Webinar Library

In this presentation, Brittany Travers explores the brain's role in sensory features in autistic individuals, focusing on the brain stem. As a psychologist interested in occupational therapy and neuroimaging, she uses diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to map white matter pathways. Her research links increased white matter density in the brain stem to higher sensory severity in autistic children, particularly highlighting tracks like the medial and lateral lemniscus. Brittany discusses how these findings suggest the brain stem's significant impact on sensory processing in autism and outlines future research directions, including studying brain stem development in younger children and exploring new imaging techniques. This talk provides valuable insights into potential targeted therapies for sensory and motor features in autism. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with your colleagues!

In this presentation, Dr. Margaret Bauman discusses her experiences and insights on autism, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary training and improved communication between medical professionals and sensory processing specialists. She covers the changes in the DSM diagnostic criteria, the underdiagnosis of autism in females, and the importance of considering medical comorbidities in autistic individuals. Dr. Bauman also advocates for specialized training for physicians and the role of patient navigators in hospitals to better support those with sensory processing issues.

Join Roseann Schaaf at ISIC 2022 as she delves into the neurobiological foundations of sensory integration. Learn how sensory integration supports action and interaction, backed by evidence and neurobiological mechanisms. Schaaf shares her research on the significance of sensory integration for social connectedness and brain development, emphasizing neuroplasticity. Discover practical applications in occupational therapy, especially for children with autism, and the results of feasibility studies ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these interventions. Schaaf also discusses efforts to adapt sensory integration techniques for diverse cultural contexts, making them accessible to a wider audience.

In this presentation, Lisa Aziz explores the connection between sensory motor processes and social cognition. She discusses how typically developing individuals understand actions, emotions, and intentions through two primary neural networks: shared networks, which involve embodied cognition, and theory of mind networks, which involve cognitive understanding. Aziz highlights that 80% of children with autism have sensory motor issues. She compares children with autism to those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) to distinguish sensory motor issues from social issues both behaviorally and neuronally.

In this ISIC 2022 presentation, Dr. Grace Baranek discusses early identification and intervention for infants at risk for autism. She highlights the development of early screening tools and parent-mediated interventions, noting the inconsistency in current screening practices. Dr. Baranek shares research on early behavioral risk markers and the importance of longitudinal studies to understand autism trajectories. The presentation also explores the effectiveness of coaching parents to recognize and respond to their infants' sensory cues and communication acts, enhancing developmental outcomes through improved parent-child engagement.