PRIOR EVENTS listed below!
Press Release:
This Thursday, November 5, Josh Feder, M.D., will be presenting live via Zoom at the 2020 Annual DIRFloortime Conference of the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). Dr. Feder will announce news of recently published research reviews demonstrating the better efficacy of developmental approaches to intensive treatment for autistic children in contrast to more widespread behavioral approaches.
Dr. Feder is a child psychiatrist in private practice in Solana Beach, California and Medical Director of Positive Development, Llc. His presentation is titled “Top of the heap? Learn why developmental approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder are becoming the preferred ones and how to tell people about it”. He will overview the newest published reviews of the autism treatment outcome research. New conclusions are that developmental treatment approaches have the most meaningful outcomes and highest treatment effect sizes; they effectively reduce the core symptoms of autism, in contrast to traditional applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Furthermore, new genetic studies support the developmental treatment approaches which target the core symptoms of autism, as studies point to similar genetic predispositions for underlyingl developmental deficits.
The November 5th presentation by Dr. Feder will provide crucial information for physicians, therapists, parents, and the general public. This news could help thousands of families who need better treatment for their children and teens with autism. As an example, Aetna recently denied coverage for a 5-year-old girl with autism who was making excellent progress in treatment which used the developmental approach. Aetna cited the reason for denial of coverage: claiming that the Floortime developmental treatment method is experimental based on two old, inconclusive papers from 2006 and 2007. Andrea Davis, Ph.D., Founder of Greenhouse Therapy Center in Pasadena, California and President of the DIR/Floortime Coalition of California, helped the patient's mother file an appeal of the denial of coverage. Diane Cullinane, M.D., Founder of Professional Child Development Associates in Pasadena, California and Dr. Josh Feder helped write the appeal which summarized and supplied over 1000 pages of newer research studies and reviews concluding developmental approaches are not experimental at all, but rather are more effective treatment approaches. However, Aetna denied the thorough appeal, referring once again to their outdated research.
New studies show the effectiveness of developmental approaches, one of which is the DIR Floortime model. Floortime embraces the child's unique passions and strengths and attunes adult interaction styles to the child's emotional and sensory needs in order to support social-emotional and cognitive development. Providers of this treatment focus on optimizing a child's relationships with their parents, siblings, therapists, and friends. Two examples of how these providers are distinctive would be a) they encourage parents to offer emotional and sensory co-regulation for a child in high distress rather than an ABA approach of "planned ignoring" and b) they respect the autistic child's differences versus attempting to "extinguish" sensory self-soothing strategies. Floortime aims to support the growth of the child and adolescent's warmth, spontaneity, initiative, responsiveness, purposefulness, imagination, creativity, empathy, and complex thinking.
Dr. Feder will unpack dense new genetic research as well as the excellent news of research on more effective treatment approaches for autism. His presentation will help participants know how to share the news of the treatment outcome studies with professionals, funding agencies, and families. The live Zoom event will take place twice on Thursday November 5, 2020 at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern and 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. Register here: https://www.icdl.com/conferences/2020/schedule.
Dr. Feder is a child psychiatrist in private practice in Solana Beach, California and Medical Director of Positive Development, Llc. His presentation is titled “Top of the heap? Learn why developmental approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder are becoming the preferred ones and how to tell people about it”. He will overview the newest published reviews of the autism treatment outcome research. New conclusions are that developmental treatment approaches have the most meaningful outcomes and highest treatment effect sizes; they effectively reduce the core symptoms of autism, in contrast to traditional applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Furthermore, new genetic studies support the developmental treatment approaches which target the core symptoms of autism, as studies point to similar genetic predispositions for underlyingl developmental deficits.
The November 5th presentation by Dr. Feder will provide crucial information for physicians, therapists, parents, and the general public. This news could help thousands of families who need better treatment for their children and teens with autism. As an example, Aetna recently denied coverage for a 5-year-old girl with autism who was making excellent progress in treatment which used the developmental approach. Aetna cited the reason for denial of coverage: claiming that the Floortime developmental treatment method is experimental based on two old, inconclusive papers from 2006 and 2007. Andrea Davis, Ph.D., Founder of Greenhouse Therapy Center in Pasadena, California and President of the DIR/Floortime Coalition of California, helped the patient's mother file an appeal of the denial of coverage. Diane Cullinane, M.D., Founder of Professional Child Development Associates in Pasadena, California and Dr. Josh Feder helped write the appeal which summarized and supplied over 1000 pages of newer research studies and reviews concluding developmental approaches are not experimental at all, but rather are more effective treatment approaches. However, Aetna denied the thorough appeal, referring once again to their outdated research.
New studies show the effectiveness of developmental approaches, one of which is the DIR Floortime model. Floortime embraces the child's unique passions and strengths and attunes adult interaction styles to the child's emotional and sensory needs in order to support social-emotional and cognitive development. Providers of this treatment focus on optimizing a child's relationships with their parents, siblings, therapists, and friends. Two examples of how these providers are distinctive would be a) they encourage parents to offer emotional and sensory co-regulation for a child in high distress rather than an ABA approach of "planned ignoring" and b) they respect the autistic child's differences versus attempting to "extinguish" sensory self-soothing strategies. Floortime aims to support the growth of the child and adolescent's warmth, spontaneity, initiative, responsiveness, purposefulness, imagination, creativity, empathy, and complex thinking.
