Paradigm Shifts in Approaches to the Early Detection and Treatment of Autism

Geraldine Dawson is Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics, and Psychology & Neuroscience at Duke University. She is Past-President of the International Society for Autism Research and a member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. She is Director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, an interdisciplinary autism research and treatment center, and Chair of the Faculty Governance Committee for the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Dawson is Director of an NIH Autism Center of Excellence Award at Duke focused on understanding early detection, neural bases, and treatment of autism and ADHD. Dawson has published extensively on early detection, brain function, and treatment of autism. With Sally Rogers, she developed the Early Start Denver Model, a comprehensive early behavioral intervention for young children with autism. Her awards include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Psychological Science and the NIH Top 20 Advances in Autism Research Award in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. TIME magazine recognized her work as a top 10 medical breakthrough of 2012. She completed a Ph.D. in Developmental/Child Clinical Psychology from University of Washington and clinical internship at UCLA.

Objectives:

1. Identify early symptoms of autism
2. Describe novel methods for early detection of autism symptoms
3. Understand the neural basis of social impairments in autism
4. Identify key features of empirically-valid early intervention methods for autism
5. Describe biomarkers that are used in autism clinical trials

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1credit AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Education Units (1) will be available for Social Workers and affiliated reciprocal agencies. Illinois Board License number 159-000112.

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This event is 1 credit hour continuing education.

No member of the planning committee for this activity have reported a relevant relationship with a commercial interest.  There is no conflict of interest and nothing to disclose.

Dr. Dawson has disclosed that he has received a grant from Janssen Research and Development, L.L.C, and PerkinElmer and has received research support from Janssen Research and Development, Akili Inc., and Roche Pharmaceutical Company. Dr. Dawson is the CEO of DASIO, Inc (Digital Approaches Improve Outcomes).