Weill Cornell Autism Research Program
2012 Symposium
On Friday, May 11th, nearly 200 parents, families and professionals took part in Growing Up With Autism: Life Transitions, a family-focused, interactive symposium designed to answer questions about Autism Spectrum Disorders. A panel of experts discussed a wide array of topics, from clinical evaluation to intervention, and breakout sessions honed in on issues specific to different age brackets.
Videos of the panel presentations will be available on the WCARP webpage in several weeks. Please check back!
WCARP Program Overview
The Weill Cornell Autism Research Program (WCARP) endeavors to improve the understanding behind the genetics and brain chemistry of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). The program is sponsored by the Clinical and Translational Science Center of Weill Cornell Medical College and is co-directed by Dr. Joseph J. Higgins (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Barry E. Kosofsky (Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology) in the Department of Pediatrics.
The clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders includes:
- Asperger's syndrome
- autism
- pervasive developmental disorder
- other genetic syndromes which cause autistic-like features, such as tuberous sclerosis and fragile X syndrome (FXS)
WCARP's multidisciplinary team of investigators seeks to better identify the physical and behavioral features demonstrated by patients with autism as a starting point in detecting the contributing genetic factors of autism and, potentially, any related brain imaging changes.
Families Invited to Participate in Autism Study
Weill Cornell Medical College is enrolling families with children over 12 months of age in a study to identify the factors associated with autistic spectrum disorders.
The study involves approximately 3 to 5 hours of time and includes a clinical evaluation comprised of neuropsychological testing, completion of a questionnaire, and the drawing of blood. Families can be seen at our site in New York City, New York. There is a $25 gift certificate for each participating family as well as a $35 parking voucher for those who travel via car.
In addition, families will receive free admission to the 2012 Autism Symposium, "Growing Up With Autism: Life Transitions," which will take place at Weill Cornel Medical College in New York City on Friday, May 11, 2012. The symposium will include an array of topics from clinical evaluation to intervention, as well as opportunities to "ask the experts" and network with other families. Participants in the WCARP autism study can attend free of charge.
For more information about eligibility please contact:
Ms. Margaret Dennin
Research Coordinator
(212) 746-3583
mnd2003@med.cornell.edu
