ASCEND one day Summit 2024
Greetings to all caregivers, healthcare professionals, parents, and supporters,
We extend a warm welcome to the ASCEND One-Day Summit 2024, a gathering dedicated to Autism Support through Care, Education, Neurodiverse Employment, and Development (ASCEND).
Care:
Delve into crucial topics including Biomedical, Genetics, Brain Development, Reflexes and Learning Behaviors, Speech, Communication, Nonspeaking communication using letter boards, Genetics,Motor & Speech Development.
Education:
Explore innovative methodologies such as the ACT (Autism Crisis Turnaround) Protocol & The Safe To Connect Autism Approach, MNRI Method, Soma RPM Method, and Photomodulation.
Neurodiverse Employment:
Discover the potential of hydroponic farming as a meaningful employment avenue in the green industry, championed by the Akhil Autism Foundation – Neurodiverse Gardeners initiative.
Development:
Focus on nurturing overall brain development for a purposeful, independent life and fostering academic communication.
NonSpeaking Individuals:
Gain insights into academic education, open communication, and initiating the college path for non-speaking individuals.
Our esteemed speakers, including renowned author Raun K. Kaufman, pediatric specialist Dr. Sonia McGowin, and innovative entrepreneur Katya Sverdlov, among others, embody the spirit of ASCEND through their expertise, passion, and dedication to advancing understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Join us as we explore cutting-edge approaches, foster collaboration, and empower individuals and families to thrive on their unique journeys.
| Speaker | Bio | Topic | Video |
Title:
Author, Autism Breakthrough
Co-Creator of the ACT (Autism Crisis Turnaround) Protocol & The Safe To Connect Autism Approach |
An international lecturer and graduate of the Ivy League’s Brown University with a degree in Biomedical Ethics, Raun K. Kaufman is the author of the book, Autism Breakthrough, and the co-creator of the Safe to Connect autism approach and of the ACT (Autism Crisis Turnaround) protocol, which pioneered the concept of the Neuro-Crash. The former CEO of an international autism training non-profit, Raun has spent more than 25 years developing innovative heart-led autism approached built around a true understanding of the autistic brain, nervous system, psyche, and experience and has worked with families and educators from over 100 different countries. He conducts lectures and seminars worldwide and was the recipient of the Best Presenter award at the national Autism One conference, given to the winner of a nationwide survey.
As a child, he was diagnosed with so-called “severe” (non-speaking) autism and recommended for lifelong institutionalization. Instead, his parents worked with him in a totally new way they developed, enabling him to blossom, grow, and, ultimately, accomplish everything his parents were promised he would not. A best-selling book and award-winning television movie were made about his journey. He has been interviewed by media such as National Public Radio, BBC Television, Fox New Channel, The London Telegraph, and People Magazine. |
Safe To Connect: The Key to Relationship, Emotional Regulation, and the 3 Autism Neuro-States
It will cover Neuro-Crashes (meltdowns & anxiety), facilitating emotional regulation, the 5 Autism Love Languages, and the 3 Autism Neuro-States |
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| Yichien Su MS CCC-SLPMNRI® Core Specialist and Instructor | A Speech-Language Pathologist based in Florham Park, NJ, Yichien Su has an undergraduate degree in Immunology and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology — both from University College, London. She is currently an adjunct professor and PhD student in Seton Hall University, NJ. Her area of research is in pediatric swallowing and feeding development. She became so intrigued by the how the oral facial muscles work through neurodevelopment in infancy and childhood that she has dedicated herself to pediatric work since 2008. Yichien enjoys helping babies and children learn to eat, communicate, and talk. She takes pride in supporNng parents in their journey with their children. | Primary Reflexes and Communication Development Applications in Neurodevelopment: Effects of Reflex Maturation for SpeechLanguage Development | |
| Dr Sonia McGowin D.CChiropractor, MAPS , FOCUS Certified physician | Dr. Sonia McGowin, DC is the owner of Covenant Pediatric Wellness Center. She is a pediatric Chiropractor and FOCUS certified doctor. She is also MAPS-trained and Webster certified. She is a graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City and lives in Jefferson City Missouri with her husband, Shannon in their newly empty nest. For 14 years, she was the Deputy Director of Outreach Services for the Judevine Center for Autism, working with families with autism across 92 counties of Missouri. The focus of her practice is children with complex needs, including learning disabilities, PANDAS, ADD/HD, autism, ARFID, PICA and oral restrictions. She uses a brain-based and biomedical approach to addressing their specific issues. Dr. McGowin is also a parent of a child who had unique needs. As a toddler, her son displayed many troubling issues such as a severe speech delay, self-injurious and aggressive behaviors. Traditional medicine offered no hope or help for her family. After undertaking biomedical intervention, he entered kindergarten indistinguishable from his peers and is now a theater major in college. She considers him her first recovery story! | Understanding Oral Restrictions and Their Impact on Brain, Motor & Speech Development Learning Objectives: Understand the impact that oral restrictions (tongue, lip and cheek ties) can have on brain, motor and speech development. Recognize the signs and symptoms of oral restrictions in the nursing mother, the infant, the older child and adult. Compare and contrast typical oral frenula to restricted lingual, labial and buccal frenula. | |
| Dr. Richard G. BolesMedical Geneticist |
Dr. Richard G. Boles is a medical geneticist and a pediatrician who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, functional disease (including cyclic vomiting syndrome, other atypical forms of migraine, and chronic fatigue syndrome) and autism spectrum disorders. His expertise stems from decades of both clinical work and research at a major academic center as well as from his most recent experience in cutting edge biotechnology and genomics. He uses an innovative and integrative approach in both diagnosis and treatment to best serve his patients.
