February 7, 2005

Author, Advocate Temple Grandin to Speak at UA Autism Conference

Dr. Temple Grandin, author of the newly released book Animals in Translation, will be one of the guest speakers at the Alabama Autism Conference to be held at UA on Feb. 10-11. Grandin, who is autistic, is an internationally known author and professor who has used her special talents as an advocate for humane treatment of animals.

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. For additional conference information go to http://autism.ua.edu.

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. 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.

Preconference workshops have been designed for parents, educators and others. Preconference 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 UA's 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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