PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: September 27, 2005

Contact: Jo Pike, NAA (Marion, SC) 877-622-2884 Rita Shreffler, NAA (Nixa, MO) 417-725-6107 Wendy Fournier, NAA (Portsmouth, RI)  401-632-7523

NATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE BRINGS TOP EXPERTS TO MYRTLE BEACH

COORDINATED BY THE NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION, THE NOVEMBER CONFERENCE OFFERS THE PUBLIC A VENUE FOR LEARNING LATEST AUTISM TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – In response to the growing needs of families and professionals impacted by autism, The National Autism Association (NAA), a non-profit advocacy organization that provides funds for research and family aid, has assembled a comprehensive autism conference that will delve into the latest trends, topics, treatments and therapies surrounding the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the country.

Autism now affects 1 in every 166 children, making it a national emergency with relatively little local, state and federal aid. The National Autism Conference (NAC) was established to offset this lack of resources available to the millions affected. From cutting-edge research of environmental toxins to dietary interventions and therapies, the world’s most renowned experts will gather at the NAC the second weekend of November to share their knowledge and expertise with parents and practitioners.

Dr. Frank Lawlis, Ph.D., will be honored as the keynote speaker. Lawlis has written more than 100 articles as well as several textbooks and was named Fellow by the American Psychological Association for his contributions to clinical psychology and behavioral medicine. He has received awards for his pioneering research, and has been a featured guest on the Dr. Phil Show.

Other featured speakers include Dr. Andrew Wakefield, Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, Dr. Boyd Haley, Dr. Rashid Buttar, Dr. Steven Gutstein, Dr. Vince Carbone, Mark Blaxill and New York Times best-selling author David Kirby, among fifty other presenters. Bernie Rimland will be the Guest of Honor.

Also planned are special events surrounding the presentation schedule to allow families well-earned time for relaxation.

NAA is the leading organization for breaking through the myths of autism as a mysterious and incurable disorder. Recognizing that the future of those with an autism diagnosis can no longer rely on raising awareness alone, NAA is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with the most up-to-date resources available to enable all affected individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Hundreds of family members, medical professionals, educators, therapists, and college students are expected to attend.

The NAC will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center starting November 10th, ending on the 13th.

For more information on the NAC, its presenters, speakers, and events, or to register, visit www.nationalautismconference.org.

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