SEATTLE (PRWEB)
December 03, 2020

Charity work is an important indicator to show progress in human civilization. Individuals and companies in China are starting to actively play an exemplary role in charity work to create a more equal and friendly atmosphere in society.

Especially during this difficult year in 2020, charities in China have demonstrated strong organizational capabilities and quick response speeds. Currently China’s charitable organizations including foundations, social groups and social service organizations, lead the world in education, disease treatment and prevention, and disaster relief.

In September 2020, the Tencent Charity Platform brought together hundreds of charitable organizations and well-known companies to launch the “99 Giving Day,” aimed at providing relief for people in China’s disaster-stricken areas and impoverished regions.

In October 2020, Soul App and WABC Charity Foundation launched the “I’m Not Lonely Because of Being Different” charity exhibition. This exhibition was open to the public at the Su Shanghai Community Art Museum and helped bring the attention of the Autistic community to more people.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction and may also include repetitive and limited interests and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, the global average prevalence rate for autism is 0.62%, which is about 1 in every 160 children. WABC is a charity foundation that focuses on providing free art therapy services for people with intellectual disabilities, including those with autism.

This charity event included an online registration, a call for theme paintings, and offline mentoring and art exhibition set up. Volunteers recruited from Soul App and students with special needs of WABC worked together to create paintings with the theme of “Please Visit My Planet”, and SOUL collected paintings with the theme of “I Will Come to Your Planet”. A total of 30 paintings were collected for the exhibition to publicly display. With this charity exhibition, SOUL provided a kind space for the autistic children to express themselves through painting and gave the special Autistic community with a platform to gain more social attention. On Soul App, users actively participate in charitable activities, showing love and positive energy. In the future Soul App will continue to work with WABC to establish long-term cooperation for more community service work and to be able to spread equality and kindness to more people in need.

About SOUL

Soul App went online in November of 2160 and is committed to creating a new generation intelligent social platform that promotes equality, kindness, and efficiency. Users can express themselves with kindness and equality on the platform, and hundreds of millions of young people have shared their lives and spread kindness on SOUL.

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PEKIN, Ill. (PRWEB)
December 03, 2020

In a first from iaedp™’s International Chapter, an eating disorders treatment training course is presented in all Spanish virtually by its renowned collective of experts including Dra. Rosanna Mauro, MS, CEDRD-S, Dra. Julieta Velez-Belmonte, PsyD, CEDS, NCC-OPCA, Dra. Juanita Gempeler Rueda, MD, FAED, Dr. Rodrigo León, PsyD, Dr. Antonio Tena, PsyD, Dra. Aridia Vásquez, MD, MS, RD, Dra. Eva Trujillo, MD, F.iaedp, FAED, Dra. Zuleika Morillo, MD, and Dr. Emmett Bishop, MD, FAED, F.iaedp, CEDS.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp™) is a premiere provider of educational programs and training standards for eating disorder treatment specialists and other healthcare professionals. Its International Chapter proudly serves a global community.

“This is a very special and rare opportunity for healthcare professionals who need this training in Spanish from the very best in the field of eating disorders treatment,” said Blanche Williams, iaedp™ Director of International Development.

The cost for 11 expert sessions with two roundtable discussions is $130; students with credentials is $100; those who register with a friend is $100 each and registrants must include the name of each person in the registry. A Certificate of Participation will be awarded at completion of the training.

The training program presenters and workshops available in the course presentations include:

Brief Introduction to the Integrative Treatment of Eating Disorders – Dra. Julieta Velez-Belmonte, PsyD, CEDS, NCC-OPCA and Dra. Rosanna Mauro, MS, CEDRD-S

Functional Body: A Comprehensive and Novel Alternative to Managing Body Distortion on Eating Disorders – Dra. Juanita Gempeler Rueda, MD, FAED

Eating Disorders Prevention Model Based on Risk Level – Dr. Rodrigo León PsyD

Study and Clinical Practice of Binge Eating Disorder, Proposals Towards Its Comprehensive Care – Dr. Antonio Tena, PsyD

Beyond Food: Integrative Nutrition Therapy for Eating Disorders – Dra. Aridia Vásquez, MD, MS, RD

Eating Disorders from a Preventive Medical Perspective – Dra. Eva Trujillo, MD, F.iaedp, FAED

