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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Autism, ADHD and Developmental Disabilities through the Lifespan - Biological and Environmental Perspectives

10-Night Greece, Turkey & Malta Cruise
from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to Barcelona, Spain August 17 - 27, 2024
<em>Celebrity Equinox</em>
Celebrity Equinox
16 CE Credits for Psychologists
16 ASWB ACE Credits
16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
2.5 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
16.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$995 for Physicians, Attorneys, Psychologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, & Dentists
$795 for Physician Assistants
$595 for Nurses, Residents, Students & Others

Target Audience
Psychologists, Social WorkersPhysicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives
The purpose of these lectures is to teach appropriate, comprehensive, compassionate family focused and culturally competent medical care for patients with developmental behavioral and educational challenges. Through disease state education, physicians will feel more comfortable with the presenting conditions and will be able to incorporate evidenced based care, medical treatments and “caring” for those with these conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adults and  ADHD.

Children with developmental disabilities represent a diverse population with a variety of causes, a variety of conditions and a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and medical manifestations.

The care of children with developmental disabilities, therefore, requires an appreciation of the complexities of diagnosis, and management involving medical care, promotion of optimal development and education, and attention to social, emotional, environmental and economic factors that influence the children, the family and the community.

This series of lectures will provide for the audience a framework for understanding the complex set of conditions characterized as developmental disabilities. In addition, there will be an orientation to the genetic and environmental factors that result in developmental disabilities and we will offer strategies for addressing these challenges to promote optimal health and well being for the children.

Topics:
  1. Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
    • Orientation to the Course - understand the context of developmental disabilities in children
  2. Prematurity and its Consequences
    • Premature infants are vulnerable to CNS insults which result in developmental disabilities - need to appreciate the improved knowledge
  3. Cerebral Palsy
    • Cerebral palsy is the prototype of a motor disability - need to understand the complexities in presentation and management
  4. Medical Care for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities
    • Children who have developmental disabilities are more likely to have associated medical problems and we need to be aware of them, in order to to identify and treat them
  5. Environmental Influences on Fetal Growth and Development
    • Prenatal factors - important to appreciate the vulnerability of the fetus to prenatal influences and exposures
  6. Children's Environmental Health
    • Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental factors - need to appreciate and understand both positive and negative
  7. Environmental Health Disparities
    • Children who grow up in circumstances of social and economic disadvantage - these children are more vulnerable
  8. Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview
    • Provide comprehensive treatment approaches to children with ASD and their families
    • Describe DSM 5 Diagnostic criteria for ASD
    • Integrate screening for ASD in toddlers and in middle school
    • Appreciate the mental and medical conditions commonly co-occurring with ASD
  9. Autism: Delivering the diagnosis and impact on the parents and family
    • Provide comprehensive treatment approaches to children with ASD and their families
    • Prepare appropriately for feedback sessions when delivering the diagnosis of ASD,
    • Describe the stages of grief encountered by parents at the time of diagnosis
    • Appreciate the impact the diagnosis has on parents and the extended family
  10. ADHD: An Overview
    • Provide comprehensive treatment approaches to children with ADHD and their families
    • Describe DSM 5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis
    • Provide developmental strategies to children and their families with ADHD
    • Discuss potential barriers to therapy adherence and
    • Consider ADHD presentation in girls
  11. ADHD in Adults
    • Provide evidenced-based diagnostic approaches to adults with ADHD and their families
    • Describe DSM 5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis in Adults
    • Consider ADHD presentation in girls
    • Utilize an ADHD diagnostic tool
  12. Management of Anxiety Disorders in children
    • Differentiate between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders in childhood
    • Implement anxiety screening strategies in practice
    • Understand the medical problems associated with anxiety
    • Implement developmental counseling strategies for anxiety in children in the office
    • Appreciate integrative treatment strategies for anxiety in children
Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Faculty

