Autism

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include the related conditions Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS, which have fewer signs and symptoms. Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines; the vaccine hypotheses are biologically implausible and lack any convincing scientific evidence. The prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000 people, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved. Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing autism should be tolerated as a difference and not treated as a disorder.

Treatment with Aripiprazole and Behavior Intervention for Children with Autism who have Low Language Ability

Review and Approval

IRB Flyer:

Project 3 Approved 2013.pdf

Renewal Date:

2014, April 23

Autism

Overview

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle school or high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during real play activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.).

Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

Enrollment is limited. Classes are on Wednesday evenings at UCLA. Regular attendance is imperative. Parent participation is required.

*The next round of PEERS for Adolescents will begin May 29th - enrollment is available*

Topics of Instruction:

How to use appropriate conversational skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humor
How to enter and exit conversations between peers
How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
How to handle rumors and gossip
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to make phone calls to friends
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation

Virtual Coach Research Study - This research study is testing the benefit of using a Virtual Coach mobile application in combination with our evidence-based social skills program for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PEERS®). *For more information about the study and eligibility criteria, please see the attached flyer below.

UCLA PEERS Facebook Page - more information on the UCLA PEERS Clinic can be found at www.facebook.com/uclapeers

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Autism Research

Autism Research at UCLA

One of the fundamental goals of the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART) is to provide a strong, collaborative environment for both basic and applied autism research. The UCLA CART fosters integration of the clinical, imaging, genetic, and basic science research into autism for which UCLA is renowned. Scientists at the UCLA CART include leading experts in autism genetics, brain imaging, psychophysiology, psychopharmacology, developmental psychology, clinical assessment and intervention.

CART was established with an National Institutes of Health (NIH) STAART Center grant in 2003 and became an NIH Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) Center in 2007 and an ACE Network in 2008. In 2012, CART was the only ACE Center in the nation to get renewed funding to 2017. CART and affiliated research projects are listed below. CART also awards pilot grant funds. See attachments for more detail.