Autism conference brings together parents and researchers to share info

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?'

On May 31, family members, caregivers and teachers of children with autism will have an opportunity to get answers to these and other questions from people on the other front line fighting to help children with this difficult disorder: researchers. A program, 'Recent advances in autism treatment and research,' is the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event aimed at sharing the latest in autism research with the families of affected children.

'We really want to engage family members and caregivers of children with autism,' said Carl Feinstein, MD, the endowed director of psychiatry at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. 'We want to share with the parents what we have learned and learn from the parents what they know.'

Feinstein, also professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the School of Medicine, co-directs the Stanford Autism Workng Group, a collaboration dedicated to finding the basis of autism.

'Parents are really powerful advocates for their kids,' said Antonio Hardan, MD, a child psychiatrist who directs the autism and developmental disabilities clinic at Packard Children's. He added, 'But it is very important for them to be informed about the risks and benefits of any intervention.'

At the conference, Hardan, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the medical school, will review the safety and effectiveness of traditional and innovative medications for some of the symptoms of autism and Asperger 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, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the medical school, is studying twins to determine if there is a genetic link to autism. He will discuss the role of genes in the development of the disorder.

Other conference topics will include 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. Judith Grether, PhD, from the California Department of Public Health, will review patterns and puzzles in environmental risk factors for autism.

Although the topics were chosen with parents in mind, much of the research to be discussed wouldn't have happened without the advocacy of the public.

'Much of this research owes its existence to the family members of these children,' said Hallmayer. 'There are some very strong parent groups that have been driving these types of investigations for years now. They push for resources, for services and for public awareness of autism and associated disorders.'

Autism is often diagnosed by the presence of several core symptoms such as social interaction deficits, language delays and restricted or obsessive interests. Autistic children also show behavioral abnormalities of aggression, hyperactivity and self-injury. Although current treatments have been somewhat effective for secondary behavioral issues, they've had less success with core problems.

The event will provide updates. 'It is important to share what we've learned with these parents,' Hardan said.

The conference is organized by the Autism Working Group at Packard Children's and the medical school, with the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health. To register, visit the Web site at http://childpsychiatry.stanford.edu. The $100 registration includes lunch.

The autism conference is scheduled to run from 8:30 am to 4 pm on May 31 at the Schwab Residential Center at 680 Serra St. on the Stanford campus. Parents, teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, caregivers, news media and anyone with an interest in autism are invited to attend.