Lecture

Changing Face of Autism: Adolescents & Adults

Dr. Fred Volkmar concludes the seminar with insights on autism in adolescents and adults. He discusses recent research developments and practical applications that enhance the understanding and support of individuals on the spectrum as they transition into adulthood.


Course Lectures
  • In this introductory module, Dr. Fred Volkmar presents an overview of the Yale College Autism Seminar. This session establishes the foundational understanding of autism and related disorders, providing insights into the course structure and objectives.

  • Dr. Ami Klin continues the discussion on autism, providing a deeper dive into the spectrum of autism. This session aims to solidify the understanding of varying presentations and nuances in autism, contributing to a comprehensive view of the disorder.

  • In this module, Prof. Fred Volkmar reviews model programs for autism treatment. He explores the history of intervention initiatives, evaluates their outcomes, and addresses the challenges faced during these interventions, emphasizing strategies and resources for effective treatment.

  • This module focuses on the complex process of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders, presented by Dr. Katherine Tsatsanis. It highlights the importance of clinical expertise in assessment, detailing the behavioral characteristics that define ASDs and the significance of tailored evaluations.

  • Dr. Kasia Chawarska addresses social disorders in infants and young children with autism. She covers early signs of autism, diagnostic patterns, and the implications of atypical facial processing in toddlers, providing critical insights into early intervention.

  • In this lecture, Dr. Ami Klin examines the foundational social adaptive skills impacted by autism. The session emphasizes the early mechanisms of socialization, their disruption in autism, and the need for better quantification of social behavior in understanding genetic and behavioral variability.

  • Dr. James McPartland reviews the role of face perception in social development and its significance in understanding autism. The lecture highlights research findings in brain electrophysiology, discussing how individuals with autism process social and non-social information differently.

  • In this class, Dr. Kevin Pelphrey discusses neuroimaging studies that investigate brain mechanisms in social perception among typically developing children and those with autism. The session provides insights into biological motion cues and their role in understanding psychological dispositions.

  • Dr. Michael Powers introduces behavioral treatments for individuals with autism, emphasizing the assessment and management of challenging behaviors. The lecture addresses how these behaviors impact daily functioning and the importance of effective behavioral strategies for improving outcomes.

  • This module features Alison Singer, who shares parental perspectives on autism. She discusses early warning signs, the impact of an autism diagnosis on families, and emphasizes the need for evidence-based treatments while addressing the challenges of accessing appropriate resources.

  • Dr. Rhea Paul focuses on communication deficits in autism spectrum disorders. This lecture reviews typical communication development stages, highlighting differences in communication strategies among children with ASD, and provides video examples illustrating these unique aspects.

  • In the final lecture, Dr. Andrés Martin discusses the role of psychopharmacology in treating children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The session reviews target symptoms that can be effectively managed with medication, providing insights into pharmacological interventions.

  • This module addresses the legal rights of children with autism and related disorders. It examines how laws impact education and therapy access, discussing the evolution of disability laws and the resources available to families navigating these challenges.

  • Dr. Fred Volkmar concludes the seminar with insights on autism in adolescents and adults. He discusses recent research developments and practical applications that enhance the understanding and support of individuals on the spectrum as they transition into adulthood.