5 November 2018 Ajax Hotel Limassol - Cyprus

Parents, children, therapy and education: Best practices for an improved quality of life. Life for people on the Autism Spectrum after 18 years of age!

2 - 5 November 2018 Ajax Hotel Limassol - Cyprus

! !

2nd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research. Neurodiversity, Individuality and Opportunities for Life: 360 Support, Best Practices, and Shared Synergies

17 – 21 November 2017 Ajax Hotel Limassol – Cyprus

! Organized by Magic Always Happens Inc. & Magic Always Happens Cyprus

Supported by Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus Magic Always Happens Cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organization

Published by: Magic Always Happens Inc.

Synopsis of International Scientific Contributions by Luminary experts: 360 Support – Best Practices – Shared Synergies & Autism

! ! ! !

Actions Not Words Love Autism3rd 2ndAnnu Annualal Cyp Cyprusrus Int erInternationalnational Co nConferenceference on onAu Autismtism

TreTreatmentatment and and Rese Research.arch. Editor: Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD Design: Carmella AuricchioNeurodiversity, Parents, chil Individualitydren, therap yand and Opportunities education: for Life: Issued: November 2017 B360est pSupport,ractices Bestfo r an Practices, improve andd qua Sharedlity of Synergies life. Life for people on the Autism Spec trum after 18 years of age! 17 – 21 November 2017

Ajax Hotel 2 – 5 November 2018 Limassol – Cyprus Ajax Hote l Limassol – C yprus ! ! Organized by Magic Always HappensOrganized Inc. & Magicby: Always Happens Cyprus Magic Always Happens Inc. & Magic Always Happens Cyprus

SupportedSupported by: by HolyHoly Archbishopric Archbishopric of Cyprus of Cyprus MagicMagic Always Always Happens Happens Cyprus Cyprus CyprusCyprus Tourism Tourism Organization Organization

Published by: Magic Always Happens Inc. Published by: Magic Always Happens Inc. Magic Always Happens Cyprus Synopsis of International Scientific Contributions by Luminary experts: Synopsis of360 Inter Supportnationa –l Best Scie nPracticestific Con –tr Sharedibution Synergiess by Lum i&na Autismry experts:

Life for people on the Autism Spectrum after 18 years of age!

Actions Not Words ActionsLove Not AutismWords Love Auti sm

Editor: Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD Editor: NeophytosDesign: CarmellaPapaneophytou Auricchio, PhD Design:Issued Carmella: November Auricchio 2017 Issued: October 2018

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure and an exceptional honor for me to welcome you to our 3rd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research “Parents, children, therapy, and education: Best practices for an improved quality of life. Life for people on the Autism Spectrum after 18 years of age!” This year, our scientific works will focus on “Life for people on the Autism Spectrum after 18 years of age”. This approach encapsulates support through best practices and shared synergies.

We, at Magic Always Happens, Inc., and Magic Always Happens Cyprus, are very proud of our hard-pro- social work, and scientific contributions to date. We continue our work internationally, fuelled by our unrelenting wish to see our proposed Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment, Diagnosis, Education, and Research, materialize in the first instance. As you may recall, with the support of our think tank comprised of leading world experts, we had presented our scientific study for the creation of the aforementioned International Center during our 2016 and 2017 international conferences. More specifically we presented solid scientific work on the architectural end of the study, bringing us a step closer to the establishment of our proposed Center. This year we are proud to share that we have safeguarded land in order to erect the first part of our International Center. The land, located in Anogyra village, (an area located on the outskirts of Limassol) is ideal for our International/Multilingual Assisted Living Center, based on scientific best practices. The Center’s architectural project will be designed according to the 18+ Autism Spectrum population in mind!

Just like with our previous conferences, we are happy to welcome our luminary experts from around the globe. Experts who support our goals and are happy to share their work and research with us. Let us once again emphasize the transdisciplinary nature of our international conference supported by applied, scientific research conducted by leading experts establishing best practices around the world! We remain thankful to each and every one of our experts for their participation and active contribution to our global think tank. Among other essential issues to be discussed during our 2018 conference are issues pertinent to family issues, education, living with AS after 18 years of age, individuality, and best practices. Our primary goal is to continue to offer support to people on the Autism Spectrum, to their families, supporting and lifelong educators. Once again, special attention will be given to the needs and nature of issues having to do with people on the spectrum who are 18+ years of age.

