The World of Autism and Asperger's Disorder

(BIO 78)

Autism is on the rise in the United States, and especially in the Bay Area where one in every 150 children is now diagnosed as autistic. But what is autism and why is it increasingly more prevalent among children and adolescents? What are the special challenges facing parents, caregivers, educators, advocates, clinicians, and scientists in understanding and dealing with autism? This course offers an introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which include not just autism, but also Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders that are characterized by impaired social interactions and communication abilities, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. This basic course will survey how these disorders are manifested and the challenges they pose for the individuals affected and those who care for them. Treatment options and their effectiveness will be addressed, and so will the ways that Hollywood and the media portray ASD.

Antonio Hardan, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Antonio Hardan serves as Director of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. He has more than fifteen years of experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders and has authored many articles on these topics.

Jennifer Phillips, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Jennifer Phillips specializes in the diagnostic assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities, and is particularly interested in parent support services.

Mendy Boettcher Minjarez, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Mendy Boettcher Minjarez specializes in diagnostic assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities and is trained in the use of Pivotal Response Training techniques, a form of intervention used with parents and children with autism.