- September 22, 2021Source: Yale Medicine
From Early Autism Diagnosis to College Bound
- August 05, 2021Source: YaleNews
Study Finds Children With Autism Respond Well to Puppets
- March 31, 2020Source: New York Times
Parents and Schools Are Struggling to Care for Kids With Special Needs
- October 31, 2019Source: CT Post
Autism discussed at Trumbull event
- September 22, 2019Source: NBC News
Why the focus of autism research is shifting away from searching for a 'cure'
- September 12, 2019
Youth on the Autism Spectrum: Jobs, College, and Beyond
Yale Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program (Yale SANA Program)
Work in our lab is focused on early social and affective development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities. We aim to discover biomarkers of social and emotional vulnerabilities and novel treatment targets in infancy and early childhood. Our highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research relies on integration of cutting edge clinical behavioral, neurophysiological, and imaging data in service of improving the lives of children living with complex developmental disorders.
Interested in participating in one of our research studies or being seen in our clinic?
Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Guide for Families with Children with Autism
Events
Video Series: Successful Strategies for Teaching Students with Autism
This is a free, 20-part professional development video series targeted at anyone who interacts with a person with ASD in a learning environment. The videos cover a wide array of topics related to teaching students with autism, including the most relevant evidence-based practices along with immediately applicable information.
The videos can be found on the SCSU CEASD website: https://www.southernct.edu/asd-center/services/training
Routine Traffic Stop Practice for Individuals with ASD
The staff at the Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders in collaboration with the Southern Police Department and the CT DMV are pleased to announce an upcoming opportunity for individuals with autism who drive and want to practice handling a routine traffic stop.
When: October 2, 2021. Two sessions available (choose 1):
- AM Session: 9:00am - 12:00pm
- PM Session: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: SCSU School of Business Building and Parking Lot 12
Who: Drivers with autism must have a current license, car, registration, and insurance. One support person is welcome to attend.
What: Officers from the Southern Connecticut State University Police Department will perform practice routine traffic stops with drivers with autism. These traffic stops will allow participants to engage with an officer and experience a routine traffic stop in a controlled setting. It is expected that this experience will familiarize participants with the typical steps of a traffic stop and prepare them for the experience elsewhere. Participants will learn how to effectively utilize the Blue Envelope when stopped by a police officer. Blue Envelopes will be available for drivers should they choose to use them. The Blue Envelope is a Connecticut DMV resource that provides a blue colored envelope with written instructions to assist a motorist with autism spectrum disorder navigate a traffic stop. The envelope also alerts police officers that the individual has autism so that enhanced communication can be reached between the two.
For everyone, a traffic stop can create some anxiety. For an individual with autism, it may have an even greater impact. This program is designed to alleviate some of the stress associated with a traffic stop by providing an opportunity for drivers and officers to interact in a safe, predictable manner.
Participants will utilize their own vehicles for the practice traffic stops. Before the traffic stops, participants will review the steps of a routine traffic stop, and also how to use the DMV Blue Envelope. Drivers and Southern Police Officers will also have the opportunity to meet and engage informally prior to the traffic stops.
Presented By: SCSU Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Southern Police Department, CT Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration: Please email asd-center@southernct.edu. In the subject line of your email, please include: "traffic stop practice" and in the body of your email, please include: (1) name, (2) phone, (3) email, (4) preferred session (AM or PM).
Previous Events
- On May 21, 2021, James McPartland, PhD presented "Developing Biomarkers to Improve Clinical Research in Autism" as part of the Yale Child Study Center and SCSU Science of Autism Series (link to flyer).
- On December 4, 2020, Kasia Chawarska, PhD and Suzanne Macari, PhD presented "Do Puppets Hold Special Interest for Children with Autism?" as part of the Yale Child Study Center and SCSU Science of Autism Series (link to flyer).
- On November 7, 2020, Kelly Powell, PhD presented on "Coping During the Pandemic" at the ASRC Virtual Autism Resource Fair.
- On January 21, 2020, we hosted "Filling Your Own Cup First: Responding to the Emotions and Stressors of Parenting a Child with Special Needs."
More information can be found on the flyer - On October 27, 2019, we co-hosted a conference with Southern State University called Youth on the Spectrum: Jobs, College, and Beyond.
Learn about the conference and view the presentations here.
Autism Center of Excellence
Principal Investigator
Katarzyna Chawarska, PhD
Emily Fraser Beede Professor of Child Psychiatry