Autism News

We've gathered some autism spectrum disorder news and opportunities to learn more:

- This story comes from Thrive by Five in Washington: A breakthrough in autism research holds both the potential for earlier diagnosis of the disorder (a core component of Help Me Grow) and a better understanding of the important role social interactions play in early childhood development. The new study from the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) found brain activity among toddlers with autism can predict later cognitive, linguistic and adaptive development.

"Infants use social cues, such as tracking adults’ eye movements to learn the names of things, and must be interested in people to learn in this way. Paying attention to people is a way for babies to sort through all that is happening around them and serves as a gate to know what is important. But with autism, social impairments impede children’s interest in, and ability to pick up cues. They find themselves paying attention to many other things, especially objects as opposed to people."

- NPR reviewed new research about autistic children's response to human voice. Additionally, this story describes the strides museums are taking to respond to the needs of visitors with ASD.

- To find out more about making your business more autism-friendly or if you're looking for autism-friendly events and other supports, contact Autism Society of Alabama (1-877-4AUTISM).

- If you're interested in autism spectrum disorder and want to know more, you should register for this post-conference autism workshop as part of the 29th Annual Early Intervention and Preschool Conference at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center in November:

Evidence-based Intervention for the Young Child with Autism: Making the strategies work for you
Little Champions....Big Dreams
November 20, 2013; 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, N, Birmingham, AL 35213

Workshop Content:
· Review the most recent research in evidence based models of intervention for very young children with autism spectrum disorder
· Discuss similarities and differences among models in order to highlight key strategies
· Overview “key strategies”
· Discuss strategies drawn from research with case examples and audience participation

Elizabeth McMahon Griffith, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the section of Neurodevelopmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Colorado and a practicing Psychologist on the Child Development Unit at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She received her doctorate from the University of Denver and completed her clinical training at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine in the LEND program. She has extensive experience in evaluation and intervention with individuals with developmental disabilities. Her primary areas of interest are in working with very young children with autism and their families, and in dissemination of ‘best practices’ into community settings. She is trained in a variety of intervention models, and is both a certified provider and a trainer in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).

For hotel reservations, call 205-324-5000 or follow this link. Sheraton Hotel Room rates: $113 for single/double plus tax (cut-off date is October 19, 2013). For conference registration and more information, go to http://www.ucpalabama.org/.
$100 Registration fee (or $50 if also attending the regular conference)