World's leading Autism scientist offers hope for parents, first time in Australia!

MELBOURNE APRIL 2015: Dr Theoharis C. Theoharides (AKA Dr Theo), a world-leading Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) researcher is speaking in Australia for the first time about the latest research linking inflammation and diet to symptoms and treatments for children with ASD; as well as cutting edge parenting and educating strategies.

Dr. Theoharides is, “…much more than just an eminent physician and pharmacologist; he goes a step further in posing new theories and defining the cutting edge of neuro-inflammation research. He extends his expertise beyond theory into practical options and offers hope for patients with diseases that have defied treatment to date.”

EVENT 1: Monday 27 April, 6pm, Auditorium 452 Flinders St. Melbourne CBD . 

PUTTING OUT 'BRAIN FIRES'; OFFERING HOPE FOR ASD KIDS.

"Recent evidence indicates that there is brain inflammation, as evidenced by activation of the brain immune cells, called microglia, and the release of damaging inflammatory molecules".  Full abstract below.

EVENT 2: Tuesday 28 April, 6pm, Cambridge Primary School, 29 Carruthers Drive, Hoppers Crossing

MANAGING BEHAVIOURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES IN ASD KIDS.

"…In fact, most children on the spectrum also have allergies and/or sensitivitiy/intolerance to numerous foods, especially casein and gluten". Full abstract below.

Contact Irena on 04124424523 or Leisa on 0424 103 505  for more info or interview.

Dr Theo will be available for interview in Melbourne on Monday 27^th/ Tuesday 28^th or in Sydney on 30^th April. He can also be reached in America via Skype.

Areas of expertise: ASD, link between inflammation, diet and ASD. What drugs work and why; new research and new drugs and natural therapies, parenting and educating kids with ASD.

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About Dr Theo and his research

Dr. Theoharides, BASc., MSci., MPhil, PhD, MD earned his degrees from prestigious Yale University. He has studied the causes of ASD for over 40 years. He has published over 365 peer-reviewed research papers and 3 textbooks with 20,377 citations. He has won many awards and research prizes and is placed in the top 5% of authors most cited in pharmacological and immunological journals.

 Dr. Theoharides was the first to link mast cells with focal brain inflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ASD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Mastocytosis.

Currently he is the Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, as well as Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine at Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.

He will be the keynote speaker at the The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) in Sydney on 1st May 2015.

ABSTRACTS of presentations by Dr Theo Theoharides                                                      

EVENT 1: Monday 27 April, 6pm, Auditorium 452 Flinders St. Melbourne CBD . 

PUTTING OUT BRAIN FIRES - OFFERING HOPE FOR AUTISM

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions, as well as stereotypic movements. There is no definitive pathogenesis, objective diagnostic markers or effective treatment. 

Recent evidence indicates that there is brain inflammation, as evidenced by activation of the brain immune cells, called microglia, and the release of damaging inflammatory molecules. 

Microglia are stimulated by another type of immune cell, the mast cell, known for causing allergic reactions.  Both microglia and mast cells are stimulated by two neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and neurotensin, both of which we have shown to be increased in the serum of children with ASD. 

In fact, most children on the spectrum also have allergies and/or sensitivitiy/intolerance to numerous foods, especially casein and gluten.

It is important that patients be checked for allergies and food intolerance, as well as serum levels of all vitamins and anti-oxidants, heavy metals and inflammatory markers, as these may suggest the need for specific treatments. Animal studies and clinical studies have shown that the natural flavone, luteolin, formulated in olive fruit extract to increase oral absorption, can increase attention and sociability of over 60% of children on the autism spectrum in about 6 months. In fact, some children who had been nonverbal, even for many years, became able to speak.

EVENT 2: Tuesday 28 April, 6pm, Cambridge Primary School, 29 Carruthers Drive, Hoppers Crossing

MANAGING BEHAVIORAL AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES IN AUTISM 

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions, as well as stereotypic movements. To make matters worse, children are easily overwhelmed by sensory overload such as bright lights, loud noises, too many people, unknown environments, repeated requests, as well as stressful and frightening circumstances. Moreover, they are unable to handle anxiety and are affected by environmental conditions, such as rain, and emotional changes, such as family or peer disputes.

There is no definitive pathogenesis, objective diagnostic markers or effective treatment.

However, most children with ASD also have allergies and/or sensitivity/intolerance to numerous foods, especially casein and gluten.

It is important that patients be checked for allergies and food intolerance, as well as serum levels of all vitamins and anti-oxidants, heavy metals and inflammatory markers, as these may suggest the need for specific treatments. 

Emphasis should be placed on eliminating pressure to perform, and strengthening some unique, especially mathematical and musical, abilities of these patients.

Administration of the calming antihistamine, hydroxyzine, and the anti-inflammatory natural flavonoid, luteolin, formulated in olive fruit extract to increase oral absorption, has shown considerable benefit.