"Just Diagnosed - What's Next?"

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, from 7PM to 9PM

NAA NY Metro Presents

Just Diagnosed: What's Next? Perspectives from a Developmental Pediatrician, Nutritionist,
and Educational Consultant

PATH Family Center
1779 Richmond Avenue 3rd Floor
Staten Island, New York

For parents of children newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum or those who may feel feel they have "hit a wall" in their child's treatment plan, NAA NY Metro is pleased to bring together a panel offering a multidisciplinary perspective on treatment options.

Our panel includes Dr. Mark Freilich, a developmental pediatrician, Geri Brewster, a nutritionist who treats children with autism and related disorders through nutritional, biomedical and related interventions; and Sarah Birnbaum, an educational advisor with expertise in the special education system in New York City, therapists, agencies, and related services.

Dr. Mark Freilich will discuss the role of the Developmental Pediatrician in navigating the Autism Super Highway. He will address diagnostic evaluation/monitoring/case management following initial diagnosis, looking holistically at all aspects of a child’s (and family’s) journey.

Geri Brewster will discuss the first steps parents may take in nutritional/biomedical/dietary interventions. Often parents read about these interventions and wonder if they might help their child. Parents should consider a child’s past history of infection or sensory sensitivities and food selectivity as part of the whole picture of their child now emerging with a “formal diagnosis” and consider professional guidance in understanding the interconnectedness of food, nutrients and development, as well as the practical way to implement lifestyle changes to achieve their child’s optimal wellness.

Sarah Birnbaum will address navigating the system, learning a new language and how to conduct yourself when interacting with all the new people in your life, managing your child's therapy schedule and new demands, understanding what your child is entitled to and how to make sure you get it for them, coming up with workable strategies for your life, and - most crucially - coping with all the emotions involved so that they don't get in your way when you're making decisions about your child's therapy and educational future.

Dr. Mark Freilich is a developmental pediatrician and founder/medical director of TOTAL KIDS DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRIC RESOURCES. TOTAL KIDS provides a holistic, dynamic and integrated approach to evaluation and management of children with differences and variations in development and learning. The TOTAL KIDS approach takes into account every child’s and family’s unique and individual areas of strengths and needs. The TOTAL KIDS approach is not limited to an office based evaluation. It involves observation in venues where the child actually functions on a day to day basis. Dr. Freilich lives in New York City with his wife and two teenage children.

Geri Brewster, RD, MPH, CDN is a certified dietitian-nutritionist with a Master’s in Public Health. She is a member of Dietitians in Functional Medicine and is a Defeat Autism Now practitioner.

She received her BS in Human Nutrition and Foods from Virginia Tech and her MPH at New York Medical College. She has advanced areas of study with the Institute of Functional Medicine. Geri has worked with children with developmental disabilities and autism for over 25 years, addressing complex nutritional needs. Her practice is maintained in NYC and Mt. Kisco, New York. She is the former Director of Nutrition at the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in NYC and currently assists families in the implementation of the Modified Atkins Diet for seizure control. Geri speaks frequently on a local and national level on the subjects of children’s health and nutritional needs. She is a contributor to a number of publications and has been quoted in numerous newspaper and magazine articles as well as featured on numerous radio and TV appearances discussing health topics. She hosts a monthly radio show on AutismOne radio on the energetics of food and healing, and nutritional and dietary therapies.

The parent of a child with special needs, Sarah Birnbaum has amassed a wealth of knowledge in dealing with New York City's unique subculture of therapists, agencies, schools, and governmental bodies. She turned her experience into a consultancy helping families navigate the maze of services and educational options here. She helps parents understand what services are available, guides them to schools that can best support their children's needs, gives advice on the application process, coaches them on working with their school districts, and helps them to become powerful advocates. But most importantly, she offers them support in coping with the complicated emotions that accompany the journey of parenting and educating an exceptional child.