Empowering Families and Advancing ASD Awareness: TLI's Impact at the National TACA Autism Conference

At the Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI), we’ve always believed in the power of knowledge, the impact of collaboration and the significance of sharing insights. Our recent sponsorship at the National TACA Autism Conference, held in Costa Mesa, CA from October 20-22, 2023, exemplified these principles.

The conference drew an astounding attendance of over 1300 individuals, each with a unique story and a shared journey - that of autism. Families, experts, mentors, vendors and like-minded individuals from across the nation united under one roof to learn, to connect and to seek the latest insights aimed at maximizing their loved ones' potential and enhancing their quality of life.

A Lifeline for Families Touched by Autism

The Autism Community in Action’s (TACA) national conference was more than an event -- it was a lifeline for families touched by autism. We believe in not only raising awareness, but more importantly, providing tangible support and resources. At the conference, we witnessed families who found hope, individuals who found understanding and children who found opportunities.

Our commitment to the conference was unwavering. TLI was privileged to sponsor two pivotal events during the conference: the Physician Panel and the Think Tank session.

The Physician Panel: Where Expertise Meets Inquiry

Our Physician Panel brought together four remarkable physicians, each renowned in their field. Anju Usman Singh, MD, FAAFP, ABIHM, FMAPS, Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP, Darin Ingels, ND and Erica Peirson, ND who addressed an array of critical topics. The panel offered invaluable insights from exploring dietary solutions to managing gut issues, discussing the balance between medication and dietary or homeopathic approaches and addressing the unique challenges of puberty in children with autism.

This interaction was not just a dialogue between experts -- it was an exchange of hope. The audience, comprised of parents, caregivers and fellow medical professionals, had their questions answered and their concerns addressed. It was a moment of shared knowledge and shared understanding.

The Think Tank Session: A Hub of Innovation

TLI's sponsorship also extended to the Think Tank session, a hub of innovation and a testament to the advancements in autism research. Here, we showcased emerging research on a range of critical topics, including seizures, intracellular ferroptosis, GABA and purine signaling networks, thiamine deficiency and chronic pain relief. The groundbreaking Autism Knowledge Gateway took the spotlight, presenting a game-changing resource in development.

Introducing the Autism Knowledge Gateway

The Autism Knowledge Gateway is a dynamic resource designed to empower clinicians, parents and educators with a rich repository of peer-reviewed research. It offers comprehensive information on available programs and resources dedicated to supporting ASD families. Furthermore, a collaborative chat room within the Gateway facilitates in-depth discussions of case studies and current research among clinicians.

Our Vision: Accessible Information for All

 The United States continues to witness a concerning rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 1 in 36 children affected. Families navigating this journey often face overwhelming challenges in seeking the right resources and treatments for their children. TACA plays a pivotal role in bridging this gap, educating the autism community with up-to-date insights on research, therapies and treatments.

As we reflect on our journey at the TACA Autism Conference, we see it as a culmination of our efforts, a celebration of shared wisdom and a testament to the resilience and strength of the autism community. We look forward to the future, where we continue to work tirelessly, alongside remarkable individuals and organizations like TACA, to create a brighter, more informed and supportive world for those touched by autism.

To learn more about TACA and their remarkable work, please visit www.tacanow.org. Together, we can illuminate the path to a better, more inclusive future for the autism community.

Read more in our recent press release here.