THE AUTISM THINK TANK, NJ





April 2015
Autism Think Tank   

The Autism Think Tank

Dr. Paul Abend, OD
Founder and Medical Director

Dr. Margaret Bauman, MD
Neurologist

Dr. Timothy Buie, MD
Gastroenterologist

Dr. Charles Henry, MD
Psychiatrist/Psychopharmacologist

Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer, MD
Pain Specialist

Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, MD, MPH
Allergy/Immunologist

Dr. Talin Babikian, PsyD
Neuropsychologist

Dr. Ralph Ankenman, MD
Psychiatrist

ABOUT THE AUTISM THINK TANK

I ndividuals with autism frequently present with comorbid medical conditions that are difficult to diagnose. The clinical symptoms can present as aggressive or self-injurious behaviors that often lead to psychiatric hospitalization, emergency room visits, unnecessary pharmaceutical treatment and ineffective behavioral intervention. These commonly unrecognized medical conditions require medical intervention.

 

Many cases of autism are complicated by:

 

Gastrointestinal Disorders      

Seizure Disorders

Polypharmacy

Sleep Disorders

Metabolic Disorders

Food Allergies

Asthma/Eczema

Seasonal Allergies

Pain of Unknown Origin

 

The Autism Think Tank, NJ brings together a multi-specialty team of world-renowned doctors from across the US to review medically complex cases of autism. Together with the patient's family and physician, seven Think Tank doctors collaborate in a videoconference to discuss the patient's medical history and unresolved medical complications. Using a team approach, a comprehensive plan of care is developed considering all specialty areas. The family's doctors and local specialists implement this cohesive plan of care to help medically stabilize the individual and improve educational and therapeutic and behavioral outcomes.

 

The Autism Think Tank doctors are affiliated with the top teaching hospitals in North America including Massachusetts General Hospital, Lurie Center for Autism (formerly Harvard Ladders) and UCLA Medical Center.

 

The Autism Think Tank doctors are helping to identify the underlying biological and physiological issues that are effecting the patient's well being, often creating a crisis in the family, school or community. Through this collaboration with our experts, local physicians are learning to recognize and treat these comorbid medical conditions and learning to apply this knowledge when caring for other individuals with autism.

 

The Autism Think Tank is currently serving individuals with autism globally with the use of telemedicine. For more information, families or physicians should contact:

 

Spotlight on 
Autism Think Tank Doctor...


Dr. Timothy Buie
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Massachusetts General
Hospital

Timothy M. Buie, M.D. is an award-winning pediatric gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children based in Boston, MA where he serves as Director of Gastrointestinal and Nutrition at Massachusetts General Hospital's Lurie Center for Autism.  


 
Dr. Buie is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Associate Pediatrician at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his training in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine.


 
He has extensive experience in treating children with autism and associated conditions, championing the issues of underlying medical conditions in autism and how they affect behaviors. He 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.


 
Dr. Buie was a founder and developer of the Autism Treatment Network, now managed by Autism Speaks. This is a multi-center program directed at evaluating medical problems in children with autism. He has been featured in print and broadcast media worldwide including BBC Horizon and the PBS NewsHour, talking about GI symptoms, diet and nutrition and the microbiome differences seen in individuals with autism.  


 
He is currently featured on AutismSpeaks.org in an online medical video series he developed and co-produced with Autism Speaks called: Office Hours with GI Specialist Tim Buie


 
Dr. Buie has been honored for his efforts caring for children with autism receiving the Professional of the Year by the Autism Society of America in 2010, the Margaret Bauman Award for Autism Care and the Partners in Excellence Award 2014. 


 
Dr. Buie consults on all of The Autism Think Tank, NJ cases with our renowned team of doctors. He is compassionate, meticulous in his work and revered by both families and his peers. 


Autism Think Tank
Family Events and Fundraisers
PAST EVENTS......

(Guest Artists The Muffs and The Bangles)

February 28, 2015
Wild Honey Orchestra
Presents
The Beatles 
"White" Album
Alex Theater
Glendale, CA

December 23, 2014
Holiday Toy Drive
 at
The Bounce Factory

September 28, 2014
Wild Honey Orchestra 
 and 
Trunkworthy 
 Present
Big Star 
Third and #1 Live
Wilshire Ebell Theater
Los Angeles, CA

August 6, 2014
Hillsborough Rotary Fair
Special Needs Family Event

June 12, 2014
Warren Lions Expo Carnival
Special Needs Family Event

June 2, 2014
Twilight at Ninety Acres
Featuring Jazz Legend 
Bucky Pizzarelli
Ninety Acres at Natirar

May 5, 2014
Financial Resources Foundation Gala
The Palace at Somerset Park

April 28, 2014
Autism Awareness Month 
Bounce Factory 
 Special Needs Family Event

March 1, 2014
Wild Honey Orchestra 
Presents
Beatles Revolver 
and Abbey Road
Wilshire Ebell Theater
Los Angeles, CA


News from the .......  

Autism Think Tank, NJ

 

 


Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

April is Autism Awareness Month.

How aware are you?

 

Research shows;

 

1:68 children in the US have autism

1:45 children in NJ have autism

1:29 boys in NJ have autism

70% of children with autism have gastrointestinal disorders

20-30% of children with autism will have epilepsy

36% of children with autism have food allergies or sensitivities

49% of children with autism will "elope" or "wander" from safety 

91% of lethal wandering cases occur by accidental drowning in body of water.

(Stats provided by NIH, CDC, IAN, NCMEC, Autism Speaks, National Center for Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

 

Autism Awareness Month is a time to reflect on this medically complex disorder and it's affects which reach far and wide into families and communities around the world. 

