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News from UC Davis Health System

Photo of David Amaral

"UNCOVERING THE MYSTERIES OF AUTISM" PANEL HIGHLIGHTS

July 5, 2007

WHAT:

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects children in a variety of ways. By identifying the biological and behavioral patterns that define the autism spectrum, improved diagnostic practices and targeted treatments will emerge. This panel discussion — “Uncovering the Mysteries of Autism” — highlights what the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute's Autism Phenome Project is doing to clarify the distinct types of autism and how this unique, comprehensive study will ultimately lead to causes and preventions for the disorder.
   
WHEN: Thursday, July 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
There is no charge for this event and reservations are not required.
   
WHERE: M.I.N.D. Institute auditorium, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento.
Street parking is free. Parking in the lot adjacent to the M.I.N.D. Institute is $2; permits are available for purchase at kiosks located in the lot.
   
WHY: Autism is a pervasive, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that causes poor verbal and communication skills, repetitive behaviors and impaired social abilities. Autism diagnoses have increased markedly during the past two decades: It is now estimated that one in every 150 children in the United States has autism or a closely related disorder. Autism currently costs the nation $90 billion each year - a figure that is expected to double in the next decade.
   
WHO:

Speakers at this event are David Amaral, a neuroscientist, research director of the M.I.N.D. Institute and principal investigator of the Autism Phenome Project; Robin Hansen, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, clinician and researcher who studies medical factors and early childhood health and development; Sally Rogers, a child clinical psychologist and pioneer in developing behavioral interventions for very young children with autism; and Judy Van de Water, an immunologist whose research emphasis is the immunobiology of autism.
   
DETAILS:

More information about the M.I.N.D. Institute, directions and a detailed fact sheet about the Autism Phenome Project are available online at www.mindinstitute.org  or by calling (916) 703-0280.