This international conference integrates plenary sessions, hands-on workgroups, and workshops, poster sessions, as well as in vivo group support to parents of people with autism. Our 1-day “meet and greet” luncheon with local parents, led by a Greek-speaking psychologist during our 2016 conference had allowed us to build upon that experience. Interested local parents will benefit from a listening ear, support, guidance, and practical ways to cope with the day-to-day issues offered by some of the World’s finest scientists. We will further enhance this seminar and in the months to come to offer more assistance on the applied level to our people with autism, in Cyprus, and internationally. The contribution of our think tank to this and other efforts remains priceless.

We look forward to meeting with everyone during our 2018 international conference and as always, we welcome your thoughts, contribution and feedback. As a reminder, please note that Magic Always Happens, Inc., (an IRS tax-exempt organization) and Magic Always Happens Cyprus, as well as our think tank, are non-profit organizations, registered in their respective countries of origin (USA & Cyprus). We welcome strategic alliances, international collaborations, intercontinental research, publications and all friends who wish to support our noble goals in our pursuit of excellence. As emphasized during our previous conferences, we remain particularly interested in collaborations promoting best practices, continuous research and to the advance of applied solutions, in order to help people of all ages on the spectrum.

In fact, this year we are preparing our first international publication, a book entitled “Autism 360” to be published by early 2019 (Elzevir publishers). This book will offer support to a plethora of people including teachers, parents, doctors, experts as well as non-experts. Our goal is to offer education, support, enable understanding of the global issues we are all faced with, based on best practices and the most up-to-date research.

As the Conference Chairperson and Scientific Committee Coordinator I welcome you, and I look forward to meeting with you all during our conference and beyond. "

Neophytos (Neo) Papaneophytou PhD, LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC Conference Chairperson Scientific Committee Coordinator [email protected] +1-646-239-1048 (USA) www.autism360cy.com

Magic Always Happens Cyprus Trustees

Neophytos Papaneophytou – Founder & President Stavroulla Demetriou – Accountant Christos Neocleous – Secretary Oratios Ierodiakonou - Trustee Melanie Antoniou - Trustee

Conference Chairperson: Neophytos (Neo) Papaneophytou, PhD

Conference Scientific Committee: T. Berry Brazelton, MD (May 10, 1918 – March 13, 2018)

We thank all local, national and international clubs and associations for their love and support and our international Think Tank comprised by luminary World Experts in their respective fields.

Organizing Committee: Magic Always Happens Inc. Magic Always Happens Cyprus

www.magicalwayshappens.org

Conference Secretariat:

ML Smart Events Name: Michael Loullis Carmella Auricchio Tel: +357 25355480 Fax: +357 25370795 E-mail: [email protected]

Acknowledgements/Thanks To:

The Conference Organizing Committee, Magic Always Happens, is thankful to the following companies/organizations for their kind support and direct sponsorship:

Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organization Kalogeropoulos Travel & Tours Ltd ML Smart Events

We remain thankful to Team Magic, our team of athletes, running the classic Athens Marathon on an annual basis for autism awareness and support of all people on the autism spectrum.

We thank all local, national and international clubs and associations for their love and support as well as all the parents and attendees.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Friday, 2 November 2018

7:00 – 8: 15 PM Press Conference & Cocktail Hour (No formal dinner!) 8:30 PM Dinner by invitation only (All speakers & Trustees)

Saturday, 3 November 2018

9:00 9:45 AM Gil Tippy, PsyD., Meaningful Transition Services in A Rapidly Changing World of Work 9:45 – 10:00 AM Gil Tippy Q & A

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM James Connell, Jr. Ph.D., Services for adult transitions into post-secondary education and workforce 10:45 – 11:00 AM James Connell Q & A

11:00 – 11:30 AM Coffee break (own provisions)

11:30 – 12:15 PM Natalia Neophytou MSc. (Med/Biokinetics), The perceptions and expectations of parents, teachers and caregivers on the current motor assessment tools available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder 12:15 – 12:30 PM Natalia Neophytou Q & A

12:30 – 12:45 PM Poster Session viewing

1:00 – 2:30 PM Lunch with our luminary experts - open to all attendees (Own provisions)

2:30 – 4:00 PM “Meet and Greet” session with parents, professionals, attendees and colleagues. ALL speakers in attendance. A discussion on local and international needs for parents & guardians of children with Autism. Directions (needs) for the 18+ population for Cypriot parents in particular. Part A.

