The Southwest Voice

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, the Kern Autism Network will present “The Evidence on Complementary & Alternative Medical Interventions for Autism,” a workshop led by Dr. Linda Copeland.  The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Select, 801 Truxtun Avenue, in Bakersfield, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Dr. Copeland graduated from UC Davis Medical School with honors.  She completed residency training in Pediatrics and fellowship training in developmental pediatrics and child psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Dr. Copeland networked with the UCLA Young Autism Project headed by Dr. Ivar Lovaas.  She founded the “FEAT” non-profit group with a focus on increasing access for autistic children to scientifically effective interventions such as ABA.

She is a member of the Community Advisory Committee for the CHARGE Study, a collaborative study between the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute and Kaiser Permanente.  She works as a developmental pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente in the Rancho Cordova Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.

This workshop will cover topics related to diagnostic tests, co-morbid conditions in autism, pharmacologic treatment, unproven medical interventions, vitamin therapy, G.I. function and diets, immunizations and chelating.

Registration for the workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and the presentation starts at 9 a.m.  Current paid Kern Autism Network members are free; non-members $20 per person to be collected at the door by check or cash (sorry no PO's or credit cards).  Fee includes handouts, certificate and continental breakfast. Seating is limited and reservations are required.  To register to attend, contact Ramona Puget at 661-588-4235.

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County.  New members are always welcome.  For more information, visit our website at www.kernautism.org.