For Immediate Release Contact: Janice Gregory, Developer/Organizer (618) 593-5146 jgregory01@msn.

com WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY PROGRAM IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL ST. LOUIS METRO AUTISM FORUM: Free Forum Returning With New Information and Speakers On Autism ST. LOUIS, MO November 1, 2011 On April 14, 2012, people from around the St. Louis Metro Area will gather together to share information regarding research as well as educational and transitional services for autism.. They will meet at the Washington University Occupational Therapy Auditorium, located at 4444 Forest Park Ave in St. Louis, Missouri, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM for the St. Louis Metro Autism Forum. This forum and its discussion will touch on various aspects of life with autism, topics facing those with such issues, and how we as a community can come together to better their lives. The St. Louis Metro Autism Forum is now in its third year of innovative thinking and pushing the community to strive for better awareness and understanding of autism issues. The Forum, and its Developer/Organizer Janice Gregory, endeavors to bring together people who can help them reach these goals and work towards them daily. The desire is for the community to have an even broader perspective about autism and gain huge takeaways from the forum. In addition, individuals have the opportunity to interact with professionals treating, researching, etc. autism, states Developer, Organizer Janice Gregory. There will be a total of five speakers at the event. From Washington University, we will hear from Dr. Claudia Hilton, Dr. John Pruett and Dr. John Constantino. As well as Paula Kanyo and Renee Van Horn from MO-FEAT. The Forums moderator is yet to be determined. Attendees to the Forum will have an opportunity to learn more about such topics as, Funding Sources for Special Needs, Genetic Autism Research African-Americans, Occupational Therapy, and Autism Health Insurance Legislation. After these topics are addressed, the floor will be opened for unrestricted discussion and questions from the audience. The Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy is the sponsor of the St. Louis Metro Autism Forum and proudly supports the Forums effort to increase awareness about resources and assistance. We are privileged to take part in this event to help further the understanding of autism spectrum disorders among families and the professionals and students who provide services for them. We hope the valuable information presented by this superb group of speakers will help to improve the lives of those families, Steve Taff, PhD, OTR/L,

Associate Director of Professional Programs, Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy. The forum is free and open to the public and welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of this important event. For more information, contact Janice Gregory at (618) 593-5146. RSVP with Bonnie Logsdon at (314) 286-1606.