Roundtable- Feeding Disorders, Pica, Rumination Disorder – Dra. Aridia Vásquez, MD, MS, RD; Dra. Julieta Vélez-Belmonte, PsyD, CEDS, NBCC-OPCA; Dra. Zuleika Morillo, MD; Dra. Juanita Gempeler Rueda MD, FAED

From Theory to Practice: Role of the Psychiatrist in Eating Disorders – Dra. Zuleika Murillo, MD

ACT as a Strategy for Managing Personality Traits in Patients with Eating Disorders – Dr. Emmett Bishop, MD, FAED, F.iaedp, CEDS

Psychological Aspects of Eating Disorders and Body Image – Dra. Julieta Vélez-Belmonte, PsyD, CEDS, NBCC-OPCA

Reconstructing Eating Identity in Eating Disorders: A Key Factor for Recovery – Dra. Rosanna Mauro, MS, CEDRD-S, NBC-HWC

Round Table: ARFID – Dr. Emmett Bishop, Dra. Eva Trujillo, Dra. Rosanna Mauro.

REGISTRATION: https://iaedp.site-ym.com/event/ElCuerpoTerritorioDeLaImagen

Learn more about our International Chapter:

https://membershare.iaedp.com/international-chapter/

https://membershare.iaedp.com/international-chapter/en-espanol/

About the iaedp™ Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp™ business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and International Chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

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Symphony of Memories Quilt

Through VTI’s work globally, increasingly more people have improved personal interactions with people with dementia.

BETHESDA, Md. (PRWEB)
November 25, 2020

In celebration of #GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020, Meridian Senior Living’s more than 75 communities will show their support for the Validation Training Institute. With each donation to the organization, the donor will be entered into a drawing to win a quilt that Meridian commissioned and named the Symphony of Memories.

The quilt honors the role that music plays in the care of those with dementia. The quilt features beautiful fall colors and is constructed of quality fabrics depicting instruments and music notes. Meridian has long celebrated the work done by the Validation Training Institute (VTI) and its mission to train and educate people on effective communication techniques with residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“I have personally experienced thousands of people’s lives greatly impacted in a positive way when caregivers utilize Validation techniques,” expresses Kevin Carlin, Owner, Meridian Senior Living and Volunteer Board Member for VTI. “Through VTI’s work globally, increasingly more people have improved personal interactions with people with dementia.”

Individuals interested in making a difference and being entered into the drawing, can donate to VTI through a dedicated GoFundMe page (msl.life/ValidationFundraiser2020) through December 31, 2020. Meridian Senior Living will proudly announce the winner of the drawing on January 4th, 2020.

GivingTuesday (givingtuesday.org) is a “Global Generosity Movement” that urges people and organizations to donate time, funds, or offer a voice about a significant cause in their local community to make a positive impact. GivingTuesday was founded in 2012 as a simple idea of instituting one day for people to give back to their local or global community. Today, it has grown into a global undertaking including hundreds of millions of participants inspired to celebrate generosity. Meridian Senior Living has chosen to support VTI for GivingTuesday after years of seeing VTI’s methodology greatly benefit its residents.

Founded by Naomi Feil in 1983, VTI is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit organization that offers progressively developed certification levels and training programs in addition to a network of national and regional Validation organizations to disseminate information, train interested individuals, and maintain the Validation Method, a distinct way of communicating with those with dementia. VTI’s ultimate objective is to “nurture respect, dignity and well-being in the lives of older adults experiencing age related decline and their caregivers.” Validation helps reduce stress, enhances dignity and promotes happiness. Built on an empathetic and holistic approach, Validation asks caregivers to ‘step into the shoes’ of those with dementia and ‘see through their eyes’ to understand the meaning of their often-complex behaviors. This method allows seniors the opportunity to express, both verbal and non-verbal, their often-suppressed feelings and needs.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates senior housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 75 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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LOMBARD, Ill. (PRWEB)
November 19, 2020

“This clinic is a critical step forward for ATG’s mission: To provide high-quality, clinically proven services to clients and families impacted by autism.”

Those are CEO Mark Jackson’s remarks on the opening of The Autism Therapy Group’s new treatment center here in Lombard, IL.

