless we had a wonderful time chatting, eating and spending time with one another. Thank you Parent Mentoring Committee!

November 19 - Patty Lemer, director of Developmental Delays Resources:
Choosing and Prioritizing the RIGHT Therapies for Each Child


Peggy Becker and Patty Lemer

How do parents and professionals determine where to put valuable time and resources? Patricia S. Lemer, M. Ed., NCC, co-founder and the Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR) is a counselor with over 40 years experience.

She offered a road map based on her new book, EnVISIONing a Bright Future: Interventions that Work for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Click here to download her presentation

Patricia Lemer's book offers clear and concise information to help professionals and parents better understand many of the pressing issues in autism. With chapters written by top experts in their fields, I recommend it highly." - Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., Director, Autism Research Institute (ARI)

November 11 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting:
Homotoxicology with Lisa Rudley and Jennie French

Lisa Rudley led a very informative Parent Network Exchange Meeting last week on how Homotoxicology helps the body heal itself. She took the group through her own personal journey about using this natural approach to help heal her own children. Everyone who attended left with a true understanding of how Homotoxicology helps the body get rid of toxins and heal on a intracellular level promoting true good health. Lisa also brought a friend with her named Jennie French who is a classic homeopath. Jennie added some wonderful information on health and healing along with her son's journey with Homeopathy. Thank you both for such an interesting and stimulating discussion!

October 28, 2008 - Mary Coyle and Dr. Jeffery Klass
An Alternative Approach to Healing your Autistic Child Utilizing Homotoxicology and Pleomorphic Remedies


Mary Coyle and Jeffery Klass

Mary Coyle, D.I. Hom, a homeopathic practitioner in New York City, spoke on Autism and Homotoxicology. Mary discussed homotoxicology and self-regulation, the phases of homotoxicology, and the remedies for healing, including biological medicines, drainage remedies, and low petency homeopathic detoxifiers.

Dr. Jeffrey Klass, a licensed Naturopathic Physician in Connecticut, discussed Sanum Remedies, which are Pleomorphic medicines, and other biological medicines for the last 17 years. Mary Coyle is a homeopathic practitioner in New York City and has been primarily consulting parents with autistic children on implementing biological medicines, drainage remedies, and low potency homeopathic detoxifiers in assisting the body to remove its own endogenous toxic burden.

October 20 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting:
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with Siobhan Zaniewski

Some of us gathered this past Monday night for a Parent Network Exchange Meeting on Emotional Freedom Technique. This healing technique was presentesd by Siobhan Zaniewski. We were taught how to tap on various meridien points on our body while accessing difficult emotions in order to release ourselves of the pain associated with them. This tool is very similar to acupuncture except there are no need for needles and it can be done to yourself or others around you making it extremely accessible. I have heard from some of the participants since the meeting that it is already proving to be a helpful modality for those who attended the event. Thanks for the wonderful tool Siobhan! For more information, please visit www.emofree.com

October 11-12
New York City Autism/Asperger's Conference

Parents, professionals, caregivers and educators attended the first two-day conference organized by Autism-Conferences with the collaboration of NAA-New York Metro Chapter.

The first day was devoted to Educating Children with Autism, featuring nationally-renowned education expert Barbara Doyle, M.S. who spoke about tips & tricks, teaching reading, and prioritization, beginning with lifetime in mind. A panel of adults on the spectrum, shared their journeys; and John Gilmore held a town-hall meeting on the 'Political Landscape in New York'.

The second day's session on "Healing Children & Adults with Autism" featured Sydney Baker, M.D. as the keynote speaker, spoke on deconstructing autism, paradigm and paradox. Dr. Kenneth Bock, M.D. discussed biomedical approaches to the treatment of ASD; Arthur Krigsman, M.D. reviewed the common G.I. problems in ASD children; and Tapan Audhya, Ph.D. shared the results of studies on treating nutritional and metabolic problems in children with autism. Michael Elice, M.D. discussed his recently published study on the use of ACTOS and its ability to reduce inflammation and reduce the symptoms of autism; and Stuart Freedenfeld, M.D. spoke about the major sources of environmental toxins and provided practical suggestions on how to decrease exposure.

Kim Mack Rosenberg and
Kirstin Boncher at the
NAA-NY Metro booth

Barbara Doyle, Speaker,
with Sabeeha Rehman

James Adams, President,
Autism-Conferences

Go to this page
for more photos.

September 24 - Jesse Foley
Understanding Special Education; a Legal Perspective

Jesse Foley represents students and families in special education disputes with school districts in the New York metropolitan area. He regularly attends CSE reviews, dispute resolution sessions, and Impartial Hearings in this capacity and represents families in appears with the New York State Education Department and in the Federal Court system.

Jesse provided an overview of Parental rights and placement options in both the public and private sector, and discussed advocating on your child's behalf throughout the special education process.

