ELIANA MOU THE BELOW TO BE CORRECTED

17-21 November 2017 Ajax Hotel

Limassol - Cyprus

! !

!!

2nd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism

Treatment and Research. Neurodiversity, Individuality and Opportunities for Life:

360 Support, Best Practices, and Shared Synergies

17 – 21 November 2017 Ajax Hotel

Limassol – Cyprus

!Organized by

Magic Always Happens Inc. & Magic Always Happens Cyprus

Supported by Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus

Magic Always Happens Cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organization

Published by: Magic Always Happens Inc.

Synopsis of International Scientific Contributions by Luminary experts: 360 Support – Best Practices – Shared Synergies & Autism

Actions Not Words Love Autism

Editor: Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD Design: Carmella Auricchio

Issued: November 2017

Dear Friends and Colleagues, It is a great pleasure and an exceptional honor for me to welcome you to our 2nd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research. This year, our scientific works are focusing on Neurodiversity, Individuality, and Opportunities for Life, via our known to all “360 Approach” that encapsulates support through best practices, and shared synergies. We, at Magic Always Happens, Inc., and Magic Always Happens Cyprus, are very proud of our hard pro-social work, and scientific contributions to date. We continue our work internationally, fuelled by our unrelenting wish to see our proposed Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment, Diagnosis, Education, and Research, materialize in the first instance. As you may recall, with the support of our think tank comprised of leading world experts, we had presented our scientific study for the creation of the aforementioned International Center during our 2016 international conference. This year, we expect to be able to present solid work on the architectural end of the study, bringing us a step closer to the establishment of our proposed Center. Just like with our 2016 conference, we are happy to welcome a plethora of true luminary experts from around the globe. Experts who support our goals and are happy to share their work and research with us. Let us once again emphasize the transdisciplinary nature of our international conference supported by applied, scientific research conducted by leading experts establishing best practices around the world! We remain thankful to each and every one of our experts for their participation and active contribution to our global think tank. Among other essential issues to be discussed during our 2017 conference are issues pertinent to neurodiversity, individuality, best practices, and support of people on the Autism Spectrum, and their families. Once again, special attention will be given to the needs and nature of issues having to do with people on the spectrum who are 18+ years of age. This international conference integrates plenary sessions, hands-on workgroups and workshops, poster sessions, as well as in vivo group support to parents of people with autism. Our 1-day “meet and greet” luncheon with local parents, led by a Greek-speaking psychologist during our 2016 conference had allowed us to build upon that experience. This year, we are happy to offer a 3-day-long seminar with all interested local parents offering them a listening ear, support, guidance, and practical ways to cope with day-to-day issues. We will further enhance this seminar and in the months to come offer more assistance on the applied level to our people with autism, in Cyprus, and internationally. The contribution of our think tank to this, and other efforts, remains priceless. We look forward to be meeting with every one during our 2017 international conference, and as always we welcome your thoughts, contribution, and feedback. As a reminder, please note that Magic Always Happens, Inc., (an IRS tax exempt organization) and Magic Always Happens Cyprus are non-profit organizations, registered in their respective countries of origin (USA & Cyprus). We welcome strategic alliances, international collaboration, intercontinental research, publication, and all friends who wish to support our noble goals in our pursued of excellence. As emphasized during our 2016 conference, we remain particularly interested in collaboration promoting best practices, continuous research, and to the advance of applied solutions in order to help people of all ages on the spectrum, especially as it regards early intervention (0 – 3) and our 18+ population. As the Conference Chairperson and Scientific Committee Coordinator I welcome you and I look forward to be meeting with you all during our conference and beyond. Neophytos (Neo) Papaneophytou PhD, LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC Conference Chairperson Scientific Committee Coordinator neophd@hushmail.com +1-646-239-1048 (USA) www.autism360cy.com

