Scientific and Clinical Advisory Council
SafeMinds Scientific & Clinical Advisory Council is comprised of clinicians, health professionals, and scientists from a variety of disciplines, including, among others, specialists and experts in autism, environment, toxicology, pediatrics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and psychology.
José G. Dórea, Ph.D.
Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Brasília
A graduate of the University of Pernambuco with advanced degrees from the University of Massachusetts (MSc and PhD), Dr. Dorea has worked at Iowa State University (USA), University of Hawaii (USA), and University of Campinas (Brazil). He has authored numerous book chapters, and has published on infant nutrition and the environmental impact of toxic (natural and man made) substances on the growth and development of children. Dr. Dorea is on the editorial board of peer-reviewed scientific journals, and has authored and co-authored more than 180 papers in journals of public health, medical and environmental sciences, toxicology, and pharmacology.
Cindy Schneider, MD
Medical Director, Center for Autism Research and Education
Dr. Schneider is the Medical Director of CARE, the Center for Autism Research and Education. Her integrative medical practice is exclusively dedicated to individuals with autism and related neurological and immune disorders. Dr. Schneider’s areas of special interest include treatment of the immune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic aspects of autism and the identification of environmental toxins contributing to the autism epidemic. She has designed and implemented multiple research studies, and collaborated with researchers worldwide. Dr. Schneider’s priorities in both her medical practice and her research include the identification of the causes of autism, the formulation of effective treatment protocols, and the prevention of autism in future generations.
Dr. Schneider has served as a member of the Defeat Autism Now! think tank since 1997, and serves on the Clinician Advisory Committee at the Autism Research Institute. She was the founding president and medical director of two nonprofit organizations for autism research, and is a medical advisor for SafeMinds. Dr. Schneider has published extensively in the areas of genetic vulnerability to environmental toxins, and innovative treatments for the gastrointestinal and immune complications of autism.
As the mother of two children with autism and a leading authority in the field, Dr. Schneider closely tracks developments in autism research, and provides both a medical and personal assessment of current and promising treatment options.
Robert Sears, M.D.
Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician in a full-time private practice in Dana Point, Calif. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University, and did his pediatric residency training at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. “Dr. Bob,” as he likes to be called by his little patients, provides a unique blend of mainstream and integrative medical care. He is a co-author in the Sears Parenting Library, including The Baby Book and The Portable Pediatrician, and is the author of The Vaccine Book, The Autism Book, and HappyBaby: The Organic Guide to Baby’s First 24 Months. Dr. Bob has appeared on Dr. Oz, The Doctors, CNN, CBS Early Show, Fox Morning News, and Dr. Phil discussg parenting advice and pediatric health issues. He is a frequent speaker at parenting conferences, and serves on the medical advisory board for various organizations, including Talk About Curing Autism, Autism Care and Treatment Today, HappyBaby Organic Baby Food, and Kaplan University Department of Health Sciences. Dr. Bob is a contributor to AskDrSears.com, and regularly answers questions on his Mothering.com Ask the Experts forum.
How Effective is Preemptive ASD Intervention for At-Risk Infants?
A fascinating new investigation published in JAMA Pediatrics has determined that preemptive intervention for infants showing early behavioral signs of autism led to a significant reduction in the severity of ASD behaviors in early childhood.
Oxytocin Trial Reveals Disappointing Results
An original article published in the New England Journal of Medicine has delivered disappointing news for parents and researchers counting on positive results in an oxytocin clinical trial for children with autism.
Research on Nightmares Conducted on Children with Autism
Study Also Examined Nightmares in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Kids Nightmares are commonly defined as disturbing mental experiences that awaken the dreamer. They typically occur during the REM sleep cycle and include negative emotions of terror, fear, and anxiety. The first nightmare experience tends to happen around three years old […]
Study Shows Oxidative Stress and Impaired Methylation are Hallmarks of ASD
Building upon a previous study which demonstrated that gene expression of B12 and folate-dependent enzyme methionine synthase was lower in individuals with autism, a new study has shown that oxidative stress (i.e. low antioxidant levels) and impaired methylation are telltale signs of autism.
Investigating Levels of Physical Activity in Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disability
Adults on the spectrum with co-occurring intellectual disability have an increased risk for developing obesity, hypertension and diabetes compared to neurotypical adults. Lack of physical activity has been linked to developing these adverse health conditions. Additionally, physical inactivity is recognized as a severe public health problem and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
Does Fidgeting Drive You Crazy?
You are Not Alone, 33% of the Population Has Sensitivities to Fidgeting Fidgeting is a common feature of autism. It is sometimes referred to as “stimming”. Approximately 80% of children with autism have some type of movement disorder. Fidgeting or stimming are sensation-seeking behaviors that can ease feelings of anxiety, frustration, or boredom. Examples of […]
