Early Identification of Autism 

July 18, 2019- 12:00pm-1:00pm

Dr. Laura Carpenter is a Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She has dedicated her career to research and clinical work in the field child development with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She is the Training Director for SC LEND (South Carolina Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities), an MCHB-funded program that aims to train future leaders in neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is also the principal investigator for several studies investigating the prevalence of ASD, early identification in ASD, ASD genetics, and transition in ASD. She provides training and supervision in ASD assessment to predoctoral psychology interns, and to fellows in psychology and in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

At the end of this presentation, the learner will:

1. Be able to use screening instruments to identify children at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
2. Be familiar with the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder
3. List at least one reason why screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder is important
4. Identify at least 2 strategies for talking to families about Autism Spectrum Disorder