Your Child and Autism

UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior Reception Launches The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- On Monday, September 10, 2007, the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior held a special reception to mark the launch of The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance. This spirited occasion was hosted by Dr. Peter C. Whybrow, director of the Semel Institute, and Dr. James McCracken, director, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at UCLA. The event was attended by UCLA and The Help Group colleagues, faculty and friends, and took place at the Semel Institute on the UCLA campus.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex brain disorder that strikes in early childhood, disrupting a child's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and often accompanied by acute behavioral challenges. The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance is an innovative partnership between the two organizations dedicated to enhancing and expanding clinical research, education, and treatment into ASD, and to contribute to the development, greater understanding and use of best practice models by educators and clinicians.

Whybrow, McCracken, Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO of The Help Group and Vice Chair of the Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, and Dr. Liz Laugeson, Director of The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance, shared their remarks about this exciting endeavor. During the proceedings, Whybrow acknowledged Dr. Paul Satz, emeritus professor in the Semel Institute, for his pioneering efforts to develop The Help Group - UCLA Neuropsychology Program, which was established ten years ago, and Dr. Robert Bilder, professor & chief of medical psychology in the Semel Institute for his support of the ongoing collaboration between the two entities.

Whybrow gave a special tribute to Firestone, presenting her with an honorary crystal Bruin Bear in recognition of her vision, leadership and dedication to the development of the alliance. In her acceptance, Firestone thanked Whybrow, McCracken and UCLA colleagues for their commitment to the partnership. "Applied research is essential in furthering the development of evidence-based best practices for the effective education of children with autism spectrum disorders," Firestone noted. "Together, we look forward to opening new doors of opportunity to many more children and families living with autism."

###

MORE ARTICLES:

Teaching Children With Autism Better Verbal Communication Skills
Children with autism commonly face problems with verbal communication This is usually due to the frequent speech and language problems associated with the disorder

The Fraud Chronicles Part 1: Dancing on Disability
Insurance fraud is an exploding problem in America. Most consumers don't realize that 25 percent of their insurance premiums are used to pay fraudulent claims.

How To Improve The Behavior Of A Child With Autism
All children are blessings. The same is the case with those who bear a neurological disorder called autism. As such, just like any blessing, they too should be treasured and cared for. It is our responsibility to make them feel better by guiding them towards a normal and happy life.

How To Detect Autism In Your Child
Parents obviously want the best for their children and always want to make sure that they are as happy as possible, as well as being as healthy as possible. One of the things that parents should watch for, however, is signs that their child might be suffering from autism or autistic spectrum disorder. The signs of this disease are not immediately obvious compared to a cut finger or bruised knee.

BFOCASD (Brevard Families of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders) Autism Awareness Festival
Saturday, April 9th from 11:00 to 2:00 PM at Wickham Park Pavilions 1 (next to Brevard Community College-Melbourne Campus - 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, FL 32935) Food, activities, and games for the kids, moonwalk, waterslide, pony rides, face painting, bubbles, sand toys, pinwheels bake sale, and more! Fingerprinting provided by the Sheriffs Department. A raffle will be held for prizes that include 2 tickets to Walt Disney World, Sea World, massages, and more!

Autism And A Transitioning To Adulthood
Around the age of fourteen, parents should begin thinking about how their autistic child will make the leap from school to adulthood. Ultimately, the goal for the child should be to lead as normal and independent a life as possible. As with your child?s elementary and secondary school's education, good planning is a key factor in helping your child develop to its fullest potential.

Key Steps Can Help with Financial Impact of Disability
Allsup provides insights on improving cash flow and financial resources, including Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, when individuals must stop working because of disability.

Autism Super Mom Saves Son in Compelling New Penguin Release
Autism super mom Jayne Lytel traces the arc of her journey -- the four worst years of her life -- to recover her now 8-year-old son, Leo, from autism in a new book, Act Early Against Autism, which debuts March 4, 2008. Her story, and the rescue of Leo is compelling and resonant. The book has been praised by child development guru, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, and Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Parents or caregivers are usually the first ones to notice the signs and symptoms of autism in a child under three years of age. At birth, the signs and symptoms of autism are not necessarily noticeable, and it may take a little while to distinguish the behavior.

Utopia MediSpa and Wellness Offers Unique Opportunity to Learn the Facts About Unconventional Treatments for Autism
His brand of medicine may be controversial and unconventional to some, but the fact remains: patients are getting better under his care. Carlos Garcia, M.D. of Utopia MediSpa and Wellness, is one of the nation's foremost integrative medical doctors. He brings his years of experience to the forefront at an exclusive seminar designed to educate parents on safe and effective cutting-edge treatments for Autism and ADHD.