Autism Science Conference, September 13 in New Haven, Conn

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Sept. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Autism Speaks and the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience at Yale University to present Autism Science Conference, September 13^th in New Haven

Contact:          Kate O’Neill, 781.808.3217, kate.oneill@autismspeaks.org

CONFERENCE TO HIGHLIGHT YALE, UCONN, AND AUTISM SPEAKS THOUGHT-LEADERS

NEW HAVEN – Yale University’s Harris Professor in the Yale Child Study Center, Kevin Pelphrey, Ph.D., will be the keynote speaker at a day-long conference devoted to new developments in autism science and technology research . Autism Speaks and Yale University have gathered experts from the field of clinical psychology, neuroscience, genomics, and medicine to highlight the latest applications of new knowledge in autism science.

“Autism Speaks is thrilled to partner with our colleagues at Yale and UConn to bring the community together and shine a light on local scientists and technology researchers that are dedicating their careers to improving healthcare and quality of life for people with autism,” said Daniel Smith, Ph.D., senior director of Discovery Neuroscience for Autism Speaks.

Dr. Pelphrey’s keynote presentation, “A Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Approach to Understanding and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders” will illustrate how his team uses cognitive neuroscience and neuro-genetics techniques to reveal and understand the biology of autism. His presentation focuses on the direct application of new discoveries to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

The conference agenda is focused on treatments for autism, new developments in translational science, genomic science and the use of technology in everyday life, as they relate to autism.  Topics will include: social communication in young people with ASD, typical and atypical development of communication as well as strategies to support communication development.

Parents, professionals, and other interested parties are welcome to attend.

Speakers include experts from Yale University:  Abha Gupta, M.D., Ph.D.; Kevin Pelphrey, Ph.D.; Leah Booth, M.A., CCC-SLP;  Roger Jou, MD, Ph.D.; Frederic Shic, Ph.D.; Pamela Ventola, Ph.D.;  Carol Weitzman, M.D.;
from Autism Speaks: Paul Wang, M.D. and  Dan Smith, Ph.D.  and from the University of CT:  Marianne Barton, Ph.D.

Location:          Omni Hotel in New Haven CT

Date:          Saturday, September 13, 2014

Time:          8:00am-9:30am Registration and light breakfast

         9:30am Welcoming remarks

         10am-4pm Featured speakers and open discussion (lunch included)

Registration:      Fees vary, see Web page for more info visit autismspeaks.org and search for Science Conference under Events.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $500 million dollars to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness.

To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.