World’s Leading Autism Scientists Search for Answers Behind Devastating Childhood Disorder at May 5-7 Conference in Boston, Mass.

May 4, 2005

(BOSTON, Mass.) — A press briefing featuring two new findings on autism from the University of California, Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute will open the 4th International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).

The conference – founded through a collaboration between the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, Cure Autism Now and the National Alliance for Autism Research – is the largest and most exhaustive exploration of research advances in autism, a disorder that now affects as many as one in every 166 children.

One study appears to take scientists closer than they have ever been to developing a blood test that could detect autism at birth. Currently, there is no biological test that can reveal the condition. Diagnosis depends on a behavior assessment that is not reliable until a child is two to three years old. Finding a biological sign – or “biomarker” – that can be detected at birth is a major goal of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, as it could allow doctors to initiate treatment or perhaps even prevent the disorder early in a child’s life.

Another study examines immune system differences in children with and without autism. Scientific interest in how the immune system may play a role in autism has been motivated by a growing body of basic research linking immune system malfunctions with a number of neurological disorders. New research on early diagnosis and treatment will also be reviewed.

WHEN: 11 a.m. EDT
Thursday, May 5, 2005

WHERE: Northeastern Room, Marriott Boston Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts

DETAILS: Media not present on site can join via teleconference:

* In U.S., dial +1-877-707-9628 toll-free and ask for “autism call.”

* Outside U.S., dial +1-785-832-0201 and ask for “autism call.”

* Online press room at http://www.eurekalert.org/imfar.html (embargo agreement and free registration required to view embargoed materials).

* A playback of the call will be available for the duration of the conference at:

+1-800-753-5479 toll-free/ +1-402-220-2675.

* B-roll is available to support this story.
WHO: Helen Tager-Flusberg, professor of anatomy and neurobiology, director of the Lab of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience and professor of psychology, Boston University School of Medicine

David Amaral, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center and research director of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute

Judy Van de Water, associate professor of rheumatology, allergy and clinical immunology at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center and the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute


Parents, researchers and the health community are seeking answers to understand, prevent and treat this lifelong developmental disorder that leaves children in apparent isolation from their families and communities. Scientists at the conference will discuss research on genetic factors, brain research, new treatments and behavioral science around autism, including:


* What new evidence is there for a relationship between autism and exposure to environmental toxins?

* Do children with autism have abnormal brain growth?

* What differences have been found in the immune systems of children with autism?

* What characteristics in children as young as 8 to 12 months old signal the likelihood of developing autism later on, for example not responding to their name and holding objects too long?

* What can be learned from a child with autism who can almost instantly name the weekday for any date in the next 8,000 years?

* What impact does treatment for children with autism have on their ability to function as adults?

* How does an interactive computer program improve the ability of children with Asperger Syndrome to recognize basic and complex emotions?

* To what extent do parents of children with autism show subtle signs of the disorder?

* Can unaffected siblings of children with autism exhibit similar patterns of behavior and brain functioning?

* What are the latest advances in diagnosing autism in children as young as 12-months?

* What evidence is there that Intensive Behavioral Intervention works?

* What role does culture play in the severity of behavioral impairments in children with autism?

* How does an affected child’s unique ability to quickly learn an eye-blink exercise suggest a link between autism and brain injuries in utero?

IMFAR is organized by the International Society for Autism Research, a new professional society that emerged as a result of the conference. Financial support comes from the Autism Society of America, Cure Autism Now, Janssen, the National Alliance for Autism Research and the National Institute of Mental Health.

The UC Davis M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute is a unique collaborative center for research into the causes and treatments of autism, bringing together parents, scientists, clinicians and educators. For further information, go to http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute