After effective treatment development in the 1980s, outcomes for autism have markedly improved. Many challenges, however, still remain in areas like supporting students in college, adults in the workforce, and developing new models of independent living.
This panel discussion will focus on aspects of the diagnosis of ASD in girls and women. It will include aspects of possible bias in diagnostic and screening instruments and potential factors that delay recognition of ASD in females.
Drs. Fred Volkmar, Roald Oien Ph.D. &, Clair Harrop Ph.D.
New Models of Medical and Mental Health for Adults and Youth with ASD
Dr. Fred Volkmar, MD
Description: Adolescents with autism/ASD face many challenges as they transition to adulthood. These include appropriate vocational support, independent living, and access to medical and mental health care. In this presentation, Dr. Volkmar will review the work on the best approaches to supporting the transition to adulthood and factors that predict positive outcomes. The special mental health challenges many young adults face will be summarized and approaches to care including new approaches will be discussed.
Measurement in Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers in Autism
Dr. Adam Naples
Description: This talk will introduce attendees to current research in biomarker research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Naples will discuss findings from large-scale biomarker research studies in autism and progress in adapting biomarker measurement to heterogeneous, including previously ineligible, populations.
The Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Christopher McDougle
Description: The purpose of this presentation is to describe the target symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may be amenable to treatment with medication; the types of medication that may be helpful for improving target symptoms associated with ASD, and the potential side effects associated with these medications. The associated target symptoms will include ADHD, Irritability (aggression, self-injury, property destruction, tantrums, and mood swings), Anxiety, Sleep Disturbances, and Language Impairment, among others.
A Roadmap for Equity in Autism Diagnosis and Care
Dr. Kate E. Wallis
Description: In this talk, I will describe disparities in autism diagnosis and interventions by race and ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, and cognitive ability, based on published studies. I will describe potential mechanisms through which disparities in autism diagnosis and care are perpetuated. And I will then discuss potential solutions to improve equity in autism identification and care.
Early Development in Autism
Dr. Suzanne Macari
Description: Social, emotional, and behavioral development in young children with autism is the focus of this presentation. Dr. Macari will discuss recent research on psychological development in very young children with autism, including work from longitudinal infant sibling studies.