PESI
Information
Neurodevelopment, Co‑Occurring Conditions & Medical Supports in Autism
Copyright :
Length: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Description
Autism emerges within a complex neurodevelopmental context that often includes medical, cognitive, emotional, and physiological differences. This session offers a concise framework for understanding brain development in autism, common co occurring conditions, and the appropriate role of pharmacological and nutritional supports within comprehensive, practical, neurodiversity affirming care.
- Neurodevelopmental foundations of autism, cognition, and self regulation across childhood
- Common co occurring conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances, GI concerns, and mood differences
- Overview of pharmacological supports: indications, benefits, limitations, and monitoring within ethical autism care
- Nutritional considerations, feeding-related challenges, and evidence informed dietary supports
- Collaborative decision making strategies that respect autonomy and support whole child functioning
Speakers
Raun Melmed, MD
Raun D. Melmed, MD, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician specializing in children with trauma and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, and Fragile X. He is co-founder and medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, founded the Melmed Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and now directs developmental medicine consultants.
Raun has set up nationally recognized physician training programs for the early identification of infants and toddlers with developmental and behavioral disorders. He is an investigator of early diagnostic tools along with novel psychopharmacological and digital therapeutic modalities for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
He is the author of The ST4 Mindfulness Series for Children including topics such as ADHD, Screen Time Management, Anxiety, Emotion Explosiveness, Socialization, Bullying and Self Esteem, all published by Familius.
He is also the author of books for families including Autism: Early Intervention; Autism and the Extended Family; and Autism Parent Handbook: Beginning with the End Goal in Mind.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Raun Melmed is the co-founder and medical director of Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and has an employment relationship with Phoenix Children's Hospital. He is on faculty at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Creighton Medical School, and First Place Academy. He receives grants from Zynerba and Curemark and is a stock holder with Cortica. Dr. Melmed receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Dr. Raun Melmed is a fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics. He serves on the Arizona Advisory Board Division of Developmental Disabilities and is an advisor with First Place Academy.
