Understanding Medical Autism Diagnosis and Setting Up Success for Autistic Students

Medical diagnostic evaluations for autism cover a broad range of functioning across settings, including schools. Findings from those evaluations can be used to develop or refine educational support plans for students. However, educators, administrators, parents and the learners themselves may still find it difficult to navigate systems that do not typically cater to all perspectives. In this talk, Drs. Greene and Kivel will outline what is involved in autism evaluations, and provide tools to create a successful support system for the learner, their social circles and families.

Rachel Greene, Ph.D., is assistant professor of pediatrics at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital where she assesses and treats children and teens with complex developmental and medical needs. She has advanced training in assessing children for autism. She specializes in evaluating how children and teens: develop, understand their environment and learn, behave, express and manage emotions, and interact with other people.

Matt Kivel, Psy.D., is assistant professor of pediatrics at OHSU’s Child Development and Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Kivel is an expert in helping families understand their child’s strengths and areas of growth. He provides assessments to help families understand if autism or other neurodevelopmental differences are contributing to any of their child’s struggles. He also helps children and teens with chronic medical conditions understand how to better manage these conditions to allow them to do the things that they want to do.

Micronutrients for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youth

Micronutrients formula has demonstrated to be effective in managing symptoms, like emotional dysregulation, in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Drawing from her expertise as a Naturopathic Doctor and postdoctoral researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, Hayleigh Ast, N.D., explores the intricate connections between nutritional factors and ADHD. In this talk, Dr. Ast  will elucidate the latest research findings on specific micronutrients and their impact on cognitive function, emphasizing their potential as modifiable factors in managing ADHD symptoms. The talk will further addresse the identification of crucial biomarkers, such as those found in gut bacteria, metabolites, and immune markers, providing educators with insights into the biological underpinnings of ADHD. Dr. Ast's presentation will empower teachers and administrators with valuable knowledge to support the well-being of their students, fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between nutrition, micronutrients, and ADHD.

Hayleigh Ast, N.D., is a naturopathic doctor and postdoctoral research in the Science of Nutrition, Affect, and Cognition in Kids (SNACK) Lab. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA and her naturopathic doctor degree from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. She joined the SNACK Lab during medical school as a volunteer and has continued working with the lab throughout her residency, which she completed at the University of California Irvine - Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Her clinical research for her post-doc focuses on gut microbial health and integrative analyses such as organic acid testing in the ADHD youth populations. Dr. Ast holds a clinical practice at Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies Inc. in Oregon City.