Conference Chairperson: Neophytos (Neo) Papaneophytou, PhD Conference Scientific Committee: T. Berry Brazelton, MD Ed Tronick, PhD Alexandra Harrison, MD Serena Wieder, PhD Niko Kargas, PhD Barbara Demeneix, PhD Magda Mostafa, PhD Bhismadev Chakrabarti, PhD Neophytos L. Papaneophytou, PhD Organizing Committee: Magic Always Happens Inc. Magic Always Happens Cyprus www.magicalwayshappens.org Conference Secretariat:

ML Smart Events Name: Michael Loullis Carmella Auricchio Tel: +357 25355480 Fax: +357 25370795 E-mail: smartevents@cytanet.com.cy

Acknowledgements/Thanks To: The Conference Organizing Committee, Magic Always Happens, is thankful to the following companies/organizations for their kind support and direct sponsorship: Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organization Deloitte Limited Kalogeropoulos Travel & Tours Ltd ML Smart Events We remain thankful to Team Magic, our team of athletes, running the classic Athens Marathon on an annual basis for autism awareness and support of all people on the autism spectrum. We thank all local, national and international local clubs and associations for their love and support.

Conference Programme

Friday, 17 November 2017 6:00 Music by DMC Band! Demetris Constantinou, Maria Kyriakidou and Christos Kasoulides 6:30 PM Press Conference; Ajax Hotel Press Room 7:00 PM Welcome & Inaugural Address: Conference Chairperson, Chair, Scientific Committee, Minister(s) & representatives, His Eminence, Head of Church of Cyprus Reception will follow 8:00 PM Gala Dinner (Blessing: Head, Church of Cyprus)

Saturday, 18 November 2017 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM *Ed Tronick, PhD. (In absentia) Via video/Skype* 3-minute salutation to the conference Jerri Lynn Hogg, PhD. Media Psychology and Technology and Autism: Engagement, Learning, Therapy, and Entertainment 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM Q & A 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM David H. Skuse, PhD. Autism Spectrum Disorders in females: Where did all the girls go? 10: 15 AM – 10:30 AM Q & A 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM Amandine Lassalle, PhD. Alexithymia and empathic reactions in autism 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM Q & A 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Marinos Kyriakopoulos, PhD, FRCPsych. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Psychosis 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM Q & A 12:45 PM Review of Scientific Posters

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch (Own arrangements) *1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Working Lunch in *GREEK (Local Greek-speaking parents & families; own expenses) Antigoni Apostolopoulou, MA, PhD (Cand.) Talking with parents about autism: A three-day modular workshop for parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum 1st Meeting (*18 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Practical and emotional challenges 2nd Meeting (*19 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Recognizing ways to manage practical and emotional challenges 3rd Meeting (*20 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Strengthening the resilience of parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Integrated Panel Discussion (Drs. Hogg, Skuse, Lassalle, Kyriakopoulos & Mrs. Apostolopoulou) 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Coffee Break Workshops & Seminars 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Natalia Neophytou, MSc. (Med/Biokinetics) A hands on approach to improving flexibility, agility, and other motor deficits in individuals with ASD 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Mikaella Spantiou, MSc. Water and our multisensory world. Swimming and movement in water for people on the ASD! 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM Tatyana El-Kour, MS, RDN, FAND, PhD. (Cand.) Media psychology: A comprehensive cross-cultural comparative analysis of global dietary patterns and best practices for autism 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Workshop & Seminar Integrated Panel Discussion (Mrs. Neophytou, Mrs. Spantiou & Mrs. El-Kour) 7:00 PM Dinner – Own arrangements

