FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2004

UC DAVIS M.I.N.D. INSTITUTE HOSTS DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES FOR 2003 - 2004

Szatmari to Speak on Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute will host Peter Szatmari, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences and the Chedoke Health Corporation chair in child psychiatry at McMaster University, on Wednesday, January 14, at the M.I.N.D. Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento, as the fourth speaker in this year’s Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Szatmari is internationally recognized for his scientific contributions to understanding the genetic basis and outcomes of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. He will present two lectures. During his technical presentation at 4 p.m., Szatmari will discuss his recent work on the genetics of autism and its implications for the way autism spectrum disorders are classified. During a 6:30 p.m. community-interest lecture, Szatmari will present results from a longitudinal study of children with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome from preschool years into adolescence. Both presentations are free and open to the public; no reservations are needed.

Szatmari is director of the Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network, a group of parents, clinicians and scientists attempting to develop a research agenda in early intervention in autism. He is supported by a senior research fellowship award from the Ontario Mental Health Foundation and is editor of the journal Evidence-Based Mental Health. Szatmari has served on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society Ontario, and as a consultant to various government agencies in Canada, the United States and other countries regarding both research and treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Subsequent speakers in this monthly Distinguished Lecturer Series include Susan E. Folstein (February 11); Nancy J. Minshew (March 10); Bruce F. Pennington (April 14); Martha B. Denckla (May 12); and Christopher Gillberg (June 9).

For more information about this and future lectures, visit the M.I.N.D. Institute’s Web site or contact the institute at (916) 703-0285.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Conradi, Medical News Office, (916) 734-9064

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