Autism Lecture For Parents and Healthcare Professionals

 

Sometimes I post info that is of interest to parents of children/young adults who aren't yet at the stage of transitioning out of high school and into living on their own. This is one of those posts. CHOP in Philadelphia is having a lecture series that parents as well as healthcare providers can attend. This Distinguished Lecture series features the following speakers (my thanks to CHOP for providing the bios for the speakers.)

John Herrington, PhD, is the Associate Director of the Developmental Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Center for Autism Research, and an Assistant Professor at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the neurobiology of emotion, social processes, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Much of Dr. Herrington's research focuses on the emotional experiences of individuals with ASD - a topic that is often overlooked by scientists and service providers alike. One of Dr. Herrington's research initiatives is to establish whether ASD and anxiety disorders (such as specific phobia and social phobia) share common neural mechanisms; if so, this may lead to significant changes in how we conceptualize and treat ASD.

Martin Franklin, PhD, is the Director of the Child/Adolescent OCD, Tics, Trichotillomania and Anxiety Group (COTTAGe) at the University of Pennsylvania. He has devoted his career to the study of anxiety and body-focused repetitive behaviors (such as chronic tic disorders and trichotillomania, TTM) in children and adults. His clinical and research careers have centered on these disorders, with a particular emphasis on developing and disseminating effective treatments. Dr. Franklin has published theoretical, clinical and empirical papers and chapters, as well as treatment manuals.

Judith Miller, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with ASD for the past 18 years. As the Clinical Training Director for the Center for Autism Research (CAR), she leads the team of psychologists who both conduct evaluations in our research clinic and train the next generation of ASD diagnostic experts. Her research interests focus on diagnosis and classification issues in ASD, including screening and early identification, behavioral phenotype research, and the study of ASD and comorbid conditions.

Individuals with ASD can become highly distressed when faced with transitions, can become tied to nonfunctional routines, and can develop unusual fears. Is this anxiety? When an individual with ASD experiences more "traditional" anxiety, like a phobia or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is the clinical presentation the same or different compared to individuals without ASD? Can the neurobiology of anxiety disorders help us understand why anxiety occurs in ASD? This presentation will orient the audience to these important clinical issues facing individuals with ASD, and describe research underway at CAR to help understand this critical topic.

 

Note: Parking is in The Wood Garage, allow 10-15 walking time to get to location

 

Colket Translational Research Building, Rm 1200AB
3501 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia PA 19104

When: Thursday, Nov, 8, 2012 7-9 PM EST

Event Contact:

Julianne Fretz

Center for Autism Research (CAR) at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

autism@email.chop.edu

267-426-3518

Autism Workshop At Bancroft

The Haddonfield Patch announced that Bancroft will hold a free workshop called "Planning For The Needs Of Adults With Autism."  For those who may not be from the Southern New Jersey area or other areas Bancroft serves, Bancroft is a non-profit organization that provides services for people with acquired brain injuries and developmental disabilities.  

This workshop is a free educational program designed to assist parents and professionals working with the adults with autism. Sessions will be held at Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Farrington building on Bancroft’s Haddonfield Campus at 425 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. 

"The February workshop will focus on the social, emotional, clinical, medical, vocational and financial needs of the rapidly expanding population of adults with autism spectrum disorders. Discussion will include the needs for ongoing supports in community and residential settings, adult day services, supported employment and the right of decision-making for families and individuals."

"Geared toward family members, educators and other professionals in disabilities-related fields, the session will be presented by Karen Parenti, MS, PsyD, and Victoria Sweeney. Parenti is senior clinical director of Bancroft’s New Jersey Adult Developmental Disabilities Services. Sweeney is senior program director of Bancroft Community Vocational Services for Adults."

Bancroft, Based in Haddonfield, serves 1,300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually, including autism and acquired brain injuries through a wide range of programs. Bancroft was founded in 1883, the nonprofit organization has sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their include "early childhood, education, vocational, supported employment, structured day programs, rehabilitation, community living, behavioral treatment, and in-home and outpatient services."

Autism Lecture at CHOP

I just received this email from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia about a presentation by Dr. Timothy Roberts, holder of the Oberkircher Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology at CHOP, Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. 

