(December 1, 2009) NEW YORK - Rethink Autism, Inc., an educational services company based in New York City, today announced that, Dr. Louis Vismara has agreed to join the Rethink Autism Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Vismara is the co-founder of the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California, Davis a multidisciplinary organization that now serves as one of the foremost academic centers for the evaluation, research, and treatment of autism and other neurodevelopmental and learning disorders.
Dr. Vismara is an interventional cardiologist and a parent of four children. Since his son, Mark, was diagnosed with autism he has dedicated himself to issues of child development, learning differences, diversity, and appropriate access to health care for under-served populations.
“I am privileged to join this distinguished group of researchers and autism experts. As a parent and a community advocate I am thrilled by the innovative advances that Rethink Autism can provide to improve the lives of individuals, as well as their families, who are dealing with the challenges of autism spectrum disorders,” said Dr. Louis Vismara.
In the year 2000, Dr. Vismara changed careers, retiring from interventional cardiology, to work as a health-related policy consultant for Senator John L. Burton, President pro Tempore, California State Senate. From 2004 until 2008, Lou served as a senior policy advisor to Sen. Don Perata during his term as the President of the California Senate. During that time, Lou worked extensively on the formation and the implementation of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism and the Autism Legislative Package of 2007-2008. Currently, Dr. Vismara continues to work as a senior policy consultant for special projects with the current Pro Tem, Senator Darrell Steinberg.
Dr. Vismara, who was born in Italy and immigrated with his family to San Diego as a child, has served as a founding State Commissioner of the First 5CA/Prop 10 Initiative; the UCD School of Education Advisory Board; the Child Abuse Prevention Council; and other groups related to early education, healthcare and diversity. Dr. Vismara received his MD from Baylor College of Medicine and his BA from Stanford University. He is the recipient of a Cardiology Fellow from UCD Healthcare System and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Cardiovascular Diseases.
The Rethink Autism Scientific Advisory Board consists of leaders in the field of autism who provide input on the strategic development of the Rethink Autism platform; guidance on clinical research; proposals of new content and best practices in the field of educational treatment for individuals with autism; feedback on new content during testing phases; advice to the grant-giving committee on funding innovative research into the educational treatment of autism spectrum disorders; and clinical consultation to Rethink Autism clinical staff.
About Rethink Autism:
Rethink Autism, Inc. (www.rethinkautism.com), an educational services company, seeks to ensure that every child on the autism spectrum has access to effective and affordable ABA-based treatment options. The company was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters at 19 West 21st Street in New York City.