Dr. Boles leads the NeuroGenomics program at NeurAbilities. Patients, physicians and other health care providers will be able to consult with Dr. Boles directly about reanalyzing previously done genetic testing results, advice for managing neurometabolic disorders, or to obtain guidance on choosing and interpreting genetic testing. Neurogenomics can help to unravel the biological causes and contributions for many diseases and disorders, as well as provide important information for changing clinical management, including:
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Genetic Testing in Autism Results in a Precise Diagnosis and Individualized Treatment Options in Most Cases | |
| Katya Sverdlov, CFA, Esq. | Senior professional with strategic and problem-solving skills, strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Experience in investment banking, risk management, project management, legal issues, business development, and marketing. Skilled people manager and mentor. Katya is a co-founder and CEO of JelikaLite, a biotech company developing individualized solutions to children with autism and other neurological conditions. Concurrently, she is a principal of Sverdlov Law PLLC, a boutique law practice focused on estate planning and special needs planning. Katya earned a BA in Economics from Cornell University, holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and received her JD from Brooklyn Law School. | The effect of tPBM on young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Details:
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| Shannon Zish is the founder and director of Unspoken Thoughts in Virginia. She attained her MA in Developmental Psychology and is a level 4 certified RPM practitioner | Using RPM in the home to build hobbies and life skills beyond academics.
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| Q & A Panel | |||
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Partners
Raun K. Kaufman | Unspoken thoughts | Jelikalite |
https://autismbreakthrough.com/ About The Book: This is the book that parents, professionals and educators of children with Autism have always wanted. Now imagine it’s written by a former CEO and international lecturer who recovered from severe Autism himself. A step-by-step guide written with humor and inspiring stories, this book will give parents who have felt desperate and dismissed the tools to engage their children in a respectful and loving manner – and get results. Parents and educators will learn how to enable their children to create meaningful, caring relationships, vastly expand their communications and to participate successfully in the world. Autism Breakthrough breaks all the rules and shows how joining children in their own unique worlds instead of demanding that they join ours makes it possible for these special children to defy their original often-very-limited prognoses. | https://www.unspokenthoughtsllc.com/ Welcome to Unspoken Thoughts, LLC | JelikaLite is a pioneering medical technology firm specializing in pediatric neurological health through innovative, non-invasive therapies. Founded by a team of experts in psychology, neurology, and phototherapy, the company is advancing the Cognilum system. This groundbreaking solution integrates a home-based therapeutic wearable device employing near-infrared light therapy and data recording capabilities, coupled with an intelligent AI platform. The Cognilum system tailors treatment by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data to enhance communication and daily living skills, targeting autism symptoms in children. The company’s recent achievement includes receiving FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for the Cognilum System, specifically designed to alleviate autism symptoms in pediatric patients aged two to six. This integrated system, merging neurostimulation treatment with AI-driven personalization, aims to mitigate anxiety and enhance speech and responsiveness in children with autism. Promising results from pilot studies indicate significant symptom improvement with the wearable device. Pending approval, it holds the potential to offer families a convenient, affordable, and user-friendly home-based treatment option for children affected by autism. Visit JelikaLite’s website for more information. |
Dr Sonia McGowin | Dr John Gaitanis | |
https://covenantwellness.net/ | About Yichien Su holds an undergraduate degree in Immunology from University College London, UK, and later pursued a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the same institution. Currently serving as an adjunct professor and Ph.D. student at Seton Hall University, NJ, her research focuses on pediatric swallowing and feeding development. With a passion for understanding the intricate workings of the human body and its impact on learning and social-emotional development, Yichien has dedicated her career to treating individuals with swallowing and communication difficulties stemming from neurological disorders. Since 2008, she has specialized in pediatric care, particularly fascinated by oral facial muscle development in infancy and childhood. With extensive experience across diverse settings such as acute neural rehabilitation, NICU, outpatient, early intervention, and private practice, Yichien prioritizes flexibility and innovation in her treatment approaches. Believing in harnessing fundamental neurophysiological principles to unlock children’s full potential, she is certified in various specialized modalities including being a MNRI© Core Specialist. Additionally, Yichien founded Sammy’s Friends Foundation in 2011, a charitable organization aimed at providing financial assistance to families with children facing global delays and requiring ongoing developmental treatments. She resides in Madison, NJ, with her husband and two children. | https://www.lifespan.org/providers/john-n-gaitanis-md Bonus presentations Dr Richard Boles Give Aways AAF Membership- $75 6 months Podcasts OnDemand Webinars |
