US Autism and Asperger Association Names New Chief Medical Officer

Salt Lake City, UT – US Autism and Asperger Association (USAAA), one of the largest voluntary autism and Asperger organizations in the United States and a world leader in providing education for interventional treatment options, today announced the appointment of Phillip C. DeMio, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer. This position is the Association's most senior clinical advisor, providing management oversight of the organization's research, surveillance, epidemiology and international programs. The Chief Medical Officer frequently serves as chief spokesperson regarding medical and scientific policy issues for this global nonprofit association.

"We are pleased to have Dr. DeMio on board to help lead USAAA's clinical strategy and look forward to his many contributions," said USAAA's Executive Director L.P. Kaplan, Ph.D. "Dr. DeMio's' impressive credentials and medical expertise will be invaluable to us as we all work together to help health care practitioners implement biomedical interventions, along with behavioral and developmental therapies to enhance the quality of the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum."

Dr. DeMio is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He received his M.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with honors in Neurosurgery, Endocrinology/Metabolism, Advanced OB/GYN, and Advanced Internal Medicine. Dr. DeMio has been a faculty member at several teaching hospitals including Case Western University School of Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is accredited by the Teaching System of U.S. Armed Forces Medical Core and his career includes an emphasis on toxicology.

Dr. DeMio's accredited speaking appearances include the topics of brain toxicology, nutrition, and the use of supplements for children and adults given at major U.S. universities. He is a frequent presenter at autism conferences and his publications include articles on inflammation, acute and chronic injuries, and recovery.

"I am very excited to be appointed Chief Medical Officer at USAAA and to be part of an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders worldwide," said Dr. DeMio.

Dr. DeMio is currently the Medical Director for the Whole Health and Wellness Centers located in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. His practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a father of a child with autism, Dr. DeMio explains his mission to help patients reach their maximum potential through biomedical care with the philosophy, "that our children and loved ones are first and foremost in all of our treatments."

Dr. DeMio's practice includes primary care and integrative medicine/toxicology for children and adults. The Centers are the largest participant in a research program regarding the use of multiple enzyme preparations. He has also emphasized other broad issues. “We must address the immune system in every child so that this major piece of the biological aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders can be treated,” said Dr. DeMio. Ongoing research also emphasizes early diagnosis including methods to identify at-risk children before symptoms develop, along with helping families prepare for subsequent pregnancies.

Dr. DeMio has testified before the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and challenged the CDC to take a stand on whether or not they acknowledged the current autism epidemic. While this was denied by the CDC and other powerful organizations, the U.S. Senate and House later recognized that autism has reached epidemic proportions. Senator Charles Schumer (NY) said, “Autism is a nationwide epidemic that has lived in the shadows for too long.” The result of this debate has led to the presidential signing of the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006 (S. 843). This will provide enhanced federal support for autism research and increase public awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

USAAA is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. The USAAA mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families/caregivers touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders by providing educational and family support through conferences/seminars, published and electronic mediums, and research. For more information, visit the USAAA Web site at www.usautism.org.