Omega to Hold Conference:
Autism Through the Life Span II

Cosponsored by The Center for Discovery's Environment and Health Institute

RHINEBECK, NY - For the second consecutive year, Omega Institute will host an important conference at its Rhinebeck campus August 15-17, for families and professionals managing autism spectrum disorders, to explore the latest research and development in treating and living with autism .The number of children diagnosed with autism every year is increasing at an alarming rate; the disorder now affects one in every 150 children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Omega Institute's rare gathering will feature some of the nation's most innovative voices in the autism community.

"As an organization committed to a holistic approach to healing, Omega is deeply gratified to partner with The Center for Discovery to bring new insights and resources to those working or living with autism," said Carla Goldstein, director of external affairs at Omega. "By approaching healing from many angles, including those outside the traditional medical model, we can learn how to improve the overall health of individuals and society."

This year the conference offers two tracks for participants to choose from: a professional training and a family track.

The professional training is designed for those who work in the medical, nutrition, therapeutic, and mental health fields. The professional track will focus on the latest information on diagnosis, alternative approaches to treatment and therapy, and insights into working productively with families. CE credits are available.

The family track covers - finding support for your loved one with autism, taking care of yourself and your family while caring for an individual with autism spectrum disorders, and navigating the autism advocacy landscape. Families will also gain insight into leading medical options, and nutrition for optimal health.

To register please call 800.944.1001 or visit eomega.org.

Conference faculty:

Mark Hyman, MD, is editor in chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, the most prestigious journal in the field of integrative medicine. He also is the coauthor of several books, including the New York Times best-selling book, Ultraprevention: The Six Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy for Life. His latest book is The UltraMetabolism Cookbook. drhyman.com

Sally Pederson served as lieutenant governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007. Before her years in public office, Pederson spearheaded the creation of The Homestead, an agency providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing children and adults with autism.

Martha Herbert, MD, is assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, a pediatric neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a brain development researcher specializing in neuron-development disabilities, particularly autism. marthaherbert.com

Sidney Baker, MD, received the prestigious 1999 Functional Medicine Linus Pauling Award at the Sixth International Symposium on Functional Medicine. The author of several scientific papers and books, he is a practicing physician with an interest in nutritional, biochemical, and environmental aspects of chronic illness.

Theresa Hamlin, EdD, is chief of staff for the Center for Discovery, and oversees its program operations, management, curriculum design, and program evaluation. For the past 24 years, she has been developing and directing programs for the promotion of development and health for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders and severe multiple disabilities.

Valerie Paradiz, PhD, is a writer and cofounder of the Open Center for Autism and the ASPIE School Program. Her work developing pioneering educational programs for children with autism spectrum disorders has been featured in the New York Times, Redbook, The Guardian, and Autism Spectrum Quarterly. She is the author of Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey Into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. valerieparadiz.com

About The Center for Discovery
A residential center in upstate New York dedicated to serving children and adults with severe disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders. Based on the premise that given the right environment everyone can succeed, the center provides innovative clinical, medical, and educational opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals and their families. For more information on the Center for Discovery, visit thecenterfordiscovery.org

About Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 195 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org

About Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 250 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org

Press Contact

Chrissa J. Santoro, External Communications Director
150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845.266.4444, ext. 404
[email protected]