Raun David Melmed, MD, FAAP

Raun David Melmed, MD, FAAP
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician; Director of the Melmed Center in Scottsdale, Arizona; Co-founder and Medical Director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center Raun D. Melmed, MD, FAAP Bio Raun Melmed, MD, FAAP, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, is director of the Melmed Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and co-founder and medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
Dr. Melmed is on faculty at Arizona State University in Phoenix, the University of Arizona in Tucson and Creighton Medical School. He earned his medical degree at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and completed fellowship training at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, where he was an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. He is a member of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is board certified in both Pediatrics and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
He has set up nationally recognized physician training programs for the early identification of infants and toddlers with developmental and behavioral concerns and has authored programs geared toward screening for autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Melmed is an investigator of novel psychopharmacological agents and digital therapeutic devices for the treatment of ADHD, autism, Fragile X and related disorders. He studies include the identification of biomarkers in ASD as well as the development of diagnostic tools for developmental disorders.
He is the author of the ST4 Mindfulness Series for Children including Marvin's Monster Diary ‐ ADHD Attacks, Timmy's Monster Diary: Screen Time Attacks! (But I Rock it Big Time), Harriet's Monster Diary ‐ Awfully Anxious (But I Squish it Big Time), Marvin's Monster Diary 2 (+ Lyssa): ADHD Emotion Explosion (But I Triumph, Big Time), Marvin's Monster Diary 3: Trouble with Friends (But I Get By, Big Time!) and Marvin's Monster Diary 4: Neighborhood Bully (But We Stand Up, Big Time).
He is also the author of books for families including Autism: Early Intervention; Autism and the Extended Family; and Autism Parent Handbook: Beginning with the End Goal in Mind.

I. Leslie Rubin, MD

I. Leslie Rubin, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Morehouse School of Medicine
Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
Co-director, Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Emory University School of Medicine 
Founder, Break the Cycle of Health Disparities, Inc.
Medical Director, Developmental Pediatrics Specialists
Atlanta, GA  I Leslie Rubin MD is Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, Co-director of the Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Unit at Emory University, Medical Director of The Rubin Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics, and Founder of Break the Cycle of Health Disparities Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a Developmental Pediatrician, he has provided care for children and adults with developmental disabilities for decades, and in 2016 published the 3rd edition of his text: Health Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan, (Springer Switzerland).

As an Environmental Pediatrician, he started a program in 2004 called: Break the Cycle of Children’s Environmental Health Disparities, to raise awareness of children’s environmental health disparities and cultivate future leaders. This program, now in its 15th year, has resulted in the publication of more than 100 student papers in 10 international journal supplements and 10 Books with Nova, publishers in their Public Health Series.

He is actively involved in a number of local, national and international organization and has received a several awards for his work.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sat Aug 17 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
- 5:00 pm
Sun Aug 18 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon Aug 19 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
7:00 am 4:00 pm
Tue Aug 20 Mykonos, Greece
9:00 am 7:00 pm
Wed Aug 21 Athens (Piraeus), Greece
5:00 am 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 22 Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
8:00 am 8:00 pm
Fri Aug 23 Santorini, Greece
8:00 am 10:00 pm
Sat Aug 24 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sun Aug 25 Messina, Sicily
7:00 am 3:00 pm
Mon Aug 26 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Aug 27 Barcelona, Spain
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas are just some of the many reasons to visit Rome. Art greets you on every corner, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Stroll the ancient center and history comes to life as you explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece - Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Cruise to Greece and walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon's lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari.

Mykonos, Greece - For pure Mediterranean pizzazz, Mykonos can't be beat. Designer boutiques and beautifully bronzed Greek gods and goddesses lie on Mykonos' beaches. And Mykonos' famous five white churches look down on it all in oblivious serenity.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece - As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture, and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Santorini, Greece - Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape‐whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.

Messina, Sicily - A beautiful sheltered harbor is your gateway to Taormina, a small town at heart despite its major tourist attraction: the sublime Teatro Greco, offering panoramic views of the coastline and snow-capped Mt. Etna.

Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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