Parents consider a bewildering array of behavioral and medical treatment options for their children with autism. Biomedical treatments — ranging from dietary supplements to powerful medications — all seek to improve specific behaviors or physical symptoms of the disorder, such as repetitive language use, reduced cognitive skills, immune system deficiencies and social anxieties. This second “Minds behind the M.I.N.D.” lecture highlights biomedical treatment research currently under way or planned at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, including studies involving methyl B12, casein- and gluten-free diets, oral immunoglobulin, Secretin, hyperbaric oxygen and omega 3 fatty acids.

The featured speaker is Robert Hendren, executive director of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute and chief of child and adolescent psychiatry for the UC Davis School of Medicine. Hendren has particular research interests in combining the knowledge gained from families through clinical practice with the technologies and expertise of laboratory science to speed progress toward finding targeted, effective treatment options and, ultimately, cures for autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

This event is free and reservations are not required. Nearby parking is $2. Street parking is free.