At the end of May I attended the CME Think Tank at the AutismOne Conference in Colorado Springs.  It was a 4 day event, featuring research and clinical updates from over 20 clinicians and researchers in the field of autism as well as PANS/PANDAS and ADHD. I meet many doctors passionate about treating children on the spectrum as well as advancing research and sharing of clinical information to benefit families and individuals affected by autism, add and PANS/PANDAS.  Presentations ranged from information on environmental factors to immune system dysfunction, to viral infections and their role in neurological symptoms.  Here are VERY BRIEF summaries from some of the presenters:

• Dr. Nicola Annunci MD – discussed the role of gut inflammation (allergy, infection or toxin driven) contribuing to brain inflammation via mast cell activation alteration of blood brain barrier and activation of microglia leading to glutamate excess and excitotoxicity.
• Dr. Mohamed B Abou-Donia, PhD – talked about recent studies showing increased neuronal antibodies in children with ASD and their mothers, indicating one type of autism phenotype may be driven by autoimmunity to various brain proteins.
• Dr. Christian Bogner, MD – dicussing the role of the endocannabinoid medicine in clinical practice.
• Dr. Richard Frye MD, PhD – discussed his research on the role of “overactive” mitochondria in a subset of children with ASD which would make this a novel type of mitochondrial dysfunction disorder.   Overactive mitochondria appear to be more vulnerable to oxidative stress.
• Dr. Tracey Fritz, MD –  talked about various viral and bacterial infections triggering an immune response that can contribute to ongoing chronic autoimmune encephalitis as well as the importance of looking at immune system markers and viral/bacterial titers and treatment options for children with PANS/PANDAS and ASD.
• Dr. Frances Kendall, MD – discussing the role of mitochondrial gene mutations in the contributing to development of autism.
• Dr. Theo Theoharides, MD, PhD – who’s research indicates mast cell activation contributes to neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders which can be inhibited with natural flavinoids including luteolin.
• Dr. James Adams PhD – who presented on his most recent research study showing improvements in gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms in a group of children with ASD who received a fecal transplant vs placebo group.

There were many other important presentations and being able to spend time with these excellent physicians and researchers provided me with greater confidence in being able to navigate the many factors involved in treating children on the spectrum.  By the end of the week my brain was exploding with new information but I also felt grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend, learn and grow.

For more information on the AutismOne Conference follow this link: http://www.autismone.org