The New Autism Treatment Group Center

The center, at 991 Oak Creek Drive, occupies 16,000 square feet and has dedicated areas for offices, conferences, one-on-one teaching, and activities. Over the course of its development and growth, the center will create many new jobs for area residents in high-paying, specialized fields.

ATG was previously focused entirely on home therapy. The group has patients all across western Chicagoland. The Lombard location is an easily accessible home base — an opportunity to expand access while staying close to clients’ homes.

This new autism treatment clinic has been in planning for over a year, a development phase coinciding roughly with the leadership handoff to Jackson in December 2018. The plans do not stop with the opening.

The vision for the new facilities includes camps during school breaks, a shuttle service, an outdoor playground, and general site expansion. For now, ATG is focused on safety, distancing, and meeting or exceeding all CDC guidelines.

The Difference at ATG

The ABA industry has up to 75% turnover for Registered Behavior Technicians, as reported on Forbes. On the low end, the estimate is about 30% turnover annually. This leads to retraining costs, interruptions in care, and lack of consistency in many clinics.

ATG stands out with high employee satisfaction. Jackson has cited respecting employee time as one of the primary contributors to this — caregivers get the personal time they need to stay committed to the organization’s vision. This, in turn, allows everyone to focus on quality of care.

The goal is not just to keep people on board, but to build community by generating internal referrals of new employees. If the opening of the expansive new center is any indication, the people-first strategy seems to be working for everyone’s benefit.

The Need for More Treatment Centers

Lombard already has one ABA treatment center: a branch of a large, regional chain. There are several others dotting the western suburbs. However, the need for more is obvious — the nationwide status quo consists of waiting lists, delayed assessment times, and at-capacity facilities.

The cause of these overfull centers: An increase in the prevalence of ASD. As more data begin to emerge, the scope of the issue is becoming clearer.

The change is dramatic. In 2000, CDC data identified about 1 in 150 children as having an ASD. In 2016, that estimate had already risen to 1 in 54.

Rather than a cause for alarm, this indicates advances in data collection and autism diagnosis. In fact, it is good news for most parents of children with autism: More accurate, earlier identification of ASDs often leads to improved treatment outcomes.

What are the specific influences on the increase? More accurate identification of ASD, more widespread awareness of the specific symptoms of the condition, and technical changes to the diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the handbook for mental health professionals — have all been factors in the rising number of known cases, according to Scientific American. The CDC plans to expand sampling in upcoming studies, so we can expect the number to change again soon.

A Clear Path Forward

It seems that all of these statistics are secondary to the overarching vision of The Autism Therapy Group. When asked why he worked in ABA, Jackson replied, “I get to wake up each morning focused on a single goal: making a difference in children’s lives.”

For now, there is no waitlist at the new center. ATG invites parents or other caretakers to call (847) 465-9556 at any time.

Answering services are available in Spanish and English.

https://atgtogether.com/lombard-clinic/

References

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2018/11/07/improving-retention-in-aba-services/

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-reasons-autism-rates-are-up-in-the-u-s/

Media Contact:

Mark L. Jackson

Chief Executive Officer

mark.jackson@theautismtherapygroup.com

Office: 847-465-9556

Cell: 312-339-5137

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB)
November 17, 2020

Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center, Dubai announces today groundbreaking findings of a new research study on the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in younger children. The results, published in the international, peer-reviewed journal, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, share breakthrough findings in ASD research. For the first time in medical literature, researchers describe a complete resolution of ASD core signs and symptoms using a combination of FDA approved pharmacological medications and standard supportive therapies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, difficulties with communication and social interaction.

Worldwide, the prevalence of ASD is increasing at an alarming rate yet understanding causes of ASD still at large remain unclear. It is well documented however, that care and management for ASD patients has a significant socioeconomic impact consistently across the globe.

Due to limitations of published data on costs of ASD patient management locally, a review of published data in the United States of America, where ASD affects one in 59 children, showed societal costs of managing ASD in 2015 were a staggering $268 billion. This figure, which had increased more than six-fold since 2006, is further estimated to rise to $461 billion by 2025 following existing treatment approaches. This data highlights the critical need for progressing knowledge to support ASD treatment and management.

