Distinguished Lecturer Series symposium to focus on early autism diagnosis and intervention
By Marianne Russ Sharp
(SACRAMENTO)
The UC Davis MIND Institute is kicking off its popular Distinguished Lecturer Series Oct. 9 with an exciting new format: a symposium about early autism diagnosis and intervention.
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, director of the Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Alberta, Canda will speak at the symposium.
The event will feature a presentation by developmental pediatrician Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, director of the Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Alberta, Canada. He’s also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta who researches how to improve early detection and health care related to autism. His work includes a long-term study of newly diagnosed autistic preschool children.
Zwaigenbaum’s lecture, “Improving Pathways to Timely Diagnosis of Autism,” will be followed by a panel discussion with four MIND Institute experts who specialize in early autism services.
Meghan Miller, professor and vice chair of psychology in psychiatry
Viviana Barnwell and her young autistic son Evan will also present about the impact that a person-centered approach and early intervention have made in Evan’s life. Barnwell is an advocate for people with disabilities and a member of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. She is also a graduate of the MIND Institute’s LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program and now teaches diversity, equity and inclusion topics for a LEND leadership seminar.
From left to right: Sally J. Rogers, Sally Ozonoff, Meagan Talbott, Megan Miller and Viviana Barnwell with her son, Evan
In addition, new MIND Institute Director Aubyn Stahmer will give remarks at the event.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about state-of-the-science research in early autism identification and intervention from top researchers,” Stahmer said. “The presentation should be helpful for researchers, community providers and anyone else interested in these topics.”
The free, in-person event is Oct. 9 from 3:00-6:45 p.m. at the MIND Institute in Sacramento. It is open to all. No registration is required, and seating is first come, first served. Light refreshments will be served. The best option for parking is Parking Structure 2, adjacent to the Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center. The MIND Institute lot is largely closed due to construction.
My hope is that the conversation that comes from the panel will elevate the discussion about timely autism identification and intervention in a way that helps move the field forward more quickly.”—Aubyn Stahmer, MIND Institute director
A new format to increase the exchange of ideas
The goal of the symposium is to mix things up and allow for an increased exchange of ideas between experts and attendees.
“The idea is to facilitate more discussion and cross-pollination of ideas,” explained the MIND Institute’s David Hessl, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and director of the Distinguished Lecturer Series. “Early autism diagnosis and intervention is such an important topic, and the field moves quickly. This is an opportunity to share the most effective and innovative approaches.”
The MIND Institute, a world leader in autism research and care, has researchers doing leading-edge work in the area of early diagnosis and intervention.
“We hope the symposium allows for more interaction between researchers and community members who want to learn more about this topic. This format allows us to bring in a researcher from another top institution so we can learn from them, and the panel will help us consider collaboration and future innovation,” Stahmer said.
She noted that it’s also an important opportunity for community members to join the conversation and give input into how research can be more impactful to them.
“My hope is that the conversation that comes from the panel will elevate the discussion about timely autism identification and intervention in a way that helps move the field forward more quickly,” she added.
Distinguished Lecturer Series continues in 2025
The Distinguished Lecturer Series will resume its traditional presentation format beginning in February 2025.
On Feb. 12, the University of Pittsburgh’s Benjamin L. Handen, professor of psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology and instruction and learning will present “The Search for Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome”
On March 12, Rush University’s Elizabeth Berry-Kraviz, pediatric neurologist and world-renowned fragile X expert, will present “Translation of Disease – Targeted Treatments in Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Efforts to Cross the Chasm.”
Events are also planned for April and May.
MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series Symposium
• Oct. 9, 3-6:30 p.m. Refreshments at 3 p.m., lecture and panel from 3:30-6:45 p.m. • UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 • No registration required • Seating is first come, first served. • Parking is available in Parking Structure 2, adjacent to the Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center. Note: The MIND Institute parking lot is mostly closed, due to construction.