Dr. Feder will unpack dense new genetic research as well as the excellent news of research on more effective treatment approaches for autism. His presentation will help participants know how to share the news of the treatment outcome studies with professionals, funding agencies, and families. The live Zoom event will take place twice on Thursday November 5, 2020 at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern and 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. Register here: https://www.icdl.com/conferences/2020/schedule.
DIR Floortime Coalition Advocacy FUNdraiser
“Let’s Play Together!”
Come see how joyful interactions and celebrating individuality can help each person with autism
reach their full social-emotional potential!
Stop by on Sunday August 2, 2020 8am-11am Pacific US PDT (11-2pm Eastern EDT)
Pre-Register Free HERE for International Live Zoom Fundraiser
Caitlin is one more mom who can't get insurance funding for the play-based, relationship-based approach to treatment for her son. His doctors have recommended Floortime because the approach works beautifully for him, but like many moms, she cannot afford to pay out of pocket for intensive treatment. After spending more than a year fighting denials and appeals, she is forced by insurance to accept a behaviorism approach that doesn't work for her son. "The reason I can hug and cuddle my autistic son is because of DIR Floortime! It was impossible before we started using it!"
Hear Caitlin's story HERE.
"Come Play with Us" will raise both awareness and donations to help us change this story - register to help us change the laws and policies to allow every family parent choice and doctor choice of the most appropriate treatment method.
See Floortime in action HERE -
This little boy was isolated in his own world, but his mom learned how to create Floortime moments to share pleasure and communicate joyful interaction!
● Art activity by former Floortimer
● Games ● Cooking and Dancing together
● Live Music by entertainer David Feder
State Senator Anthony Portantino!
● DIR Celebrity Interviews with Mona Delahooke, Barry Prizant, Rick Solomon, Monica Osgood, Sherri Cawn, Ricki Robinson, Connie Lillas, Gil Tippy, Daria Brown, Diane Cullinane, Josh Feder, Andrea Davis, Kathy Platzman, Joyce Show, and many more!
● Personal Testimonials by Adult Self-Advocates, Parents, Interventionists
Including Chloe Estelle of Ourtism.com!
Click here to hear from an interventionist and advocate!
Every child with a disability deserves a chance to thrive.
With your HELP, every child will have a chance
Donations for Advocacy anytime: https://www.icdl.com/donate
All donations support advocacy efforts to increase access to services for children with autism.
November 12, 2016 Filmscreening Fundraiser!!
RSVP HERE!
Join us for a filmscreening and fundraising dinner reception to meet the award-winning Director and stars of "Bass Clef Bliss - Terrence's Path", a movie at the intersection of music and autism!! Enjoy conversation and a lovely Italian buffet by Brio Tuscan Grill from Irvine Spectrum Center. Greet and thank our evening's special honoree, Bob Kleist, generous supporter of research to help children and families facing developmental challenges.
Parents and professionals, come offer your support for educating parents and professionals about a better way to help children and families affected by autism. RSVP by Nov 9th and please note in RSVP comment if you and/or your guests are vegetarian. Ages 21 and older.
If you would like to help our generous dinner host and HEAD WAITER, Dr. Josh Feder, with setup or service or to donate wine or flowers, let us know in your RSVP comments and we will contact you!
RSVP HERE!
Join us for a filmscreening and fundraising dinner reception to meet the award-winning Director and stars of "Bass Clef Bliss - Terrence's Path", a movie at the intersection of music and autism!! Enjoy conversation and a lovely Italian buffet by Brio Tuscan Grill from Irvine Spectrum Center. Greet and thank our evening's special honoree, Bob Kleist, generous supporter of research to help children and families facing developmental challenges.
Parents and professionals, come offer your support for educating parents and professionals about a better way to help children and families affected by autism. RSVP by Nov 9th and please note in RSVP comment if you and/or your guests are vegetarian. Ages 21 and older.
If you would like to help our generous dinner host and HEAD WAITER, Dr. Josh Feder, with setup or service or to donate wine or flowers, let us know in your RSVP comments and we will contact you!
4th Annual International Conference
March 18, 2016 - March 20, 2016
Awakening Human Potential in Mind and Body
Implications for Parents and Professionals in Autism and Mental Health Treatment
March 18, 2016 - March 20, 2016
Awakening Human Potential in Mind and Body
Implications for Parents and Professionals in Autism and Mental Health Treatment
4th Annual International Conference
March 18, 2016 - March 20, 2016
PASADENA, CA
Awakening Human Potential in Mind and Body
Implications for Parents and Professionals in Autism and Mental Health Treatment
The Profectum Foundation supports parents and professionals as they strive to help each individual reach their full potential regardless of their diagnosis. This conference brings autism and mental health treatment up to date through the latest research and practice supporting the mind and body. Four novel areas holding great promise in supporting well-being are highlighted in this years’ conference.
You are sure to come away with new practical tools, insights and inspiration!
View the Conference Brochure for more information.
Link to the Presenter Bios.
This Conference is Vendored by the Frank D. Lanterman Center / Vendor # PD2979
Implications for Parents and Professionals in Autism and Mental Health Treatment
The Profectum Foundation supports parents and professionals as they strive to help each individual reach their full potential regardless of their diagnosis. This conference brings autism and mental health treatment up to date through the latest research and practice supporting the mind and body. Four novel areas holding great promise in supporting well-being are highlighted in this years’ conference.
You are sure to come away with new practical tools, insights and inspiration!
View the Conference Brochure for more information.
Link to the Presenter Bios.
This Conference is Vendored by the Frank D. Lanterman Center / Vendor # PD2979
