Leading Autism Researchers, Clinicians and Service Providers Will Give TED-Style Talks at the Autism Science Foundation’s Fourth Annual “Day of Learning” on March 30

Talks Focus on Research Advances, from Practical Skill Development, Modifiable Risk Factors and Gender Differences to Housing Options and Improving Communication between Parents and Teachers 

NEW YORK, NY (February 8, 2017) – The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding and advancing innovative autism research, will host its fourth annual “Day of Learning,” a science conference for the autism community, on Thursday, March 30. The conference, with an audience including parents, advocates and other autism community stakeholders, will feature TED-style talks by the nation’s leading autism researchers, clinicians and service providers from across the country who will discuss the latest trends and significant developments in autism research, treatment and services.

Each TED-style talk will be thoughtful, 15-minute distillation of a critical issue in autism and mental health. Speakers and topics will include:

  • Dr. Wendy Chung, Director of Clinical Research, Simons Foundation:
    Autism Research: Where Are We Now?
  • Amy Lutz, Co-Founder, EASI Foundation:
    Housing Options for Adults with Autism
  • Dr. David Mandell, Professor, Director, Center for Mental Health Policy and Services, University of Pennsylvania:
    Improving Communication Between Parents of Children with Autism and Teachers
  • Dr. James McPartland, Associate Professor, Director, Developmental Disabilities Clinic, Child Study Center, Yale University:
    Developing Clinical Biomarkers
  • Dr. Craig Newschaffer, Professor, Director, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University:
    Understanding Modifiable Autism Risk Factors
  • Dr. Celine Saulnier, Professor, Clinical Director for Research, Marcus Autism Center, Emory University:
    Helping People with Autism Develop Practical Skills
  • Dr. Donna Werling, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco:
    Understanding the Female Protective Effect

“The Day of Learning is an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about cutting-edge new research that will impact their family members and friends with autism,” said Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation. “The speakers that we bring together for this special event have an immense amount of knowledge to share about the status of autism science today and where it needs to be tomorrow. These are the researchers at the forefront of autism science, and they are eager to share their insights and hear from our community.”

“This is an important day of dialogue and interaction between the autism research community and its stakeholders,” added Alycia Halladay, Ph.D., chief science officer of the Autism Science Foundation. “Attendees are able to engage in meaningful conversations with the scientists who are helping to make a difference for their loved ones.”

Tickets for the “Day of Learning,” which includes lunch, are available online. Proceeds from the conference will benefit the Foundation’s pre- and post- doctoral autism fellowship programs, supporting early career research by the nation’s most promising, young autism scientists.

About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity. Its mission is to support autism research by providing funding to scientists and organizations conducting autism research. ASF also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation, or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.

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