2nd Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Update Agenda
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8:00–9:00 am |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
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9:00–9:15 am |
Welcome Carl Feinstein, MD, Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford University |
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9:15–10:15 am |
Fever and Immune Factors in Autism Andrew Zimmerman, MD The "fever effect" is a curious and reproducible finding in which some children with autism demonstrate variable degrees of improvement in behavior, cognition and language during fever and illness. Several hypotheses have been suggested to explain these observations, including factors in the immune system and synapses in the brain that modify latent connections and lead to transient functional improvements during fever. Defining this response may help us to understand the underlying physiology of autism and develop new treatments. |
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10:15–11:15 am |
Integrating High-functioning ASD Students in General Education Classrooms Connie Kasari, PhD Increasing numbers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are entering general education classrooms. This talk will focus on current research on children’s understanding and feelings about inclusion in their classrooms, both from the perspective of the child with ASD and their neurotypical classmates. Recent research will be described on school-based interventions to increase inclusiveness of children with ASD. |
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11:15–11:30 am |
Break |
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11:30–12:15 pm |
Neuroscience of Autism: Beginning Approaches in Animal Models Richard Tsien, PhD Richard Tsien will review ongoing efforts, at Stanford and elsewhere, to understand how the genetic underpinnings of autism might cause changes in brain function. Rare monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorder such as Timothy Syndrome offer a starting point for understanding the much more prevalent polygenic forms, and have led to a compelling recapitulation of aspects of autistic behavior in mice. He will describe recent attempts at understanding the chain of events from modified genes to altered brain circuits and autistic behavior, key steps toward the eventual goal of working out viable therapeutic strategies. |
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12:15–1:15 pm |
Lunch Break |
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1:15–2:00 pm |
Behavioral Approaches for Autism: An Update Mendy Boettcher Minjarez, PhD This presentation will provide an overview of recent advances in behavioral interventions for children with autism, including current research being conducted at Stanford/LPCH. |
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2:00–2:45 pm |
Transition to Adulthood with ASD: A Clinician's Perspective Carl Feinstein, MD Dr. Feinstein will review and discuss some of the many life challenges and psychological issues older adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders. and their families face as they grow into adulthood |
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2:45–3:00 pm |
Break |
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3:00–4:00 pm |
Ask the Experts: Breakout Sessions |