 

CHOP is presenting a lecture titled "Electrophysiological Signatures of Language Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Trajectory and Correlation with Clinical Indices" This lecture is open to families of individuals on the autism spectrum, individuals interested in ASD, and professionals supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Act 48 credits are available for attendance. Although the title may seem intimidating to the non-medical professional don't let that dissuade you from going.  As the saying goes "Knowledge is Power."  The more you know the better you can advocate for your child.

 

As a member of a family with a child on the autism spectrum, these lectures go a long way toward helping increase your understanding of the autism spectrum.  You also have a chance to meet other individuals involved in the lives of your child. Register early.

 

RSVP required.  See contact information below.

 

Parking is available in the Wood Center Garage for $4. To access this garage, travel south (away from the Penn campus) on 34th St. past the main Hospital building. Make a right onto Osler Circle at the second light and proceed to the security booth. A ramp entrance to the underground Wood Center garage is on your right. Once you exit the Wood Center garage, you will see Abramson Research Center (large glass building) in front of you.

Please allow yourself 10 minutes to park and walk to the building.

 

When:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where:

Abramson Research Center

Room 123 ABC

3615 Civic Center Blvd

Philadelphia, PA

 

Contact and RSVP for reservations:

 

 

 

Sohee Kim

267-425-3135

autism@email.chop.edu

www.centerforautismresearch.com

 

"Electrophysiological Signatures of Language Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Trajectory and Correlation with Clinical Indices"

Dr. Timothy Roberts is the holder of the Oberkircher Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology and the Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. His research studies focus on how the brain of a person with autism processes sounds, words and pictures. He uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to "map" the brains of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by measuring the brain's electrical activity in space and time. He is also interested in ways to improve techniques and methods in neuroradiology that enhance scientists' ability to look at the brain.

In this lecture, Dr. Roberts will present cutting edge approaches to brain imaging in ASD research. He will introduce novel technologies used in his lab, such as MEG for "brainwave scanning", and variations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for investigating the integrity of brain white matter and its underlying neurochemistry. The goal of this research is to use the differing sensitivities of these imaging and electrophysiologic techniques to understand the neurobiological basis of ASD. These findings will help develop biomarkers to quantify the brain traits of ASD for improved diagnosis, prognosis, future differentiation of potential therapies, and monitoring treatment efficacy. Implications for future treatment tailoring and pharmaceutical evaluation will be discussed.

This lecture is intended for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and professionals supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. We also invite anyone who is interested in learning more about ASD.

Upon completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the novel brain imaging technology (MEG) for assessing brain dynamics.
2. Explain the role of objective biomarkers of ASD - diagnosis, prognosis, stratification, and treatment monitoring.
3. Describe the approach to neurobiological basis of ASD through multimodal imaging and electrophysiology.

Autism Research Law Signed by Obama

On September 30th President Obama signed the Autism Law that provides millions of dollars for autism research.  This will support autism research for the next three years.  The law called the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 provides over $230 million to support autism related research.  This preserves the spending levels of the original 2006 law that was about to expire.

According to supporters this will support research that builds on prior autism-related research that includes improved screening methods and identifying autism susceptibility genes.  Prior to 2006 the government devoted far less spending to autism research.

According to statistics 1 in 110 American children have a disorder on the autism spectrum.  Organizations supporting the law include: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, the Autism Society, and Autism Speaks.  The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and other groups opposed it because of it's focus almost solely on children with only a small amount of resources designated for helping other individuals diagnosed with autism.

Autism Workshop

The Center for Autism Research and the Regional Autism Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia invite you to

Next Steps Workshop for Professionals
A workshop for professionals supporting young children newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

• Topics include an overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and accompanying conditions, how diagnoses are made, available therapies and treatments and how to decide what interventions to pursue, and tips for supporting families living with ASD
• Presenters will include fellows in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and researchers from the Center for Autism Research*
• Participate in a discussion with a panel of parents who have made the next steps with their children

*Drs. Sarah Paterson and Gregor Kohls from the Center for Autism Research will present. Dr. Paterson is a developmental psychologist whose study investigates brain and cognitive development in the infant siblings of children with ASD. Her study hopes to pinpoint when early signs of ASD first emerge. Dr. Kohls is a psychologist whose research focuses on exploring social motivation and rewards. He currently runs the FaceStation video game intervention study and the Oxytocin treatment trial.

