LIA Foundation Hosts Conference on the Link Between Lyme Disease and Autism

by Tami Duncan

Many leading doctors and researchers are now suggesting that up to 90% of children with Autism are infected with the borrelia bacteria, which is the causative bacterial agent that causes Lyme disease. With Autism numbers increasing to a staggering 1 out of 150 children, it is clear that physicians and parents need to educate themselves on how to help these children.

Parents have formed the Lyme Induced Autism (LIA) Foundation with goals focusing on awareness, education and research. The LIA Foundation held it’s first physician’s “think tank” in January 2007, which was considered a great success. However, it is clear that more work needs to be done.

The foundation is holding it’s first Lyme-Autism Connection Conference in Irvine, CA on June 22nd through the 24th. The conference is geared for parents, practitioners and Lyme disease patients. Co-Founder Tami Duncan states, “The Lyme-Autism Connection conference is a fabulous opportunity to bring the most knowledgeable of the Lyme physicians and Autism physicians together to educate the family on the proper treatments available. Parents want to know how to help their children. Our conference will bring the most cutting-edge, updated information so that parents can do just that, help heal their children”

The conference will consist of a very intensive program which includes a general sessions with topics such as, chronic co-infections in Autism Spectrum Disorders, immunology of Lyme disease and associated disorders, a story of recovery, nutritional and biomedical approaches to patients with chronic infections, and many more. A special physician’s roundtable session in which physician’s can learn proper testing, diagnosis and treatment methods will also be held.

Duncan says, “We are absolutely pleased to announce that the leading Pediatric Lyme Specialist in the country, Dr. Charles Ray Jones, will be conducting the physician’s training and he is our keynote speaker.” Children are sent from thousands of miles away to get proper treatment of their disease from this pediatric specialist, Dr. Jones. He has treated over 7,000 children who are infected with Lyme disease, many of which are also autistic.

In addition to Dr. Jones, other well-known speakers include, Anju Usman, M.D., Dr. Robert Bransfield, Dr. Lee Cowden, Professor Garth Nicholson of the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Doris Rapp M.D., Dr. Jeff Wulfman, and Geoffrey Radoff, M.D. A special Friday night workshop from the Homeopathy Center of Houston will also be presented.

“There are many more incredible speakers on the schedule as well,” says Duncan, “these are the experts in their respective fields and we are excited at how the agenda is shaping up.”

The Hyatt Regency in Irvine will be the location of this important event. Registration is now available online at www.liafoundation.org. Discount registration is available for people who register before May 30th. Exhibitor spaces are also available. There is a limited amount of space available so attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird registration price.

For more information on the LIA Foundation, please log onto www.liafoundation.org

About Autism

Autism is a disorder that currently affects 1 out of 150 children. Boys are the majority of those affected. The numbers of Autism cases spiked in the mid-late 90’s and continues to remain high. The exact cause of Autism is still unknown. However, many theories exist. Most children do improve with some sort of bio-medical intervention.

About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is generally caused by a tick bite, thought the borrelia bacteria has also been found in mosquitoes, fleas, mites and biting flies. Lyme disease can mostly be eradicated with antibiotics. Chronic Borrelia is a long-term infection that exists and can be undiagnosed Lyme disease. Current research suggests Lyme disease can potentially be transmitted via body fluids. Mother to child transmission has been seen through pregnancy.

The borrelia spirochete has also been found in breast milk, and blood products that have been in storage supply. Symptoms include, achy joints, confusion, slurring words or word retrieval problems, brain fog, sensitivity to light and sound. Lyme disease in its late stage can be fatal, causing MS like symptoms and debilitating its victims. One of the disorders in which Lyme disease is known to mimic is Autism Spectrum Disorder.

About the LIA Foundation

The foundation was started in September 2006 by the parents of children with Autism and Lyme disease. Kathy Blanco of Beaverton, Oregon and Tami Duncan of Corona, California are the founders.

The foundation’s goals are to provide awareness, education and research on the link between borrelia and Autism.

Contact information:

Tami Duncan
Lyme Induced Autism Foundation