Sunday, 19 November 2017 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Serena Wieder, PhD. Infant Mental Health and Development: Two Worlds or One? Autism Needs an Integrated Approach 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM Q & A 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Gilbert M. Foley, Ed. D., IMH-E. Changing the lens on The Spectrum: Developmental, Parent Mediated, Play as Regulation-Based Intervention 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Q & A 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM Yael Bruck Binya, OT, Psyd. (Cand.) The hidden meanings of repetitive behaviors” – a window into the child’s inner world through a multidisciplinary perspective 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM Q & A 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Alisa Vig, PhD. Moving from the Actual Space of the Outer World to the Inner Space of Symbols through Play 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM Q & A 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM Review Posters 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch Local families with children/adults on the Autism Spectrum are invited to join us for a “Sunday festive lunch hour and celebration.” Meet and greet our luminary experts and mingle! Actions not words! Love Autism: No child will be alone! Own arrangements 2:30 – 3:15 PM Niko Kargas, PhD. The Autism Research & Innovation Centre: Engaging and Involving the Wider Community in Research 3:15 – 3:30 PM Q & A 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Integrated Panel Discussion (Drs. Wieder, Foley, Mostafa, Papaneophytou, Vig, Kargas & Mrs. Bruck Binya) 4:40 PM Excursion & Dinner for speakers (Speakers, by invitation only) All others welcomed at own expenses; please see conference secretariat in advance for reservations

Monday, 20 November 2017 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Bhismadev Chakrabarti, PhD. Challenging barriers in autism: Perspectives from neuroscience and epidemiology 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM Q & A 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Jean-Baptiste Fini, PhD. Mixtures of xenobiotics found in human fluid modify embryonic thyroid hormone signaling and brain development 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Q & A 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM Das N Undurti, MD, FAMS, FRSC. A Perinatal Strategy to Prevent Autism 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM Q & A 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Afaf El-Ansary, PhD. Human glial cell line – derived neurotrophic factor as predictive marker of the effectiveness of auditory integration intervention in autism 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM Q & A 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM Review of Scientific Posters

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch – Own arrangements 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Integrated Panel Discussion (Drs. Chakrabarti, Undurti & El-Ansary & Jean-Baptiste Fini) 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Coffee Break

Workshops & Seminars

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Antonis Savva, PhD. (Cand.) Deriving Resting State fMRI Biomarkers for Classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Kimberly Krieger, MA. The Nurtured Heart Approach to Autism 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM Workshop & Seminar Integrated Panel Discussion (Mr. Savva & Mrs. Krieger)

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Magda Mostafa, PhD. An Architecture For Autism: The Origin And Future Applications Of The Autism ASPECTSS™ Index Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD. Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment & Research: Design and Purpose Based on Best Practices and The Autism ASPECTSSTM INDEX! **Nikos Kargas and Neophytos Papaneophytou sitting in (advisory/consultation) 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM Q & A 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Hillel D. Braude, MBBCH, PhD. Repetitive and stereotyped Movements in Infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Intentionality, Cognition and Affect 10:15 – 10:30 AM Q & A 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM Think Tank Part I Local authorities and autism associations participating (By Invitation ONLY) Local authorities included in the round-table discussion (by invitation) on: Assisting the local government and formal/ local autism associations in their quest for improved quality of services based on best practices.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Formal working luncheon 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Think Tank Part II Luminary speakers and researchers ONLY Session focused on research and international cooperation: Application of current best practices, training, future endeavors, intercontinental research and publications. The way forward: Our 2018 3rd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Concluding Remarks & Future Direction for Think Tank: Future directions for our proposed Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment and Research. Intercontinental Collaboration, Research, Training, and Publication. Magic Always Happens leading the “360 approach” / our multidisciplinary approach to autism: 2018 and beyond!

5:00 PM Informal excursion and guided tour, including dinner Optional Check with Conference Secretariat for booking and payment

7:30 PM Dinner (At excursion site) Optional Check with Conference Secretariat for reservation and payment

