In May 2020, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh funded a $100,000 endowment to SABA to support educational pursuits that complement the behavioral treatment of autism with knowledge and expertise from related fields and with consideration of the individual as a whole. The resulting Doreen Granpeesheh Fund for the Interdisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Autism brings experts embracing this interdisciplinary perspective to the ABAI annual convention to educate the behavior analysis community. In the future, other ways of bringing complementary expertise will be explored and funded with the ultimate goal of contributing to these same aims. The hope is that behavior analysts may become proficient in diagnosis, biomedical interventions, and other aspects of a scientific, medical approach to studying and treating autism.
About Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and the Founder and President of the Board of Autism Care and Treatment Today (ACT Today). Dr. Granpeesheh received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA under the mentorship of Professor Ivar Lovaas. She is licensed by the Medical Board of California and the Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, Michigan and Oregon State Boards of Psychologists. Dr. Granpeesheh holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, doctoral level, and has been providing behavioral therapy for individuals with autism since 1979. She has been a member of numerous scientific and advisory boards including the US Autism and Asperger's Association, the Autism File journal, Autism 360/medigenesis, the 4-A Healing Foundation, and the Defeat Autism Now coalition. In addition, Dr. Granpeesheh has served on the National Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America, the practice board of ABAI, as well as the Autism Human Rights and Discrimination Initiative Steering Committee, the Early Intervention Taskforce of the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders, and the Oversight Committee of the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Dr. Granpeesheh has co-authored the book Evidence-Based Treatment for Children with Autism and numerous peer-reviewed publications on issues concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Autism. She was awarded the George Winoker Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists for her publication titled: Retrospective analysis of clinical records in 38 cases of recovery from autism. Together with her colleagues at CARD, Dr. Granpeesheh created Skills® for Autism, a web-based software tool that creates comprehensive treatment plans for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, and founded the Institute for Behavioral Training, an online platform for training professionals and families on the principles of ABA.
To learn more, visit https://www.doreengranpeesheh.com.
Special Speaker Series
2024: Mohammed Aldosari, Cleveland Clinic Foundation: “Autism and Epilepsy: A Coincidence or Biomarker?”
Dr. Mohammed Aldosari holds a joint appointment as the as the Director of the Center for Pediatric Neuroscience at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, both in Cleveland, Ohio. He specializes in the evaluation and management of pediatric behavioral disorders especially Autism and ADHD and collaborates closely with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Autism. Prior to joining the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Aldosari established and directed the Center for Autism Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which is a novel collaborative venture between the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and the Saudi Basic Industries Company (SABIC) commissioned to transfer knowledge and technology to Saudi Arabia and the region. He also directed autism clinics at several private and public institutions. Dr. Aldosari is American Board certified in Pediatrics and in Child Neurology. He has multiple publications and presentations in national and international journals and meetings in the field of autism especially in genetics and innovative technology including sensing technologies and robotic-assisted therapy. He is the principle investigator of several ongoing studies including a large prevalence of autism study, developing Tele-Diagnostic tools and Arabic stimulus for Eye-Tracking
Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy are both neurological conditions that can significantly impact a child's development and overall well-being. While they may appear to be independent diagnoses, there is a higher co-occurrence rate than chance would predict. This presentation will explore the complex relationship between ASD and epilepsy, equipping therapists with the knowledge and tools to better support their clients who experience both conditions. The presentation will delve into the following key areas: • Prevalence and Risk Factors: We will examine the co-occurrence rates of ASD and epilepsy, exploring potential risk factors and underlying biological mechanisms. • Clinical Presentations: We will discuss the diverse ways in which epilepsy can manifest, including potential challenges in identifying and diagnosing epilepsy in individuals with ASD. • Treatment Considerations: We will explore the evidence-based practices for treating epilepsy to address the unique needs of this population. Here, we will also discuss potential side effects of anti-seizure medications and how they may impact behavior or learning, equipping ABA therapists to collaborate with the medical team for optimal treatment. • Emerging Technologies: We will explore the potential of using new technologies including AI analysis of EEG (electroencephalogram) data for early detection of ASD. This discussion will highlight the promise and limitations of new technologies, emphasizing their role as potential tools to support informed clinical decision-making. • Collaborative Care: We will emphasize the importance of collaboration between ABA therapists, neurologists, and other healthcare professionals in developing comprehensive treatment plans.