4:00 PM Coffee break (own provisions)

4:15 – 5:15 PM “Meet & Greet” session with parents, professionals, attendees and colleagues. ALL speakers in attendance. A discussion on local and international needs for parents & guardians of children with Autism. Directions (needs) for the 18+ population for Cypriot parents in particular. Part B.

Free time/Open evening

Sunday, 4 November 2015

9:30 – 10:00 AM Pericles Cheng on Robotics & Autism, A real time robotic experience. Hands-on/ Play with robots and discuss how they could be helpful to us all/ Autism 10:00 – 10:15 AM Pericles Cheng Q & A

10:15 – 10:30 AM Coffee break (own provisions)

10:30 AM – 12:15 PM Antigoni Apostolopoulou, BA, MA, Ph.D., Ocean Heaven A (Greek) movie on and about Autism for parents and friends. A discussion on personal, family, societal, employment and therapy issues will follow

12:15 12:30 PM Poster viewing

12:30 PM Excursion to Anogyra village for an on-site viewing of the space/ land offered for the establishment of the Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment & Research and for the erection of the first “18+ Model Facility” based on best practices

1:30 PM Visit the designated location where our proposed International Assisted Living Center (our 18+ AS population) will be erected based on best practices, and specialized architectural design standards. A visit to "Nicolaides Winery" - the local winery, at "Anagyris", the local herb plantation, and other potential employment facilities for our “18+ Population” will follow. Lunch & transportation: Your own provisions (the local restaurant at "Anagyris" Herb plantation).

Lunch will be offered to all speakers (at “Anagyris Restaurant” located in Anogyra village) All conference attendees/ parents are welcomed to attend (own transportation & own provisions)

Return to conference venue/ hotel Free evening/ Open program

Monday, 5 November 2018

9:30 – 10:15 AM Olga Safonicheva MA, New Approaches to The Development of Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for The Children with Disabilities, Including Autism Spectrum Disorders 10:15 – 10:30 AM Q & A Olga Safonicheva

10:30 – 11:45 AM Meet & Greet with local professionals, Autism associations, parents, colleagues All speakers in attendance

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM Poster session / viewing

12:00 – 2:00 PM Lunch break (own provisions)

2:00 – 2:45 PM Gil Foley, Ed.D., IMH-E (via Online/ distance presentation) Proposed Cyprus Presentation via distance learning – An ASD Developmental Journey: Toddlehood to Young Adult 2:45 – 3:00 PM Gil Foley Q & A

3:00 – 4:00 PM Think Tank Discussion Part A – Open to all attendees and participants

4:00 – 5:00 PM Think Tank Discussion Part B – Closed session/ Research and future conference direction (By invitation only)

5:00 PM Concluding remarks

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Meaningful Transition Services in a Rapidly Changing World of Work Gil Tippy, PsyD.

Services for Adult Transitions into Post-Secondary Education and Workforce James E. Connell, Jr. Ph.D.

The perceptions and expectations of parents, teachers and caregivers on the current motor assessment tools available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder N Neophytou, MSc (Med) Biokinetics K E Pelser, BHSc Hons Biokinetics

Robotics and Autism - A review Pericles Cheng, Lecturer

Ocean Heaven (dir. Xue Xiaolu, 2010) Apostolopoulou Antigoni, BA, MA, Ph.D. Counseling Psychologist

New Approaches to The Development of Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for the Children with Disabilities, Including Autism Spectrum Disorders Safonicheva O.G., Ovchinnikova MD, MBA.

