Author, Advocate Temple Gradin to Speak at UA Autism Conference

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Temple Grandin, noted author and professor who is known as the “most famous adult with autism in the world,” will be one of the guest speakers at the Alabama Autism Conference, Medical Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, on Feb. 10-11 in the Bryant Conference Center on The University of Alabama campus.

Grandin, author of the books “Thinking in Pictures,” and just released “Animals in Translation” will offer a unique look at the autism continuum in her talk “The Autism Spectrum: A Personal Perspective” on Friday, Feb. 11, from 3-4:15 p.m. Known for her vivid and candid comments, Grandin will talk about her life from early childhood to adult. In a highly educational and personal look at autism, Grandin will cover early intervention, educational strategies, social skill development, visual thinking, the use of medications and more.

Grandin is also somewhat of a ‘star’ in the world of animal science and is well-known for her work in the creation of humane slaughterhouses. An associate professor at Colorado State University, Grandin has revolutionized animal movement systems and has made a difference in the lives of animals and people through her work.

Other well-known experts who will speak at the conference include:

• Dr. Joseph Piven, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics director of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who will discuss, “Neurobiological Research in Autism,” Friday, Feb. 11 from 8:30-9:45 a.m. Piven will provide insight into the inter-relationships between genetics, brain mechanisms and brain development, and behavior.
• Dr. Maricela Alarcon, assistant professor in the UCLA department of neurology, Reed Neurological Research Center, who will speak on “Genetic Etiology of Autism,” from 9:45-11 a.m. on Feb. 11. Alarcon will provide an overview of the current understanding on the genetic causes of autism and autism spectrum disorders.
• Dr. Luke Y. Tsai, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and director of the Developmental Disorders/Autism Program, University of Michigan Health System, who will present “Rational Use of Medications in Autism Spectrum Disorder,” from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. Tsai will describe the use of medications in children/students with autistic disorders and the important role of parents and educators in such medical treatment.
• Dr. Chris Plauche Johnson, clinical professor of pediatrics in the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and co-chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Expert Panel, will present, “Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Autism Spectrum Disorder … Myths, Miracles and Science” from 1:15-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. Johnson will discuss reasons why parents choose these interventions and methods for evaluating their effectiveness.

While the conference is geared mainly toward professionals interested in learning more about the disorder, preconference workshops have been designed for parents, educators and others.

Pre-conference workshops on Thursday, Feb. 10, include concurrent sessions from 1-2:30 p.m. with a break and then continuing from 3-4:30 p.m. on:

• “Autism 101: Fundamentals of Early Diagnosis and Intervention” presented by Dr. Laura Klinger, associate professor of psychology and director of The University of Alabama Pervasive Developmental Disorders Clinic, and Dr. Robert G. Simpson professor, rehabilitation special education department, Auburn University. Parents and professionals who are new to this spectrum of disorders are encouraged to attend this session that will provide an overview of early diagnosis and early intervention.
• “Intervention for Educators: Medical and Behavioral Approaches,” given by Dr. Chris Plauche Johnson and Dr. Rebecca Pohlig, UA department of psychology. This session is recommended for educators and other professionals working in a school setting.

The conference is jointly sponsored by The University of Alabama, the Autism Society of Alabama and numerous state agencies. The conference is a joint effort on many levels, including its three co-chairs who are Dr. Laura Klinger of UA, Jennifer Mullen, executive director of the Alabama Autism Society, and Philip Young, parent representative.

There are scholarships available to cover attendance costs for parents and students from the Autism Society of Alabama and the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities. Contact the Alabama Autism Society at 877-4-AUTISM for scholarship details. For additional conference information go to http://autism.ua.edu.