Autism Resource Center Hosts Diet and Biomedical Approaches Presentation

Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center
News and Press Releases

For more information, contact:
Kim Horyn, Director
Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center
646-341-3043
khoryn@autismspeaks.org [1]

The Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center will provide a presentation on Diet and Biomedical Approaches, 10:00 am ? 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 17th in the Nantucket High School's Large Group Instruction Room. Cheryl Gaudino and Kendra D'Arcy, associates of Hopewell Associates, Inc. will present. Hopewell Associates, Inc., located in Mattapoisett, MA,is a nurse-owned and operated psychopharmacologic and biomedical practice specializing in the treatment of adults and children with developmental disabilities.

This presentation, which is free and open to the public, will specifically address two topics, followed by lunch and a one-hour question-and-answer session. Gaudino will speak on the Biomedical Approaches for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).Children with autism are often physically sick and in pain. Autism is a whole body disorder; a complex, multi-system health problem, encompassing the central nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal system. Biomedical treatments should be considered an essential part of every child's overall autism therapy plan.

D'Arcy will address the Gastrointestinal Pathology and the Use of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet in ASD. Gastrointestinal problems are prevalent in children with ASD. The use of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet potentially can address the pathology, contribute to healing the gastrointestinal system, and enhance the optimal health and development of the child. The principles of the diet must be understood and implemented correctly to provide the best chance for success.

Cheryl Gaudino is the parent of an eleven year old son with autism and the Treasurer for The Gottschall Autism Center. As an autism advocate, she has served on the Board of Directors for several organizations including: Advocates For Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM); Research, Education and Action for Autism spectrum CHildren (REAACH); and Massachusetts Families Organizing For Change (MFOFC). At the local level, Gaudino is the co-founder of a parent support group, Helping HANDS, which focuses on biomedical treatment options for children with autism and other neurobiological disorders.

Kendra D'Arcy is a Medical Assistant at Hopewell Associates, Inc. in Mattapoisett. She has worked with children with autism for the last four years at Hopewell's practice and has attended several DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) semi-annual conferences, whicheducates parents and physicians about biomedically-based treatment options.

The mission of the Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center is to provide current information and comprehensive resources for families, professionals and the community for the purpose of educating and increasing awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Resource Center is dedicated to empowering families and individuals impacted by autism to make informed decisions by providing resource information that covers all aspects of autism and ASD, from birth through adult care.

Plans are currently in the works for summer activities for families of children with autism and their friends, including a private viewing of a current movie at the Starlight Theatre, surfing lessons and a picnic at the Boys & Girls Club. Stephen Shore, Ed.D., who has autism and Asperger Syndrome and has written numerous books on these subjects, is scheduled to speak in the Great Hall of the Atheneum on Sunday, June 29th. To register or volunteer for Nantucket's 2nd annual Walk Now for Autism, scheduled to be held August 16th, please go on-line to www.autismspeaks.org/walk [2].

For more information, please contact Kim Horyn, Director, khoryn@autismspeaks.org [3], or call 646-341-3043.