Currently, ASD is considered to be a non-curable disorder. As stated in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS, USA) fact sheet for ASD, “There is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can improve those symptoms.” [1]

However, recent findings published by Dr. Hamza Alsayouf at the Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center in Dubai, provide promising hope. This pivotal study shares data which reveals pharmacological intervention resulted in an absolute and complete resolution of ASD core signs and symptoms in younger children aged four and older. [2]

In this study, 18 children diagnosed with ASD were successfully treated following treatment protocols developed by the Dubai Healthcare City based center, using risperidone and aripiprazole. Both drugs, which are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, are used for the treatment of challenging behaviors such as irritability, aggression, and self-injury that coexist with ASD in children aged five and above. The findings reported in this study include ten patients (56%) showing unprecedented complete resolution of their core ASD signs and symptoms, while the remaining eight patients (44%) exhibiting significant improvements in their symptoms ranging from 60 to 80%. Furthermore, these improvements were reported stable with no regression observed during the follow-up period.

These breakthrough findings are the result of Dr Hamza Alsayouf’s, Director of Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center. dedicated and long-term commitment to advance knowledge on the use of pharmacological intervention in ASD. “We are extremely pleased that our research is being published at an international platform. This is an area of much-needed focus. This study shows for the first time that, against the prevailing opinion, ASD signs and symptoms can indeed be completely resolved,” said Dr. Alsayouf. He further added, “While we have many video testimonials for ASD children who have been treated successfully at our center over the years, our aim was to ensure our impressive results are published in reputable scientific literature to substantiate our experience in the treatment of ASD.”

This retrospective study expands the evidence-based use of FDA-approved medications that have been available for many years and believed only be effective in managing behavioral issues. “Based on our extensive center experience and applying in-depth scientific evidence, we have demonstrated that use of these medications can help to target the core signs and symptoms of ASD, and not just to treat behavioral issues. We strongly believe that ASD is neuropsychiatric in nature and shares many features with other neuropsychiatric diseases and needs to be approached the same way,” said Dr. Alsayouf.

“We have found chronic use of these medications for more than one to two years is key as well as individualizing treatment plans. Finding the optimal combination and tailoring doses of medications for each patient following a personalized approach is crucial and it is imperative to optimize overall patient outcome. As this study shows, when indicated, the use of ADHD medications in addition to antipsychotic medications helped control ADHD symptoms and boost attention which plays a major role in the learning process,” added Dr. Alsayouf.

In the study, Dr. Alsayouf provided a treatment algorithm and explained every patient’s treatment journey, with the hope to stimulate further controlled clinical research.

This study shows that early tailored pharmacological intervention along with early intervention standard supportive therapies can successfully treat core signs and symptoms in younger ASD patients. It is anticipated that a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study will be performed to validate these findings and further support development of a cure for this chronic and devastating disorder.

As Dr. Alsayouf concluded, “While it may take us decades to uncover the underlying causes of ASD, this should not divert our attention away from treating this debilitating condition from what we know today. We believe our case series will prove to be a big eye-opener.”

The study appears in volume 20 of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

About Dr. Hamza A Alsayouf, MD

Dr. Alsayouf is an American Board-certified Pediatric Neurologist who completed his training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, from 2006–2009. He is the founder and owner of the Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center at Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

About the Journal

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment is an international, peer-reviewed and open-access journal, (5-year impact factor, 2.6) reporting on clinical therapeutics and pharmacology research on a range of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment is the official journal of The International Neuropsychiatric Association (INA).

About the Study Center

Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center is a pediatric neurology clinic and pediatric rehabilitation center located in Dubai Healthcare City. The Center is the first independent pediatric neuroscience facility in Dubai that specializes in child neurology and child rehabilitation.

Kids Neuro Clinic and Rehab Center intends to publish further research in this area and encourages interest from individuals and industry wishing to collaborate in its ASD research program.

Website: https://www.kidsneuroandrehab.com/

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Hamza Alsayouf

Email: Leeamra1000@gmail.com

Tel: 0097145570326

References

NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet. September 2015. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet

Alsayouf HA, Talo H, Biddappa ML, et al. Pharmacological Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Standard Supportive Therapies Significantly Improves Core Signs and Symptoms: A Single-Center, Retrospective Case Series. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. https://www.dovepress.com/pharmacological-intervention-in-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDT