Nutrition, Diagnosis Two Topics of Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium at University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – How appropriate nutrition can enhance the response of a child with autism to various types of therapy is one topic at this year's third-annual Symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorders on March 3-4 at the University of Arkansas Center for Continuing Education.

The curriculum and instruction department at the University of Arkansas sponsors the two-day symposium each year to provide professionals and parents the latest information on helping children with autism spectrum disorders. There is a cost for the symposium with continuing education credits available. A reduced rate is offered for students this year, and registration may be completed online. An additional highlight is a free town meeting with a panel of experts on the evening of March 3.

"The conference offers opportunities for professionals and parents who have an interest in this rapidly growing disability," said Tom Smith, University Professor of special education. "The number of students with autism spectrum disorders in Arkansas is growing just as rapidly as in the United States as a whole."

Smith and Barbara Gartin, also a University Professor of special education, both have held leadership roles in the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children, an international organization for which Smith currently serves as executive director. They attended the organization's annual conference last week.

"I believe the information presented at our conference will be as timely and vital to professionals and parents as what was offered at the national meeting," Smith said.

Elizabeth Strickland

Elizabeth Strickland, a registered dietitian, will talk about how nutrition affects a child's behavior, mood and ability to learn and focus. She will also address the inclusion of nutrition information in a child's Individual Education Plan goals and objectives.

Tina Veale, associate professor of communication disorders at Eastern Illinois University, is the symposium's other keynote speaker. She will discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis and give tips for seeking out appropriate assessment providers and techniques.

An interdisciplinary committee of faculty in the College of Education and Health Professions plans the symposium each year, representing special education, rehabilitation, communication disorders and counselor education.

Speech-language pathologists, nurses, occupational therapists and physical therapists can receive continuing education units, and educators can receive professional development hours for attending. Several sessions are designed specifically to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism is a neurological disorder. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder, which are all characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. According to the CDC, not all causes of autism spectrum disorders are known, but it is likely there are many causes.

Tina Veale

In addition to the keynote addresses, breakout sessions are planned on several topics throughout both days of the symposium for parents, educators and other professionals.

Strickland operates a consulting firm through which she offers seminars on nutrition information for people with autism spectrum disorders. She authored "Eating for Autism: The 10-Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child's Autism, Asperger's or ADHD." She will discuss common nutritional interventions recommended for autistic children that include vitamin and mineral supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, gluten-free and casein-free diets, and other nutrients and herbs.

Veale's research concerning children with autism includes evaluating learning styles, patterns of language acquisition, the impact of routine on language therapy and the effectiveness of auditory integration training, a listening therapy offered by a private practice she owned and operated for 28 years in Cincinnati. She also developed and operated a preschool for children with developmental disabilities and currently works as an autism consultant with schools in Ohio and Illinois.

During her presentation, Veale will also discuss literacy instruction for children with autism.

At last year's symposium, University of Arkansas faculty members and students conducted focus groups about the services available for families of children with autism and followed up with participants during the year. Faculty members are composing an article from the qualitative study they plan to submit to a peer-reviewed journal.