Practitioners, families, students, researchers invited to 2021 KU autism conference

LAWRENCE — The Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training, part of the University of Kansas Life Span Institute, will host the conference Autism Across the Life Span on April 23.

The virtual event will address the needs of families, professionals and educators interested in autism spectrum disorder. The one-day event will feature 16 breakout sessions on behavioral health, interventions, research and neuroscience, and transition.

“While we always are excited for this annual meeting as it brings together our community, we are particularly eager for this year’s,” said Matt Mosconi, director of the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. “While we look forward to in-person meetings in coming years, this virtual environment will provide a means for more people to be involved and for us to gather, learn and continue our broader mission of advancing understanding and support for families affected by autism spectrum disorder.”

Registration for the conference is $95 for professionals, including investigators, tenure-track or research faculty, and clinicians. Families and self-advocates can register for $50, and the cost is $40 for undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships are available for families and self-advocates.

With presentations from nationally recognized researchers including KU faculty, the conference will offer research presentations as well as practical and informative guidance for people who are currently working and caring for children, teenagers and/or adults with autism spectrum disorder. Topics include technology and social skills, genetics, early childhood, self-determination, supported decision-making and more.

Keynote presentations at the conference:

• “Understanding Repetitive Behaviors and Interests in Autism,” by Jim Bodfish, vice chair of research and professor, Hearing and Speech Sciences Department and the Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Bodfish’s research program strives to maintain a close link with autism clinical service-delivery programs.
• “Preparing families to support transition-aged youth on the autism spectrum,” by Julie Lounds Taylor, associate professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Taylor’s research focuses on promoting positive outcomes in adulthood for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The KU Life Span Institute brings together scientists and students at the intersections of education, behavioral science and neuroscience to study problems that directly affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Kansas, as well as across the nation and world.