The next event in the monthly Autism Seminar & Discussion (ASD) series—sponsored by UC Santa Barbara’s Koegel Autism Center and the Santa Barbara Public Library—is “Know the Signs: Autism in Early Childhood.” The event, which is free and open to the public, is on Tuesday, June 5 from 6:30 - 8 pm at the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. This hour-long presentation, followed by a Q & A session, will focus on the development of autism symptoms in infancy and toddlerhood.
Participants will discuss the early warning signs that parents, caregivers, and educators should know. This presentation will include video examples to highlight behaviors that may indicate concern. Participants will also learn about a new clinical initiative to support infant social development that will be offered by the Koegel Autism Center.
Liz McGarry, M.A., will lead the presentation. McGarry is a doctoral candidate in Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology (clinical emphasis) at UC Santa Barbara. She is also a graduate student clinician and researcher at the Koegel Autism Center. Her research interests involve the development and dissemination of evidence-based interventions to promote early social engagement in infants and toddlers at-risk for ASD. McGarry has developed an online Pivotal Response Treatment training program for parents to learn about and implement treatment strategies at home with their child.
The monthly Autism Seminar & Discussion series is made possible through collaboration between UCSB’s Koegel Autism Center and the Santa Barbara Library to bring highly engaging and informative content to the local community. It will take place the first Tuesday of each month.
The Koegel Autism Center is internationally recognized for its innovative autism research and clinical training. The center is part of the University of California, a not-for-profit state institution of higher learning. Led by Center Director Dr. Ty Vernon and Clinical Director Dr. Anna Krasno, the center focuses on the development and implementation of strength-based, motivational interventions and supports for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Intervention models developed at the center include the Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and the Social Tools And Rules for Teens (START) programs.
The center provides diagnostic assessments, intervention services, parent support, and clinical training opportunities through its funded research projects and clinics. It provides research and clinical training to doctoral students in clinical psychology and special education, many of whom have continued on to become highly influential members of the autism research community. The center was originally founded by Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel, co-developers of the PRT autism intervention model.
The Center strives to develop and disseminate high-impact, strength-based autism interventions and services; build collaborative partnerships with local and global communities; be culturally sensitive and responsive; provide ongoing outreach and education to families and professionals; support the diverse needs of individuals with ASD across the lifespan; and serve as a model for excellence in autism research and training.