The International Meeting for Autism Research May 15-17, 2008

One mystery surrounding the complex disorder of autism is its varied symptoms, which include impairments in social interaction and language, and a restricted range of activities. For years, scientists have looked for a single cognitive and biological explanation that would help explain these diverse symptoms. Dr. Happé, a neuroscientist known for her brain imaging studies, will present a new theory of autism in which she will argue that symptom domains in autism arise from different genetic and neural mechanisms. She will present data from twin studies that suggest that genes related to the different autistic traits are largely non-overlapping and appear to be linked to distinct neural systems. Such findings have important implications for understanding the causes of autism and its heterogeneous clinical presentation.

Friendship Training for Children with High Functioning Autism: The UCLA PEERS Program
10:15 a.m.

E. Laugeson, PhD; F. Frankel; C. Mogil; A.R. Dillon – University of California Los Angeles

As children with autism enter adolescence the challenges of social interaction increase significantly, leading to many children with this disorder to develop low self-esteem and depression. It has long been recognized that social skills training is important for adolescents with autism. However, to date very little systematic research has been conducted to test the efficacy of social skills training. Clinicians from UCLA will present new findings on the effectiveness of a manualized intervention designed to help improve social skills among adolescents. The “friendship training” model was adapted from a program originally developed for kids without autism who had challenges with social interaction. This intervention with13-17 year olds targets their conversational skills, social networks, sportsmanship, teasing and arguing, and can positively affect their relationships with peers.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) – Toddler Module: Preliminary Findings Using a Modified Version of the ADOS
1:15 p.m.

R. Luyster, Autism Consortium; W. Guthrie, University of Michigan; K. Gotham, University of Michigan; S. Risi, University of Michigan; P. DiLavore, University of North Carolina; C. Lord, University of Michigan

Recent studies suggest that, in most cases, autism symptoms emerge during the second half of the first year of life. To date, however, autism diagnostic tools have not beenvalidated for children below 2 years of age. Dr. Lord, a well-known expert in diagnosis of autism, and her colleagues have now developed a valid observational and interview method that will allow clinicians to identify 12 month old babies who are at risk for autism. By detecting autism at a very young age, it is hoped that autism symptoms can be reduced and children can have more positive outcomes.