Lecture

Changing Face of Autism: Adolescents & Adults

Dr. Fred Volkmar concludes the seminar series by discussing the changing face of autism as it pertains to adolescents and adults. He shares insights on how research findings are being translated into practice, focusing on the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum as they transition into adulthood.


Course Lectures
  • In this introductory session, Prof. Fred Volkmar welcomes students to the Yale College Autism Seminar. He offers a foundational overview of autism and related disorders, detailing the structure and objectives of the course.

  • Dr. Ami Klin continues the overview of autism in this segment, delving deeper into the characteristics and complexities of the disorder. This lecture builds on the foundational knowledge presented in the previous session, emphasizing the importance of understanding autism's broad impact.

  • In this session, Prof. Fred Volkmar provides an in-depth analysis of model programs for the treatment of autism. He reviews the history of intervention strategies, examines potential outcomes, and discusses the challenges and resources associated with implementing effective treatment programs.

  • This presentation by Dr. Katherine Tsatsanis focuses on the diagnosis and assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). It emphasizes the clinical nature of diagnosis, which relies on experienced professionals recognizing behavioral features that categorize individuals as having ASDs. The session also highlights the importance of detailed assessment in understanding a child's unique strengths and vulnerabilities.

  • Dr. Kasia Chawarska discusses social disorders in infants and young children in this session. She covers the patterns of autism onset and diagnosis in early childhood, as well as the unique expressions of the syndrome and atypical face processing among toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

  • In this session, Dr. Ami Klin addresses the neurodevelopmental aspects of autism, focusing on foundational social skills and their disruption in infants and toddlers. This lecture highlights the genetic and behavioral variability in autism and the necessity for precise quantification of social behavior for better understanding and intervention.

  • Dr. James McPartland reviews how face perception develops in children and its relevance to social perception in autism. This lecture discusses research findings in brain electrophysiology, exploring differences in processing social versus non-social information and their implications for understanding autism.

  • In this lecture, Dr. Kevin Pelphrey discusses recent advances in neuroimaging research that investigate brain mechanisms involved in social perception. He compares the development of these mechanisms in typically developing children and those with autism, shedding light on biological motion cues and how they are processed differently.

  • Dr. Michael Powers introduces the foundations of behavioral assessment and treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He explores the range of behavioral challenges these individuals may face and the impact of these behaviors on their daily functioning, outlining effective strategies for addressing and mitigating these challenges.

  • This presentation by Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation, shares parental perspectives on autism. Alison reviews early warning signs of autism, the impact of diagnosis on families, and the importance of early intervention. She also addresses challenges families face in accessing appropriate treatments and highlights evidence-based therapies while warning against misleading claims.

  • Dr. Rhea Paul provides an overview of communication deficits in autism spectrum disorders. This lecture defines key terms related to communication and reviews typical communication development stages. Differences in communication among children with autism are illustrated with video examples, emphasizing unique aspects that characterize communication in individuals on the spectrum.

  • In this final lecture, Dr. Andrés Martin reviews the role of psychotropic medications in treating children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. He discusses target symptoms that medications can address, providing insights into how pharmacological interventions can complement therapeutic strategies in managing autism.

  • This lecture explores the legal rights of children diagnosed with autism and related disorders. It examines how legislation impacts therapies, education, and services throughout a child's life. The discussion covers the evolution of laws supporting individuals with disabilities, with a focus on special education laws and the resources available to families seeking help.

  • Dr. Fred Volkmar concludes the seminar series by discussing the changing face of autism as it pertains to adolescents and adults. He shares insights on how research findings are being translated into practice, focusing on the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum as they transition into adulthood.