 

Autism has no boundaries.

 

The Autism Think Tank, NJ addresses these issues through international medical videoconferences and community outreach programs. Our renowned physicians from across the United States help families and doctors resolve complicated medical issues through a collaborative team approach. Our community events bring families together in sensory safe environments to promote positive family experiences.  

 

In partnership with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, The Autism Think Tank will sponsor educational seminars on wandering and elopement to help to reduce the tragic outcomes of wandering behaviors. This spring and summer, live and internationally streamed seminars will be held for first responders, law enforcement, educators and professionals in New Jersey, California and Florida. 

Stay tuned for upcoming seminar dates.

 


 
Grants are now available for families in need of medical videoconferencing with the Autism Think Tank experts. On February 28, 2015, The Wild Honey Orchestra and guest singers lit up the Alex Theater in Glendale, California to raise over $33,000 for The Autism Think Tank! Over 70 artists including The Bangles' Vicki and Debbie Peterson performed the Beatles "White" Album for a full house of 1400 guests. It was another outstanding show produced by Paul Rock and David Jenkins in honor of Paul's son Jake, who has autism. 

 

Check out the video of the grand finale "Hey Jude" performed by the entire Wild Honey ensemble.

Hey Jude - Christine Collister & the Wild Honey crew at The Beatles' The White Album show 2-28-15
Hey Jude - Christine Collister & the Wild Honey crew at The Beatles' The White Album show 2-28-15

 

We are beyond grateful for the effort and enthusiasm the Wild Honey family brings to each show to help support the mission of The Autism Think Tank. 

 

If you would like to receive information about Autism Think Tank grants, please click on the link below.

 

Grant Information Request 

 

In the spirit of music and giving, UCLA and Autism Think Tank Allergy/Immunologist, Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, presented a piano to Paul Rock for his son Jake at the Wild Honey show. Dr. Tachdjian is the founder of The Children's Music Fund which provides instruments and music therapy to individuals with life altering illnesses.


 


 

Autism Think Tank Gastroenterologist, Dr. Timothy Buie, from the Lurie Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, has created informational videos on gastrointestinal disorders affecting individuals with autism. Too often, symptoms of GI distress are difficult to recognize in non-verbal individuals, stifling a timely diagnosis and proper intervention. Symptoms of GI distress can unknowingly be expressed as self-injurious and aggressive behaviors resulting in behavioral intervention as opposed to medical treatment. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders can lead to severe health issues and symptoms should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist with specific training in autism. To learn more, Office Hours with Dr. Buie can be viewed at AutismSpeaks.org or by clicking on the links below.


 

Acid Reflux Q & A with Dr. Buie
 

Autism, Probiotics and Dietary Fiber Q & A with Dr. Buie 

 

GI Related Sleep Issues with Dr. Buie 

 

We are proud to feature our distinguished gastroenterologist, Dr. Buie, in this month's "Spotlight on Autism Think Tank Doctor...." where you can read about his many accomplishments and significant contributions to the field of autism. 

 

In honor of Autism Awareness Month we hope you will consider making a donation to The Autism Think Tank, NJ so that we may continue our mission to help individuals and families who struggle with medically complex autism.

 

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Click here to donate

 

Stay tuned for Autism Think Tank family outings with the NY YANKEES and NY METS!! 

 

 

Happy Spring!



Sheri A. Marino, MA, CCC-SLP
Executive Director  

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Corporate sponsors are needed for all local and national events. Promote your business with these amazing opportunities to be recognized in press releases, websites, signage, social media and more. 

Please email Sheri Marino at 
sheri@autismthinktanknj.com 
for more information  
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In Other News

 

The Chai Center for Jewish Life has teamed up with the Autism Think Tank, NJ to develop a list of FREE services for families with special needs which have been generously donated by the membership. Please click on the link below to access the list of services that are available to families with special needs. We are sincerely grateful to those individuals who have so kindly offered their services to families in need. Please call the center to access services on the list.



 


Press Box

Autism Medical Center
In The News........





 



  

 


LINKS
  
Children's Specialized Hospital

Aquinas Special Needs Services

Mt. Bethel Village

Rocking Horse Rehab

Ashrams for Autism

Distinctive Care

The Children's Music Fund

  

 

 

DID YOU KNOW....... 

 

 

 

....that abdominal pain from reflux, constipation or even headaches may be reasons for self injurious or other new repetitive behaviors?

 

 

 

....that food allergies in children with autism can masquerade as a number of symptoms and conditions that can present as abnormal social behavior?

 

 

 

....that medically complex children and adults with autism commonly have adverse reactions to medications easily tolerated by the general population?

 

 


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The Autism Think Tank is 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization that relies on contributions from individuals, organizations, and corporations to fulfill its mission of providing comprehensive assessment and treatment, community outreach, research and education. Any amount of help will make a difference in the lives of families who struggle with autism daily. It is our goal to offer the Autism Think Tank to any family regardless of their ability to pay. We hope you will consider making a tax deductible donation today. 
 
                              Make a Donation 


The Autism Think Tank, NJ
16 Mt. Bethel Rd. Box 321
Warren, NJ 07059
ph 732-805-9242
fax 732-667-7780

www.autismthinktanknj.com

 

Mission Statement

The Autism Think Tank, NJ is an internationally recognized 501(c)(3) (Non-profit) organization whose mission is to facilitate the medical and psychosocial stabilization of the child and family. Bringing together a team of world renowned medical experts via telemedicine, the Autism Think Tank, NJ is designed to provide a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism. The Autism Think Tank is committed to improving the lives of children and families in the home, school and community through comprehensive case management, community outreach, research and education.