Travis Thompson's Talk at Eastern Psychological Association, March, 2009, Pittsburgh

II hadn't seen or had contact with Travis in several years, so I was very eager to hear his talk. This year he delivered the FRED KELLER DISTINGUISHED LECTURE. His title was AUTISM: BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS, NEUROSCIENCE & GENETICS. The abstract in the program read:

"Autism subtypes are differentially amenable to significant improvements through behavioral
intervention. Intensive Early Behavior Therapy based on principles of applied behavior analysis, enables approximately half of children with autism to function similar to their peers. Growing evidence implicates defects in synaptogenesis as one cause of autism. Activity-dependent genes appear to be activated through intensive engagement of brain structures known to be dysfunctional in autism, resulting inincreased synapse formation."

We were able to chat briefly before and after and catch up on personal news. I also got links to Travis' website:

 http://travis-thompson.net

and his Blog: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A3KJ7AA2OG1WQT/ref=cm_blog_pdp_blog

Lots of great information on both of these.

Does your toddler have these signs? How to tell if your child should have a psychological evaluation.

If YOUR TODDLER (younger than 3 years of age) SHOWS SOME SYMPTOMS FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Poor or no Language: Starts talking later than other children. Failure to express or understand language. No gestures or pointing. Stops saying words once said. Repeats words you say. Acts like he or she doesn't hear what you say. Does not make eye contact when making requests. Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
2. Poor Social Skills: No eye contact or inconsistent eye content. Avoidance of people especially other children. Likes to play alone. Doesn't cuddle or hug. Doesn't respond to his or her name. Appears not to hear you at time. Appears unaware of others' feelings. Retreats into his or her "own world"
3. Unusual or Repetitive Behavior: Performs repetitive activities such as rocking body, spinning around, flapping hands, hitting self, hitting head against wall or floor. Lines up toys or objects and gets upset if someone changes the arrangement. Unusual interest in parts of toys or objects (for example spins wheels on vehicles). Develops specific routines or rituals. Becomes upset at the slightest change in routines or rituals. Moves constantly. May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car. Shows unusual sensitivity to light, sound or touch but is oblivious to pain.

If your child has symptoms in 2 or 3 of these categories, go to the following link and call the number closest to where you live. Tell the person who answers that you would like to have your child evaluated.

www.health.state.ny.us/community/infants_children/early_intervention