First Annual Autism Conference at Packard Children's and Stanford Brings Parents...

First Annual Autism Conference at Packard Children's and Stanford Brings
Parents and Researchers Together

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents of children with autism
often grapple with a bewildering array of questions and choices: "Did I do
something to cause the disorder? Could it be genetic? What is it like to be a
child with autism? Are there new medications or therapies that might alleviate
some of my child's symptoms?"
On May 31, family members, caregivers and teachers of children with autism
will have a unique opportunity to hear from researchers on the front line of
the difficult disorder. 'Recent Advances in Autism Treatment and Research' is
the first in what organizers from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and
Stanford University hope will be an annual event aimed at sharing the latest
in autism research with the families of affected children.
"We're engaging family members and caregivers of children with autism,"
said Carl Feinstein, MD, the Endowed Director of Psychiatry at Packard
Children's. "We want to share with the parents what we have learned and learn
from the parents what they know."
Feinstein, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford's
medical school, co-directs the Stanford Autism Working Group -- a
collaboration of physicians, geneticists, neuroscientists, cell biologists,
and bioengineers dedicated to discovering the neurological and biological
basis of the complex disorder. The conference is meant to be the first in a
series of productive exchanges between parents and members of the group.
"Parents are powerful advocates for their kids," said child psychiatrist
Antonio Hardan, MD, who directs the autism and developmental disabilities
clinic at Packard Children's. "But it is very important for them to be
informed about the risks and benefits of intervention. We want to empower them
by giving them a balanced view of the latest research and medical treatments."
At the all-day conference on the Stanford campus, Hardan, an assistant
professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford's medical school,
will review the safety and effectiveness of traditional and innovative
medications for some of the symptoms of autism and Asperger's Disorder. He
will be joined by many other researchers and physicians from Stanford and
Packard Children's.
"Stanford and Packard Children's have a very broad scientific community
devoted to autism research," said child psychiatrist Joachim Hallmayer, MD.
Hallmayer, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at
Stanford, is studying pairs of twins to determine if there is a genetic link
to autism. He will discuss the role of genes in the development of the
disorder.
In addition to Hardan and Hallmayer, other researchers will discuss the
medical management of autism, the basic science of autism, neurological
problems associated with the disorder, and how a child with autism perceives
the world. Finally, Judith Grether, PhD, from the California Department of
Public Health, will review patterns and puzzles in environmental risk factors
for autism.
"Much of the research owes its existence to the family members of these
children," said Hallmayer. "There are some very good, very strong parent
groups driving these types of investigations. They push for resources, for
services and for public awareness of autism and associated disorders."
"We want to share what we've learned with these parents, even though we
don't have all the answers," said Hardan. "They need to know what evidence
there is, or isn't. This can help them understand the effectiveness of
different approaches, enabling them to make the best decisions for their
children."
"It's the beginning of what we hope will be a very open and productive
dialogue," said Feinstein, "and we're excited about the possibilities."
The conference is organized by the Autism Working Group at Lucile Packard
Children's Hospital and the Stanford University School of Medicine, aided by
the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health. To register, visit
childpsychiatry.stanford.edu. The $100 registration includes lunch. The
conference is scheduled from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on May 31st at the Schwab
Residential Center at 680 Serra St. on the Stanford campus. Parents, teachers,
pediatricians, psychologists, caregivers, media and anyone with an interest in
autism are invited to attend.
About Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Ranked as one of the nation's top 10 pediatric hospitals by U.S. News &
World Report, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is a 272-bed
hospital devoted to the care of children and expectant mothers. Providing
pediatric and obstetric medical and surgical services and associated with the
Stanford University School of Medicine, Packard Children's offers patients
locally, regionally and nationally the full range of health care programs and
services, from preventive and routine care to the diagnosis and treatment of
serious illness and injury. For more information, visit http://www.lpch.org.
Contact:
Robert Dicks
650-387-7500
rdicks@lpch.org

Todd Kleinheinz
650-387-5421
tkleinheinz@lpch.org

SOURCE Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

Robert Dicks, +1-650-387-7500, rdicks@lpch.org, or Todd Kleinheinz,
+1-650-387-5421, tkleinheinz@lpch.org, both of Lucile Packard Children's
Hospital