Navigating Through the Fog, a special 2012 Metroland report published in the Review, revealed that parents with children living on the autism spectrum were often left with more questions than answers about the neuro-developmental disorder that affects 1 per cent of Canadian youth.
In an attempt to lift the fog and provide families with a resource for help, the Burlington-based Natural Care Clinic is hosting the 4th annual Emerging Trends conference.
The event, slated for Saturday, June 15 at Corpus Christi Secondary School in Burlington, will feature keynote speakers, an exhibitor trade fair and different programs and services that are available to families with children who live with a neuro-developmental disorder, including autism, pervasive developmental disorder, attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome.
Guests at this year’s conference include Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, president and chief executive officer of The RIMLAND Centre, which is devoted to the care of children with autism, among other neuro-developmental disorders.
For five years, Mumper served as medical doctor of the Autism Research Institute and is now on the faculty of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs Fellowship training program that mentors health professionals from around the world.
In order to reach as many families as possible, attendance to the Emerging Trends conference is free.
However, seating is limited and community residents are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.
“We made the event free to attendees this year because we felt it was crucial that parents and parents-to-be are educated on the links between environmental toxicity and developmental delays,” said Dr. Sonya Doherty, a naturopathic doctor, who operates the Natural Care Clinic and focuses on biomedical treatments to help her patients.
The Emerging Trends conference will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors to the venue, located at 5150 Upper Middle Rd. in Burlington, open at 8:30 a.m.
For tickets or for more information, visit www.treatautism.ca or call 905-631-0880.