Shriver Center Sponsors Conference on Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders for Community
Over 230 people registered for the UMass Medical School Shriver Center's free conference on Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders – Implications for Intervention, held on November 18, 2011 at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. Parents, educators, clinicians, program administrators and researchers all came together to listen to a group of outstanding scientists from the Shriver Center present highlights of their current research pertaining to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Presentation topics were varied, including development and genetics; visual and auditory perception and learning; attention problems; nonverbal communication in teens; and a model work program for transition-age youth.
Dr. Curtis Deutsch discussed some of the new genetic findings in autism.
Dr. Ruth Grossman spoke on the perception and production of communicative facial expressions by individuals with ASD. One of her studies uses motion capture cameras like the ones used to create movies such as Avatar and The Polar Express to collect data on facial expressions to determine specific qualitative differences in the production of facial expressions in children and teens with ASD.
Dr. Teresa Mitchell's research on visual perception shows that children with ASD can incorporate verbal information into visual search, but that they search differently from typically-developing children.
Dr. William Dube's long-standing research program addresses a common problem in ASD of over-focusing or narrowing of attention referred to as overselectivity. His work suggests that overselective attention is often related to ineffective observing behavior, rather than a deficit in the capacity for attention and procedures designed to improve observing all relevant information before responding on tasks improves accuracy.
Dr. Richard Serna's research on auditory learning and auditory discrimination suggests that pitch discrimination of high-functioning children with ASD are similar to typically-developing peers.
Dr. Jean Frazier presented data on an innovative work model program for transition-age youth with Asperger disorder, which is designed to strengthen early career development in employment-seeking young adults with Asperger disorder and high-functioning autism.
Dr. Linda Bandini described her research on the problem of food selectivity (“picky eating”) and its implications for nutrient adequacy in children with ASD.
Dr. Richard Fleming presented data on a community physical activity and fitness program for children and adolescents with ASD.
Dr. William McIlvane, the director of the Shriver Center, concluded the day's program with a discussion about using the knowledge gained from research laboratory to inform the development of targeted educational and behavioral interventions.
The conference was well-received by attendees who appreciated the variety of topics, expertise of the presenters, and the opportunity to learn about their pioneering research. Please see the following links for additional information on research at the Shriver Center.
The Shriver Center's research supports its mission to advance local, national, and international efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. To that end, the Center carries out research to understand environmental and biological processes that influence behavioral development. In parallel and in collaboration, the Center carries out IDD-relevant programs of technology and information dissemination, education and training, technical assistance, and clinical service.