2023: Timothy Buie, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital: “Considering the Medical Factors Contributing to Behaviors in Autism”
Timothy M. Buie, M.D. is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Autism medical specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital. Prior to that position, he worked in the pediatric gastroenterology department for18 years at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children based in Boston, MA. He also served as the Director of Gastrointestinal and Nutrition at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Lurie Center for Autism. Dr. Buie is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He completed his training in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine. In addition to managing a large patient population, Dr. Buie has published a variety of papers and book chapters characterizing gastrointestinal problems in children with autism and developmental disorders including clinical presentation and medical findings. His work includes translational research of the intestinal microbiome and the metabolic effects of the microbiome in a variety of conditions in pediatrics including autism and inflammatory disease. Dr. Buie has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal on PBS NewsHour, the BBC and media worldwide talking about gastrointestinal symptoms, diet and nutrition, and the microbiome differences seen in individuals with autism. He is currently featured on AutismSpeaks.org and YouTube in an online medical video series he developed and co-produced with Autism Speaks and has been a contributor to the advice column “Food for Thought” on the Autism Speaks Web site. Dr. Buie’s lecture on “Autism and the Impact of the Intestinal Microbiome; Exploring the Relationship of the Intestinal Micro Flora to Diet, Digestion and Disease” can be viewed in an online video produced by Quantum University and available on YouTube. Dr. Buie has been honored for his efforts in medicine and has been selected as one of Boston’s “Top Docs,” by his peers. He most recently received the Margaret Bauman Award for Autism Care presented in May 2017, which he also received in 2010. He has received the Professional of the Year by the Autism Society of America in 2010 and the Partners in Excellence Award 2014. In 2015, Dr. Buie received the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine’s Take Wing Award honoring his career achievements and professional excellence. He received the Boston Children’s Hospital GI Teaching Attending of the Year 2020, awarded by the GI Fellowship. For more information, please view Dr. Buie’s online profile on the Boston Children’s website: http://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/physicians/b/timothy-buie
2022: Jim Adams, Arizona State University: “Comprehensive Nutritional Interventions for Children and Adults with Autism”
James B. Adams, Ph.D., is the Director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University. His research focuses on the medical causes of autism and how to treat and prevent it including the areas of nutrition (vitamins/minerals, essential fatty acids, carnitine, digestive enzymes, special diets), oxidative stress, gut problems, gut bacteria, toxic metals, and seizures. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including over 50 related to autism. He is also the President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, the President of the Autism Nutrition Research Center, the co-leader of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Autism Research Institute, and the chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Neurological Health Foundation. He has an adult daughter with autism.
Abstract: Children and adults with ASD often have multiple nutritional and metabolic problems, including nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, oxidative stress, decreased methylation, and impaired mitochondrial function. Many of these problems can be addressed by nutritional supplements and healthy allergen-free diets. A 12-month comprehensive nutritional intervention study was conducted to investigate the effect of combining 6 different nutritional interventions. The study found many benefits, including a 7-point gain in non-verbal IQ (compared to zero in the control group) and an 18-month gain in developmental age (vs 4 months in the control group). This suggests that many individuals with ASD can benefit from a comprehensive nutritional intervention to address underlying nutritional and metabolic problems.
2021: Richard Frye, Phoenix Children’s Hospital: “The Medical and Biological Complexity of Autism”
Dr. Richard Frye is a Child Neurologist with expertise in neurodevelopmental and neurometabolic disorders. He received an MD and Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University and completed his Child Neurology Residency and Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Learning Disabilities at Harvard University/Children’s Hospital Boston. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and serves on several editorial boards. He has conducted several clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of safe and novel treatments that target underlying physiological abnormalities in children with ASD. He is the Chief of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined disorder. We are learning that ASD is associated with many medical co-occurring conditions such as sleep problems, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, allergies, and anxiety, just to name a few. In addition, we are learning that there are underlying biological abnormalities with how the cells and body work. These medical and biological abnormalities may not only be related to ASD symptoms but, most importantly, may be impeding successful habilitation if they are not addressed. Thus, a multidisciplinary medical approach is necessary to evaluate and treat ASD in order to provide optimal outcomes.
2020: Doreen Granpeesheh, Center for Autism and Related Disorders: “An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Autism”
Abstract: Important behavior analytic contributions to the clinical treatment of autism spectrum disorder have not been fully embraced by the medical community. Although behavior analysis has unquestionably contributed substantially to autism treatment, behavior analysts could be more effective if their training incorporated knowledge and expertise from other scientifically sound, compatible disciplines. Behavior is not independent of the behaving organism. Behavioral treatment efficacy may be significantly improved if the psychological, nutritional and medical needs of the patient are given consideration and attention. To this end, the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Doreen Granpeesheh Fund for the Interdisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Autism to support educational pursuits in related fields.