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS Media Psychology And Technology And Autism: Engagement, Learning, Therapy And Entertainment Jerri Lynn Hogg, PhD. Autism Spectrum Disorders In Females: Where Did All The Girls Go? David H. Skuse, PhD. Alexithymia and empathic reactions in autism Amandine Lassalle, PhD. Autism Spectrum Disorders And Psychosis Marinos Kyriakopoulos, PhD., FRCPsych Talking With Parents About Autism: A Three-Day Modular Workshop For Parents Of Children Diagnosed With The Autism Spectrum 1st Meeting (*18 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Practical and emotional

challenges 2nd Meeting (*19 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Recognizing ways to manage practical and emotional challenges 3rd Meeting (*20 Nov): Talking with parents about autism: Strengthening the resilience

of parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum Antigoni Apostolopoulou, MA, PhD (Cand) A Hands-On Approach To Improving Flexibility, Agility And Other Motor Deficits In Individuals With ASD Natalia Neophytou Water And Our Multisensory World. Swimming And Movement In Water For People On The ASD! Mikaella Spantiou, MSc. Media Psychology and Nutrition: A Comprehensive Cross-Cultural Comparative Analysis Of Global Dietary Patterns And Best Practices For Autism Tatyana El-Kour, MS, RDN, FAND, PhD. (Cand) Infant Mental Health And Development: Two Worlds Or One? Autism Needs An Integrated Approach Serena Wieder, PhD. Changing The Lens On The Spectrum: Developmental, Parent Mediated, Play As Regulation-Based Intervention Gilbert M. Foley, Ed. D., IMH-E.

The Hidden Meanings Of Repetitive Behaviors” – A Window Into The Child’s Inner World Through A Multidisciplinary Perspective Yael Bruck Binya, OT, Psyd. (Cand) Moving From The Actual Space Of The Outer World To The Inner Space Of Symbols Through Play Alisa Vig, PhD. The Autism Research & Innovation Centre: Engaging And Involving The Wider Community In Research Niko Kargas, PhD. Challenging Barriers In Autism: Perspectives From Neuroscience And Epidemiology Bhismadev Chakrabarti, PhD. Mixtures Of Xenobiotics Found In Human Fluid Modify Embryonic Thyroid Hormone Signaling And Brain Development Jean-Baptiste Fini, PhD. A Perinatal Strategy To Prevent Autism Das N Undurti, MD, FAMS, FRSC Human Glial Cell Line – Derived Neurotrophic Factor As Predictive Marker Of The Effectiveness Of Auditory Integration Intervention In Autism Afaf El-Ansary, PhD. Deriving Resting State Fmri Biomarkers For Classification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Antonis Savva, PhD. (Cand.) The Nurtured Heart Approach To Autism Kimberly Krieger, MA An Architecture for Autism: The Origin and Future Applications of the Autism ASPECTSS™ Index Magda Mostafa, PhD. Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment & Research: Design and Purpose Based on Best Practices and The Autism ASPECTSSTM INDEX! Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD., LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC Repetitive And Stereotyped Movements In Infants With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Intentionality, Cognition And Affect Hillel D. Braude, MBBCH, PhD.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS’ DETAILS Jerri Lynn Hogg, PhD. Media Psychologist Director of the Media Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University David H. Skuse, PhD. Professor of Behavioural and Brain Sciences at the Institute of Child Health University College London Honorary Consultant in Developmental Neuropsychiatry at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children Amandine Lassalle, PhD. Postdoctoral researcher Lecturer Department of Psychology (Brain & Cognition) University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) Dr Marinos Kyriakopoulos, PhD., FRCPsych Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, National and Specialist Inpatient Children’s Unit (Acorn Lodge), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Visiting Senior Lecturer, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London Apostolopoulou Antigoni, MA Counseling Psychologist Greece Natalia Neophytou, [MSc (Med)[[BHSc (Hons) Biokinetics] Lecturer & Registered Biokineticist Centre for Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Johannesburg-South Africa Mikaella Spantiou A graduate of the Athens Gymnastics Academy (TEFAA) with specialization in swimming skills and Postgraduate Studies in Special Education Sciences. Objective, Ph.D. dissertation in the subject of special sport activities Tatyana El-Kour, MS, RDN, FAND PhD Candidate at Fielding Graduate University Global Health and Nutrition Consultant Serena Wieder, PhD. Clinical Director, Profectum Foundation Co-Developer of the DIR Model with the late Stanley Greenspan Gilbert M. Foley, Ed. D., IMH-E. Serves as Consulting Clinical Psychologist at the New York Center for Child Development (NYCCD) Co-Clinical Director of the New York City Early Childhood Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) Adjunct Professor and Co-Director of the Personnel Preparation Program in Infant Mental Health and Developmental Practice at the Adelphi University Institute for Parenting, Garden City, NY.

