The 4th Annual Long Island Autism Conference

For Immediate Release
Friday, August 3rd, 2007, 9:00am EST
Contact: Christine Heeren
Long Island Autism Conference Director
(631) 205-5090, (631) 949-9997

The Long Island Autism Conference Announces Next Event

STONY BROOK, NY - NAA Long Island (NAALI) has just announced the date for
the 4th Annual Long Island Autism Conference (LIAC). The LIAC is a two-day
conference that gives parents and professionals hope for treating
individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and will be one of the
largest comprehensive autism conferences in the northeast. It will take
place on Saturday and Sunday, October 20th and 21st, at the Hyatt Regency
Long Island in Hauppauge, New York.

This annual event is designed for health professionals, educators and
families. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a bio-neurological disorder
that can severely affect communication and social skills in 1 out of 150
children today.

Over thirty-four local and nationally renowned speakers will join
seventy-five exhibitors in bringing information and hope to hundreds of
parents. ³Having a child or children with autism can be extremely
stressful. Parents need to know that they are not alone and there is help²,
said Christine Heeren, conference director and mother to an eight-year-old
son with autism. Heeren continues, ³This conference is a one-stop shop for
all things autism. But, most of all, we want people to walk away with hope
for their loved ones².

Stan Kurtz will deliver the keynote address on Sunday. Mr. Kurtz will
provide a moving, multimedia presentation documenting his son Ethanıs
recovery from autism, as well as his own recovery from IBS and ADHD. Kurtz
is also the owner and executive director of the Childrenıs Corner School in
California.

³People are often surprised to hear that neurological issues like autism
often have biological causes and treatments. Children, like my son Ethan,
can recover and I look forward to telling his story², said Stan Kurtz.

Some of the thirty-four presenters include: verbal behavior specialist Dr.
Vince Carbone, Dr. Bryan Jepson and Dr. Arthur Krigsman from Thoughtful
House for Children in Texas, Washington D.C. reporter Dan Olmstead, Raun
Kaufman from the Son Rise Program, author Barbara Fischkin, senior autism
clinician and co-founder of Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Dr. Sidney Baker,
certified RDI consultants June Hamilton and Donna Morrison, occupational
therapist Jeanne Ganz and special education lawyer Edward J. Nitkewicz.

Highlights of the event include the annual LIAC awards presentations. This
yearıs recipients are:

John Karl ³Heart of Gold² Memorial Scholarship Award: Andrew Barsky and Tara
Grieco.

This scholarship award was created to honor John Karl, a local swim
instructor from Hauppauge, NY. Mr. Karl had a great impact in the life of
many children, specifically Jackson Iallonardi, a 3-year-old boy with
autism. When Karl passed away unexpectedly at the age of 18, Jackson's
parents created this scholarship to encourage other young people to work
with children with ASD. Barsky and Grieco will both receive $1500 to be
used towards continuing their education and their work with special needs
children.

Barsky is sixteen years old and has devoted much of his time to working as a
peer model for children with autism. In addition, he continues to do
research on video modeling and has presented his findings at recent NYSABA
conventions. He is also a speaker at this yearıs LIAC.

Grieco is seventeen years old, volunteers her time with teenagers on the
spectrum and along with a friend, created Sports, Friends, and Fun for ALL
(SFFA). Through this club, Grieco has formed genuine friendships with teens
who have ASD, and she has created an environment for them to socialize with
their typical peers.

Truth in Media Award: Don and Deirdre Imus for their work educating the
country about autism and environmental toxins.

Parents of the Year Award: Katie Wright and Andreas Hildebrand, whose son
Christian started a movement of autism awareness and because of their
courage to speak about their experiences as parents.

Elizabeth Birt ³Never Give Up² Memorial Award: Evelyn Ain: mother, advocate
and publisher for her unwavering crusade to improve the lives of all members
of the autism community.

Exceptional Sibling Award: TBA on August 15th, 2007.

Grandparents of the Year Award: TBA at conference.

The LIAC will be held from 8am to 7 pm at the Hyatt Regency Long Island
located at 1717 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY. A full conference agenda may
be viewed at www.autismfair.com. Exhibitor spaces, sponsorships and
registration can be purchased through the website. There is a discount for
non-professionals who register before October 1st, 2007. Sponsors include:
Kidz Therapy Services, The HOPE Walk, Autism United and Spectrum
Publications. Over 750 participants will be in attendance over the two-day
weekend event.

NAA Long Island (NAALI) is a group of parents and professionals dedicated to
raising awareness about autism in the Tri State area (NY, NJ, CT). NAALI is
the local chapter of the National Autism Association (a 501c3 organization).



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