Cost:
$45.00 per person includes Resource Binder and Continental Breakfast
$75.00 per person includes Resource Binder, Continental Breakfast, and Continuing Education Credits*

* Act 48, nursing, psychology, and social workIn order to keep costs low, lunch with NOT be provided. We ask that all participants pack and bring their lunch. Alternately, a light assortment of soups, sandwhiches, and salads are available for purchase in the 16th floor cafeteria, and there are several lunch carts in front of the 3535 building.

Price does not include parking. For directions and parking options, please visit: http://www.centerforautismresearch.com/directions/directions_to_car
Please RSVP byNovember 22nd
To Register Online, please click the blue Register Now button below.
To register by mail, please print and mail in the form on back, along with your check ($45.00 or $75.00) or money order. Checks may be made out to "The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia" with "Center for Autism Research" in the memo line.

Webcast RE: Autism

I was asked to post this for any of my readers who might be interested.  If you have a member of your family or know someone who suffers from autism? This webcast might be of interest to you.  It's based on the state of Pennsylvania but the results might be of interest nationwide.  Hope it's helpful!

Topic: Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) General Initiatives Overview

Presented by Nina Wall-Coté, BAS Director

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  OR
Wednesday, August 24, 201110:00 am – 11:30 am
The same information will be presented in two separate sessions. This presentation will also be recorded and posted to the BAS Virtual Training & Resource Center. We hope this will enable professionals and families some flexibility in joining us.

Pre-registration is not required. To join the presentation:

1. Visit http://bastraining.acrobat.com/baswebcast/
2. Sign in as a Guest using your first name, association.

Webcast Overview:

The Bureau of Autism Services, DPW, in collaboration with the regional ASERTs, is about to publish a series of reports highlighting findings and recommendations resulting from the PA Autism Needs Assessment. This survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind, reflects feedback shared by over 3,500 families and individuals with autism in the Commonwealth.

Report topics include: Statewide Summary, Service Needs, Barriers to Accessing Services, Unwanted Outcomes, Diagnosis, Employment Challenges, and Family Impact.

To learn more about this project and other BAS current initiatives, including Pennsylvania’s two adult autism programs and training resources, we encourage you to join the Bureau during an upcoming webcast: 8/24/2011, 1:00-2:30pm or 8/30/2011, 10:00-11:30am. Please visit
http://bastraining.tiu11.org (Updates: Presentations & Newsletters section) for more details.

Any questions about the webcast should be directed to --

Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs
Department of Public Welfare
Room 601 Health & Welfare Bldg. | Hbg., PA 17120
Phone: 1.866.539.7689|Fax: 717.265.7761
Email: DPW-AutismOffice@pa.gov
www.autisminpa.org
www.dpw.state.pa.us

Hope For Asperger's -- A Real Life Story

This video is from a web site about Taylor Morris' experience with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome, Meet Taylor Morris. At age 2, Taylor was diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum and given little hope of having a happy, independent life. Now, at age 17, she is a top student, an athlete, and a creative artist. She offers advice to parents and other people with autism.

Blog Recommendation

Every parent should visit the blog Child Talk and read the concerns about early childhood.  Child Talk is described as "Everything you wanted to know about your child's speech and language...from the perspective of a pediatric speech-language therapist."  The blog offers parents and teachers info on autism and the changing face of early intervention and a host of other communication related posts.  Well worth stopping by.

iPads and Children with Autism

Fox News recently reported that families have had great success in using the Apple iPad with their children with autism. 

Stephen Shore, who wrote 'Autism for Dummies' and who suffered from autism as a child himself, said "the iPad might be the difference between communicating with the outside world and being locked into a closed state. Interestingly, he says it might be the first of several gadgets that actually free a child from some effects of autism -- and that additional devices, including those that augment speech, will also help." (FoxNews.com, March 9, 2011)

"Mark Coppin, the AssistiveTechnology Director at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota--which uses the iPad as part of their special education programs--said the iPad lets autistic kids have direct control over the interface, unlike a laptop that uses a keyboard and a mouse."

"Apps like Proloquo2go by Proloquo2go by AssistiveWare provide a way for kids with autism to communicate desires and feelings in a way that would not be possible otherwise.  Coppin said There are at least three dozen apps designs for autistic kids including one for music and reading. And the device itself supports spoken text and other aids for those with special needs."

For more info go to read the rest of the Fox News story to see if you think the iPad might help your child or young adult out.