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Nisonger Center (OH UCEDD/LEND) Hosts Autism Institute: Autism Across the Lifespan

August 30, 2013

Dr. Marsha Mailick (Waisman Center, UCEDD/LEND), Dr. Tamar Heller (University of Illinois, UCEDD/LEND) and Drs. Thomas Fish and Jessica Hellings from Nisonger Center
Dr. Marsha Mailick (Waisman Center, UCEDD/LEND), Dr. Tamar Heller (University of Illinois, UCEDD/LEND) and Drs. Thomas Fish and Jessica Hellings from Nisonger Center

On June 25, 2013, Nisonger Center hosted an Autism Institute at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. This annual event focuses on translational research in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Speakers at this year's Institute included Dr. Marsha Mailick (Waisman Center, UCEDD/LEND), Dr. Tamar Heller (University of Illinois, UCEDD/LEND) and Drs. Thomas Fish and Jessica Hellings from Nisonger Center. More than 150 attendees included professionals, trainees, people with ASD and family members or caregivers.

Speakers presented their recent research and addressed several areas relating to adults with autism. The event also included a panel of adult siblings of individuals with ASD, who addressed adult sibling issues and responded to questions from the audience. Here is a summary of the presentations:

"Life Course Development of Adolescents and Adults with Autism"
Marsha R. Mailick, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, provided an overview of autism during adolescence and adulthood, based on a 12-year longitudinal study. By providing a mixture of case studies and data analyses, Mailick highlighted the changes that are evident during these stages of life with a focus on autism symptoms, behavior problems, activities of daily living skills, employment, and living arrangements. She also offered recommendations for additional research and services.

"Promoting Aging Well with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Tamar Heller, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, focused on issues to consider in promoting the health and community participation of older adults with ASD and their families, including 1) demographic trends, 2) health disparities and health promotion, and 3) long-term support.

"Pharmacologic Treatment of Challenging Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Lifespan Approach"
Jessica A. Hellings, MD, Ohio State University, described pharmacologic treatments that may facilitate parent training, behavioral interventions and educational advancement in individuals with ASD and challenging behaviors. She discussed assessment and treatment methods for individuals by age group and diagnosis of psychiatric symptom clusters, including an emphasis on strategies to resolve treatment resistance. This approach emphasizes rational and safer treatment of challenging behaviors of individuals with ASD throughout the lifespan.

"Adult Siblings Share Their Experiences and Perspectives Regarding Having a Brother/Sister with ASD"
Tom Fish, PhD, LISW, Ohio State University, and a sibling panel shared their experiences and perspectives regarding having a brother/sister with ASD. The panel reacted to comments by presenters and discussed the roles they play in their respective families. Panel members offered suggestions about needed supports as well as how professionals can be most helpful.

The event was co-sponsored by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and OCALI's Center for Systems Change. Presentation slides for each speaker are available at this website: http://nisonger.osu.edu/ai2013-slides. For more information about Nisonger Center programs and upcoming events, visit http://nisonger.osu.edu.