Presentation via distance learning An ASD Developmental Journey: Toddlerhood to Young Adult Gilbert M. Foley, Ed.D., IMH-E

The Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment (Diagnosis, Education) and Research: Our 2018 conference focus is on our proposed "International Multilingual Assisted Living & Productivity Center for our 18+ AS Population." Discussing issues pertinent to our land acquired, our action plan, the architectural design, best practices, as well as our tactical and strategic goal of replication. Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD., LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS’ DETAILS

Gil Tippy, PsyD Clinical Director Emeritus, Shrub Oak International School Director, Dirty Hands Developmental Alliance Director, Respectrum Developmental Services, LLC

James E. Connell, Jr. Ph.D. Associate Professor - Tenured, School of Education Clinical Core Director and Research Fellow, AJ Drexel Autism Founder - Drexel University, School of Education Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Natalia Neophytou, [MSc (Med) [[BHSc (Hons) Biokinetics] Lecturer & Registered Biokineticist Centre for Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Johannesburg-South Africa

Dr. Pericles Cheng, Lecturer Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus Cyprus

Apostolopoulou Antigoni, BA, MSc, PhD candidate Counseling Psychologist National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Greece

Professor Olga Safonicheva, MD, MDA I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Institute of Post-graduate education for Doctors, Department of Neurology, Integrative Medicine & Health MBA

Gilbert M. Foley, Ed.D., IMH-E Consulting Clinical Psychologist - New York Center for Child Development (NYCCD), Co-Clinical Director - New York City Early Childhood Mental Health Training & Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)

Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD., LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC Psychotherapist Adj. Lecturer in Psychology/WPUNJ President and Founder “Magic Always Happens” & “Magic Always Happens Cyprus” Author and Researcher

Keynote Lectures Plenary Sessions

and

Interactive Workshops

Meaningful Transition Services in A Rapidly Changing World of Work Gil Tippy, PsyD.

The world of work that our students will confront when they leave our support is much different in 2018 than it was even a few years ago. Where in previous generations long apprenticeships and specific job-skills- training made sense, the rapidly shifting landscape of the world of work requires a thinking-based, creativity supporting way of preparing students. The session will focus on explaining the rationale for thinking-based developmental work, and will give an example of a cost-effective program created to achieve the goal of fostering creative and flexible job preparedness appropriate to the 21st century.

Services for adult transitions into post-secondary education and workforce James E. Connell, Jr. Ph.D.

This presentation will discuss the need for adult services and funding streams to support young adults on the autism spectrum as they transition out of the education system and into the workforce or post-secondary schools. The focus will be on how US post-secondary educational institutions are preparing for students on the autism spectrum to enter university and career employment opportunities

The perceptions and expectations of parents, teachers and caregivers on the current motor assessment tools available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Natalia Neophytou, MSc (Med) Biokinetics K E Pelser, BHSc Hons Biokinetics

Background: There is evidence of impaired motor proficiency in individuals with ASD; however regular motor skill assessment is not readily done, nor done at regular intervals within this population. Furthermore, when/if motor assessments are conducted the use of non ASD specific motor assessment tools are used as ASD specific tools do not currently exist.

Objectives: The objectives for this study were to 1) Determine the knowledge, perceptions and expectations of parents, teachers and caregivers on the current use of motor assessment tools available for the ASD population, 2) Determine the perceptions and expectations of the development of a motor assessment tool specific to individuals with ASD and 3) To determine which are the most commonly deficient motor skills in individuals with ASD to inform development of a motor assessment tool for individuals with ASD.

Methods: A descriptive study describing the perceptions and expectations of parents, teachers and caregivers of children with ASD was conducted using an online questionnaire created through Google Drive. The online questionnaire was validated by two experts in the field of autism prior to it being distributed to participants. The online questionnaire was made up of 20 close-ended questions and included questions regarding the knowledge, perception of current motor assessment tools as well as the expectations for a ASD specific motor tool for individuals with ASD. Forty-three participants completed the questionnaire online. Responses were automatically captured and collated via Google Drive. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic, perception and expectation data.

Results: Fourteen teachers, 8 caregivers and 21 parents (of a child with ASD) completed the online questionnaire (n=43). Twenty-six individuals stated that there are no adequate motor assessment tools available to assess children with ASD. Fifteen individuals were unaware of whether the individuals (with ASD they were associated with) had undergone a motor assessment, while fifteen individuals stated that the individuals had done the Test of gross motor development. Fifteen participants stated the Test for gross motor skills was adequate in testing children with ASD and 4 participants stated a more specific tool needs to be developed. Only n=6 stated a screening tool for ASD should assess motor skills however n=41 stated a motor assessment tool should be developed specifically for children with ASD. Balance, gross and fine motor skills, object control, co-ordination and posture were found to be the most common deficits and that a tool could be developed to include.

