FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 8, 2001

CONTACT: Carole Gan
(916)734-9047

William Morris
San Francisco State University
(415) 405-3606

CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON ADULTS LIVING WITH AUTISM
Experts, parents, and adults living with autism to explore the frontiers of daily life.

WHAT:

Special education experts and researchers from San Francisco State University and the UC Davis MIND Institute join forces with over 150 parents from Sacramento and the Bay Area and with adults diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome to educate the community about this form of high functioning autism.

The conference is open to the public and anyone who is interested in learning about, finding support for, or helping out adults with Asperger's syndrome and other related conditions. A $15 donation is requested and includes lunch.

The conference is sponsored by AASCEND II, the student chapter of AASCEND, the Autism Asperger's Syndrome Coalition for Education, Networking and Development.

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday, February 10, 2001, from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. at Seven Hills Conference Center on the San Francisco State University campus.

WHY:

While a lot of attention has been focused on autism and the increased number of' children who have been diagnosed over the past 15 years, this day- long conference focuses on the unique needs of adolescents and adults with Asperger's Syndrome and related conditions. These adults have been misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and although autism can profoundly affect an individualÕs ability to interact socially, process language, and perceive sensations, many can work and live independently. The conference provides the forum to discuss a variety of important issues, including housing, vocational development, social action research, social activities, transition and mental health.

SPEAKER/CONFERENCE DETAILS:

Keynote speaker Dr. David Amaral, research director of the UC Davis MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), will discuss "The Founding of the MIND Institute: From Dream to Reality."

Adriana Schuler, Ph.D., a professor of special education at San Francisco State University.

Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., the co-founder of the Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play. Her research and practice centers on national and international efforts to support children on the autism spectrum in inclusive peer play programs.

Greg Yates, Member of Autastics, a support group for adult individuals with high functioning autism. He will speak on his topological theory of autism.

Autastics Panel, moderated by Adam Pollak, founder of Autastics, and featuring the adult members of the Autastics support group.

A Town Meeting where participants will be asked to contribute to building the continued agenda for activities related to such issues as housing, vocational development, social action research, social activities, transition and mental health.

VISUALS:

Interviews with conference participants, including experts, parents and adolescents and adults who have Asperger's, Syndrome or autism.

SCHEDULE:

8:00 Registration and Networking
9:30 Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Amaral
10:30 Research Panel
11:45 Lunch/Small Group Discussions
1:00 Autastics Panel
2:30 Town Meeting
3:30 Wrap-up

For more information about the conference visit: http://www.aascend.org/>WWW.AASCEND.ORG

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