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.
Another Suramin Study Shows Promise for Treating Core Symptoms of Autism
Research Involved an Intravenous Form of Suramin Called PAX-101 Exciting news surrounding a potential autism medication was delivered from New Jersey last week. PaxMedica, a biopharmaceutical company, announced impressive results from their phase 2 dose-ranging clinical trial investigating their product PAX-101 (IV suramin) as a potential therapeutic to alleviate core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder […]
Most Medical Doctors View the Lives of Individuals with Disabilities as Subpar
Lead Author of New Study Calls Findings, “Very Disturbing” Approximately 12% of Americans have at least one disability. Growing evidence shows that individuals living with disabilities experience healthcare disparities compared to the general population. A new study published in the journal Health Affairs was the first of its kind to examine doctors’ attitudes on treating […]
Psilocybin May Become a Future Autism Treatment
Psychedelics Show Promise for Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic/psychedelic substance that works by activating serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that affects mood, cognition, and perception. Recently, psychedelics have shown acceptable safety and efficacy in treating various neuropsychiatric disorders. They have also demonstrated sustained prosocial behavior and helped […]
Newly Licensed Drivers with Autism Have Better Driving Records Than Neurotypical Peers
However, Additional Road Training May Benefit Drivers with ASD A new study has found that young drivers with autism have lower rates of moving violations, license suspensions and crash rates compared to their neurotypical peers. This research was produced by a collaboration between the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) and the Center for […]
Surprising New Findings Surrounding the Role of Astrocytes in the Brain and Gut
Advances in the Study of Astrocytes Show Promise in Controlling Brain Inflammation and Treating Epilepsy Astrocytes are the most common cells found within the central nervous system (CNS). Even though these cells are abundant, astrocytes have long been poorly understood. Now, two recent studies are shedding more light on the function of astrocytes. These new […]
Suicide 3 Times More Prevalent for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Women on the Spectrum and Those with Additional Psychiatric Conditions Have an Even Higher Risk of Suicide New research generated from Denmark has discovered a shocking new statistic. People with autism have more than three times the rate of suicide and suicide attempt compared to the general population. The Danish research team’s study also reported […]
