Autism Symposium April 2 at Stanford University, Sponsored by Packard Children's Hospital

For Release: March 16, 2011

STANFORD, Calif. — An autism diagnosis raises big questions in parents' minds. Prominent among them: How do I talk to my child's doctors? Will I be able to communicate my family's needs? How will I make sure my son or daughter receives the right treatments?

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford is here to help parents find answers. On April 2, the hospital presents its Fourth Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Update, an event that gives members of the community a chance to learn about new autism research and therapies. This year's theme, "Bridging the Gap," puts the focus on parent-doctor partnerships.

WHAT:  Autism experts from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the Stanford University School of Medicine and across the country will give presentations on the biology of autism; stem cells and nascent autism therapies; building strong relationships with your child's physicians; improving social communication in children with autism; medications for autism spectrum disorder; and autism and sleep problems. The day will conclude with break-out sessions where participants can interact with experts and get their questions answered.

WHERE:  Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, Stanford University, 326 Galvez St., Stanford, Calif.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 2, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m.)

WHY:  "We hope parents will leave the symposium with new approaches for how to ask doctors and scientists for the information they really need," said Carl Feinstein, MD, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Packard Children’s and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. "Doctors may know a lot about autism, but they may not always know all of the parents' concerns, or what their specific questions are. We want to help bridge that gap." The conference also provides parents, educators and caregivers with a rare opportunity to interact first-hand with the scientists who are advancing our understanding of the biology and treatment of autism, Feinstein added. "We really want to reach out to parents," he said. "At the Center for Autism, we believe that two-way communication between parents and experts is an essential part of providing the best care for children, teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders."

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  Parents, teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, caregivers, media and anyone with an interest in autism are invited to attend. The $100 registration fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Author

Robert Dicks
(650) 387-7500
rdicks@stanfordchildrens.org