Identifying Autism in the First Year of LifeOctober 20, 2008 |
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 For children with developmental disabilities, the earlier a specialist can assess, diagnose and intervene with treatment, the better outcome for the child. Recently, 15 autism experts from the United States, Canada and Israel gathered in Yorba Linda, to present their latest findings on indicators of autism in the first year of life. Presenters included Dr. Pauline Filipek, director of autism research with For OC Kids Neurodevelopemental Center and associate professor of clinical pediatrics and neurology at U.C. Irvine School of Medicine; Mel Rutherford in the department of psychology, neuroscience and behavior and Canada Research Chair in social perception at McCaster University in Ontario, Canada; and Hanna Alonim, founder and director of the Mifne Centre in Rosh Pina, Israel. These experts presented discoveries on the developmental trajectory of autism and intervention strategies that could enable infants and toddlers to avoid the life-long consequences of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clinicians and parents faced with the challenge of early identification and timely and effective intervention attended the conference. "Based on what we know from research and from experience, it is imperative that we develop intervention techniques for use as close to birth as possible," said Margie Wagner, president of Child Development Media, Inc. and chief organizer of the conference. "It is my belief that this conference has given us the tools we need to move us closer to that goal for the betterment of the lives of babies and their concerned parents." Click here to see a copy of the conference program. |
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