Conclusion: Overall, the perceptions of the current motor assessment tools are poor, with very few participants being aware of available tools and the appropriateness thereof. Expectations are high in what motor assessment tools should assess. Overall it is evident that a more specific tool needs to be developed for individuals with ASD. Parents, teachers and caregivers were highly aware of the motor deficits found in individuals with ASD, and agree they need to be readily assessed.

Robotics and Autism - A review Pericles Cheng, Lecturer

Robotics has been used in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as in treatments ranging from eye tracking, recognizing emotions, turn-taking and social interaction. Several researchers have shown that the use of robotics for people with ASD has beneficial effects in both the social interactions with others and in the development of skills that can help them in everyday life. This research paper provides a brief review of some of that research in an effort to familiarize readers with the current trends in using robotics for people with ASD and to help identify possible areas that can be targeted for future research.

Ocean Heaven (dir. Xue Xiaolu, 2010) Apostolopoulou Antigoni, BA, MSc, PhD (Cand.)

A film about the relationship of a widowed father with his 21-year-old son with autism, and the difficulties he faces in his attempts to secure a life for his son after his death.

The film brings to light both the practical difficulties and the emotions that parents of children diagnosed with autism have to struggle with. At the heart of these difficulties is the anxiety about the future of their children after their death, as well as their attempts to provide them with a safe and protective framework for their adult lives.

Following the screening of the film, a discussion will be held on the difficulties, challenges, experiences and feelings highlighted by the story of the protagonists, as well as the role of the family’s social support systems, health professionals and state services. The film touches on an issue of great sensitivity for parents, therefore monitoring is not recommended for those who feel that the emotional load will be too strong for them.

All parents, relatives, and health professionals are welcome to attend and share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Panel members: Apostolopoulou Antigoni (Counseling psychologist, BA, MA, PhD candidate) Papaneophytou L. Neophytos (Psychologist, PhD)

New Approaches to the Development of Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for the Children with Disabilities, Including Autism Spectrum Disorders Safonicheva O.G., Ovchinnikova, MD, MBA.

The current state of medical and demographic processes in the Russian Federation and throughout the industrialized world is characterized by health instability in children and adolescents. Lack of social interaction, isolation, restriction of interest, peculiarities of behavioral responses are classified as the category of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 25 - 50% of people with ASD have intellectual disturbances, motor coordination and sleep disorders, problems with the gastrointestinal tract. So, differential diagnosis and development of up-to-date interdisciplinary programs for understanding mechanisms of mental and physical disorders in children in order to improve their adaptation to modern society is actual medical and social problem.

The goal of the study: To develop the program of diagnostic technologies for evaluation and monitoring of the functional status, as well as a program of rehabilitation of children with disabilities from the standpoint of personalized medicine.

Research objectives: 1. To study the causes of disorders of cerebral metabolism in children with impaired cognitive functions and autism.

2. Develop guidelines for the selection of personalized rehabilitation of children with disabilities.

Materials and methods: 64 pupils of primary and secondary special correctional boarding- school (range 8 - 14 years) with impaired intellectual development, cognitive disorders, syndrome of hyperactivity and attention deficiency were examined. Neurological examination was conducted to identify the role of neuro- muscular neck “tunnel syndromes” and biomechanically significant biomarkers of the cervical spine that affected the cerebral blood flow. EEG- examination was carried out to assess the cortical areas responsive to the effects of stress factors and hemispheric interactions.

The Neurological mapping (NM) method of visualization was used to study the level of cerebral metabolism. In the purpose of identification of hemodynamically significant the proximal extra-cranial parts of internal carotid and vertebral arteries tortuosity we used method of Color duplex scanning. The Program of the pilot project was approved by the Ethic Committee of Moscow State Medical University.