Jesse Foley with TiaMarie Smith,
Vice President NAA-NY Metro
Jesse Foley with Peggy Becker,
Secretary NAA-NY Metro

September 9 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting:
CranioSacral Therapist Diane Diamond

This month's Parent Network Exchange Meeting was led by CranioSacral Therapist Diane Diamond who gave an in-depth view of the history, application and reasoning behind CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and Lymphatic Drainage. Through Diane's wonderfully effective communication, many of us gained a valued understanding of what these techniques cam accomplish for our children and for ourselves. Thank you Diane!

August 13 - Parent Network Exchange Meeting:
Fundamentals of Food

On Wednesday, August 13th we had our second Parent Network Exchange Meeting on the Fundamentals of Food. NAA NY Metro Parent Mentoring Committee members Geri Brewster and Kathleen Reilly led an informative and thought provoking discussion on our basic food groups. Many of us parents walked away with new ideas and a fresh perspective on how to approach our children's diet in order to get the most healing benefits.

July 21 - Leslie Embersits, Dr. Nancy O'Hara, Dr. John Crandall

Three speakers: Leslie Embersits of the MINDD Foundation on Managing Integrative Care-The Parents Perspective
Dr. Nancy O'Hara on Integrating Allied Therapies with Biomedical Intervention and Dr. John Crandall on Allergy Elimination

Dr. Nancy O'Hara, Leslie Embersits Dr. John Crandall and Leslie Embersits question
Dr. Nancy O'Hara
and Leslie Embersits
Dr. John Crandall
and Leslie Embersits
Question and answer

June 24 - Dr. Michael W. Elice
Biomedical Treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dr. Michael W. Elice M.D. gave a presentation on biomedical interventions, the results, and the role of parents and practitioners in treatment of autism. A lively Q&A session followed providing parents a forum to ask questions and raise issues.

Dr. Elice is a board certified pediatrician and has been at the forefront of the DAN movement since 2003. As a premier DAN practitioner in the New York area, he has been involved in the application of biomedical treatment of autistic spectrum disorders for many years. Dr. Elice is a well known speaker at DAN conferences. More information about Dr. Elice and his practice is available at www.autismny.com

June 4, 2008 - Green Our Vaccines Rally
Washington, D.C.

We were there!

They came in thousands from every corner of America, by bus, by car, by plane, raising their posters and their voices, demanding the rights for their children, your children, our children, and the children of generations to come.

In green tee-shirts saying "Green Our Vaccines", each person raised a poster with their child's photo on it: "Too Much Too Soon", "Remove the Toxins from the Vaccines", as we marched from the Washington Monument to the Capital grounds.

Rallying to the rally and raising their voices at the podium, to the Press in front and the legislative building behind, physicians, politicians, and celebrities like RFK Jr, Jim Carey and Jenny McCarthy, set the record state, inspiring and motivating, and pressing on.

For more: A personal story of the rally - Sabeeha Rehman
Some rally photos

May 30 - Scott M. Theirl, DC, DACNB
Neurological Development and Appropriate Therapies for Children with Autism

Dr. Theirl provided an overview to childhood brain and body development with a focus on how the autistic child develops neurologically and what types of therapies may be appropriate for each individual child. An extended Q&A session followed with an opportunity for parents to draw attention to their personal experiences and seek guidance from the presenter.

Dr. Theirl is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist who works with both children and adults utilizing brain based rehabilitation methods to boost brain and physical function naturally. For more visit: www.functionalrestoration

April 30 - Documentary: A Beautiful Son

A Beautiful Son a documentary about one family's struggle to heal their son from autism was shown, followed by a discussion led by Katie Wright. For more information on the documentary, see: http://www.beautifulson.com

April 9 - Nutrition & Diet for Autism: By Julie Matthews

Julie Matthews, author of Nourishing Hope: Nutrition and Diet for Autism, discussed why dietary intervention helps children with autism, and how to get started with this approach. She presented the various diet options, foundations of good nutrition, how to begin and evolve a diet - and plenty of tips for making it work. It was a fabulous lecture with plenty of time for questions and answers. For more information visit her website: http://www.nourishinghope.com

March 19 - Networking Session

At this networking meeting, parents, caregivers, educators, all came together to share their stories, learn from each others experiences, and become part of the autism community in New York.

February 27, 2008 - Chapter Organizing Meeting

The first chapter meeting was held on this day. Over 40 people, from all parts of New York, including Long Island, Westchester and Rockland County attended.

This was an organizing and networking meeting. The Chapter's approval by NAA was announced, the approved Mission, Bylaws, and Initiatives 2008 were circulated, the slate for officers was presented and accepted, and five committees were constituted. These are: Membership, Program, Website, Parent Mentoring, Parent Resource Guide, and Events Committee.

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