Next Steps into Adolescence
September 15th, 2011
8:30am to 3:30pm
3535 Market Street, 16th Floor
Room B
Philadelphia, PA
Children with ASD who are approaching adolescence have greater physical and social transition needs than most typically developing pre-teens. Physical and mental changes, sexuality, peer relationships, safety, organizational strategies, tools for managing behaviors, and medications will be discussed. This workshop is for parents of pre-adolescent children with ASD and will include presentations from experts in neuropsychology, behavior, medicine, and social work. SOLD OUT! Save the Date for next workshop: April 15, 2012.
Categories and Controversies: The Ethical Dimensions of the DSM-5
Friday, September 16th
8:00am to 5:00pm
Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania
3417 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA
Join featured speaker, David Kupfer, MD, Chair of the DSM-5 Task Force, and an interdisciplinary group of faculty in a daylong conversation about the ethical challenges met in the development of the DSM-5, controversial changes to specific disorder categories (including autism spectrum disorder), and issues related to validation and reliability research.
Distinguished Lecture Series: Social Learning in Autism - Implications for Education
Peter Mundy, PhD
September 22nd, 2011
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Abramson Research Center, Room 123ABC
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Peter Mundy is a developmental and clinical psychologist who conducts research on the role that social attention deficits play in the learning, symbolic thinking, and social-cognition of children with autism. In this lecture, Dr. Mundy will discuss where we are, and where we want to be, in developing a science of learning and educational intervention for school aged children with autism. This event is free to the community. RSVP for this lecture>>
Special Fundraing Event: Breakfast at Tiffany's
September 25th, 2011
2:00pm Reception; 3:00pm Showing
International House of Philadelphia: IbrahimTheater
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
The Auxiliary of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will host a showing of Breakfast at Tiffany's to benefit the Center for Autism Research. The event will include a popcorn and soda reception. Tickets are $25. Purchase tickets for this event>>
Next Steps Workshop for Families of Young Children
October 26, 2011
8:30am to 3:30pm
3535 Market Street, 16th Floor, Room D
Philadelphia, PA
This workshop is for families who have a young child recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics include an overview of ASDs and accompanying conditions, available therapies and treatments, how to decide what interventions to pursue, and tips for supporting families living with ASD. Presenters will include specialists in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, speech and language issues, occupational therapy, and special education law. Parents who have made the next steps with their children will participate in a group discussion. Register for this event>>
Pathways to Independence for Young Adults with ASD
November 11, 2011
8:30am to 4:30pm
White Manor Country Club
Malvern, PA
The Center for Autism Research, ASCEND, and Elwyn present a conference to focus on transition to adulthood. Dr. Steven Shore will be the keynote speaker. He is an author, self-advocate, and professor at Adelphi University. His research focuses on matching best practices to the needs of people with autism. The conference will also feature two panel sessions related to post-secondary education and transition to employment, as well as a presentation on executive function. Register for this event>>
Previous research suggests that the release of the hormone oxytocin is important for social learning and social functioning - core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study will test whether oxytocin, when administered as a nasal spray, can increase social learning when combined with a computer game intervention, which is designed to help children with ASD recognize faces and facial expressions. 