Discussion: In 60% of the children mental problems were connected with the vascular problems and brain hypoxia in their early childhood. Neuropsychological study revealed disorders in the cognitive, emotional and behavioral status. Vertebral examination revealed disturbances of muscular coordination and hypertension. Biomechanical changes were: rigidity in the shoulder girdle, shorten muscles of the neck and postural displacement. EEG analysis revealed signs of functional immaturity of the cerebral cortex and weakness of inter-hemispheric interactions in 50% of cases. The NM- method revealed different levels of cerebral acidosis as biomarker for brain hypoxia. The integrative scheme of rehabilitation was worked out for correction of muscle-tonic syndrome in the cranio-vertebral region, for improving the cerebral metabolism and brain plasticity. Elements of cranial and visceral osteopathy were used. Special gymnastics for activation the “cognitive brain” as well as behavioral therapy were used as well. The course of rehabilitation included 8-10 procedures for every child.

The use of developing technologies based on neuroplasticity theory that changed the understanding of the brain: the brain is not a set of specialized parts, each of which has a specific place and function, and is a dynamic organ capable to reprogram and rebuild itself when necessary. The brain is able to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in childhood and throughout life, which can help children overcome difficulties in learning, improve concentration and memory. Thinking, learning and active actions can "turn on or turn off" certain genes, to ensure the development and transformation of the brain: the location of a particular function can be transferred from one part of the cortex to another. Birth injuries, muscle spasms in the neck and cranial department stressful situation in early childhood leads to the phenomena of brain hypoxia and redistribution of plastic materials in favor of stem structures, where the centers cardiovascular, respiratory, food and sexual functions. The frontal and temporal regions of the brain in this case (which is the center of cognitive development, motivation, speech, memory and movement center) experiencing hypoxia, "robbing", which leads to a violation of the child's cognitive, learning and further infringement of his socialization.

Conclusions. Comprehensive rehabilitation of the children improved their clinical and emotional background, memory, cognitive functions and learning process. EEG and NM-visualization marked the tendency in recovery of inter-hemispheric connections, normalization of the bioelectrical activity in the brain, the improvement of cerebral metabolism. Scientifically-based practical experience as well as systematic approach improved creativity, physical and mental health of the children with mental disorders, including autism, improved their quality of education and socialization in the society. We need more detailed scientific programs for indication features between ASD and vascular disorders in children.

References:

1. World Health Organization. F84. Pervasive developmental disorders // International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. — 10th (ICD-10). — 2006.

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder // Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. — 4th, text revision (DSM-IV-TR). — 2000. — ISBN 0890420254.

3. Rapin I, Tuchman RF (2008). «Autism: definition, neurobiology, screening, diagnosis». Pediatr Clin North Am 55 (5): 1129–46. DOI:10.1016/j.pcl.2008.07.005. PMID 18929056.

4. Accardo PJ, Baranek GT et al. (1999). «The screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders». J Autism Dev Disord 29 (6): 439–84. DOI:10.1023/A:1021943802493

5. Myers SM, Johnson CP, Council on Children with Disabilities (2007). «Management of children with autism spectrum disorders». Pediatrics 120 (5): 1162–82. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-2362

6. Symons FJ, Parker DE, Lewis MH (2000). «Varieties of repetitive behavior in autism: comparisons to mental retardation». J Autism Dev Disord 30 (3): 237–43. DOI:10.1023/A:10055.

7. Patches of Disorganization in the Neocortex of Children with Autism - New England Journal of Medicine, 2014, doi: 10.1056/NEJM1307491.

Proposed Cyprus presentation via distance learning An ASD Developmental Journey: Toddlerhood to Young Adult Gilbert M. Foley, Ed.D., IMH-E

This presentation presents the developmental journey of a now young adult (18 years old) with autism spectrum disorder from toddlerhood to the present. As the child’s therapist from 18 M to 6 years and then as a concerned observer and sometimes consultant, I will identify the challenges and rewards that each advancing developmental period presented. The longitudinal trajectory will be discussed from multiple vantage points- the developing child with autism, the parents, the grandparents and my professional perspective as a DIR psychologist. Recognizing that when you have known one person with autism, you have known one person with autism, this presentation will identify the trials, joys, thinking, feelings and problem solving that were encountered, mastered and lived with. The aim is to provide some possible practical support and suggestions, possibly direction, for people with autism, parents and professionals alike.