Category Archives: Autism 200 Series

Seattle Children’s Autism 200 Lecture Feb 16, 2017

Drs. Jen Gerdts and Heather Mefford and giving the Children’s Autism 200 lecture on Thursday, February 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Seattle Children’s Wright Auditorium. The talk is titled: “Autism Genetics: What Parents Should Know”.

We always learn something from Jen and Heather and are excited to hear from them. These lectures are meant for anyone in the community: providers, parents, students, etc., and are free to attend.

Over the past decade, there have been major advances in our understanding of autism genetics, and genetic testing is often offered to patients and families. The tests (and sometimes the results) can be overwhelming and confusing. We will review what is known about autism genetics and what kinds of genetic tests are available to families. In addition, we will discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing and what types of results you might expect to receive. Finally, we will highlight research opportunities and exciting advances in genetic testing that are expected to become available in the near future. This class will be led by Heather Mefford, MD, and Jennifer Gerdts, PhD.

Autism 210: Benefits and Mindfulness

October 20, 2016, the Autism 200 Series presents will host it’s next class, “Autism 210: Benefits of Mindfulness.”

Autism 210: Benefits of Mindfulness
October 20, 2016
Instructor: Felice Orlich, PhD

Mindfulness involves “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). It is practiced by focusing on the present moment and being aware of one’s feelings, thoughts, and sensations. Mindfulness has been shown to have benefits in reducing stress and improving people’s quality of life. Dr. Felice Orlich will discuss the benefits of mindfulness for children with ASD and their families. Her presentation will include “mindful moment” exercises that are: 1) easy to do, 2) have practical application, and 3) promote self-care.

Classes are open to the general public. There is no need to register in advance to attend. Lectures are held the third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s main campus in Wright Auditorium. Park free in Lot 1. Enter the hospital through the River entrance, located straight across from the parking garage. Get an entrance badge from the Greeter Desk (bring photo ID).  Lectures are available through Seattle Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program and can be viewed at various locations throughout Washington, Alaska and Oregon. View Seattle Children’s video teleconferencing site information (PDF). Lectures are also recorded. View past lectures.

Autism 209: Multicultural Issues and ASD

September 15, 2016, the Autism 200 Series presents will host it’s next class, “Autism 209: Multicultural Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

Autism 209: Multicultural Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder
September 15, 2016
Instructors: Robin Tatsuda, MSW, ARC of King County, and Sayaka Omori, MEd, Open Doors for Multi-Cultural Families

Research has indicated that autism impacts individuals equally across cultures. However, families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds often face obstacles to accessing information, support and treatment across systems (e.g., educational, medical, state agencies). Tatsuda and Omori will identify and discuss the structural and cultural barriers for families of linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. This includes barriers for the family to access information and services and barriers for professionals to effectively support families. Real family stories and tips/strategies will be integrated throughout the presentation.

Classes are open to the general public. There is no need to register in advance to attend. Lectures are held the third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s main campus in Wright Auditorium. Park free in Lot 1. Enter the hospital through the River entrance, located straight across from the parking garage. Get an entrance badge from the Greeter Desk (bring photo ID).  Lectures are available through Seattle Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program and can be viewed at various locations throughout Washington, Alaska and Oregon. View Seattle Children’s video teleconferencing site information (PDF). Lectures are also recorded. View past lectures.

Autism 200 Series Overview

Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand this disorder. Faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes. Each class includes time for questions.

Classes are open to the general public, and are available through Seattle Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program and can be viewed at various locations throughout Washington, Alaska and Oregon. View Seattle Children’s video teleconferencing site information (PDF). Lectures are also recorded. View past lectures.

Please call Seattle Children’s Autism Center at 206-987-8080 with questions or go to the website: http://www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/classes-events/autism-200-series/