Yael Bruck Binya OTR Managing Director & Co-Founder of the Israeli DIR Organization Board Member, the Israeli Association of Child Development and Rehabilitation Lecturer & Workshop Facilitator for the Psychotherapy Certificate program, Telem/Kibbutzim College, Israel. Guest Lecturer, Early Intervention, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah Hospital/Hebrew University, Israel. Content advisor and guest lecturer for the Seminar on Autism, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah Hospital/Hebrew University, Israel Occupational therapist and Doctoral student at the professional school of psychology Specializes in the field of special needs and autism Serves as the General Manager of the Israeli DIR organization Alisa Vig Clinical psychologist One of the founders and co-directed the Israeli DIR organization until 2013, and now serves on their Advisory Board Faculty member of Profectum and DIR Israel Founder and director of Simaney Kesher Center Niko Kargas PhD. Lecturer in Developmental and Cognitive Psychology University of Lincoln - School of Psychology, College of Social Science Lincolnshire-UK Bhismadev Chakrabarti, PhD. Professor of Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Director, Centre for Autism Centre for Integrative Neuroscience & Neurodynamics School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences University of Reading, Reading – UK Jean-Baptiste Fini CNRS researcher permanent position on “Endocrine disruptors and brain development” (UMR 7221); « Adaptation du Vivant » department, National Muséum of Natural history, Paris France “Evolution des regulations endocriniennes” Pr Demeneix’ team Member of Endocrine Disruptors working group at ANSES (French EFSA) !Das N Undurti President and CEO, UND Life Sciences, LLC Editor-in-Chief, Lipids in Health and Disease-published by BioMed Central, U.K. Editor-in- Chief of Current Nutrition and Food Science by Bentham Publishers. Review editor, Nutrition by Elsevier Academic Editor, Medicinenormal Afaf El-Ansary, PhD. Central Laboratory, Center for female Scientific and Medical Colleges, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Antonis Savva Graduate of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens with a specialization in Electronics and Systems Continues his studies as a PhD candidate at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens. His PhD thesis concerns the processing of resting-state fMRI data, using advanced signal processing techniques Kimberly Krieger Special education teacher and an educational therapist at the Jerusalem American International School, specializes in math and reading for special needs students Writes children’s stories for struggling readers in order to improve reading while having fun Teaches and works privately with children and parents to improve reading, math and behavior Teaches the Nurtured Heart Approach for shifting children’s behavior Magda Mostafa, PhD. Associate Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo Design Associate, Progressive Architects, Cairo Dr. Hillel D. Braude, MBBCH, PhD. Directs research at the Mifne Center Has a medical degree from the University of Cape Town Medical School Ph.D. (cum laude) in philosophy of medicine and medical ethics from The University of Chicago The author of Intuition in Medicine: A Philosophical Defense of Clinical Reasoning (The University of Chicago Press, 2012) Also works as a Feldenkrais practitioner with infants, children, and adults Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD., LMHC, LPC, NCC, DCC Psychotherapist Adj. Lecturer in Psychology/WPUNJ President and Founder “Magic Always Happens” & “Magic Always Happens Cyprus” Author and Researcher

Keynote Lectures Plenary Sessions

and

Interactive Workshops

Media Psychology And Technology And Autism: Engagement, Learning, Therapy, And Entertainment. Jerri Lynn Hogg, PhD.

This session will examine innovation media and technology that enhance independence and learning for people with Autism as well as assist families in supporting and connecting with their Autistic family member. The newest applications of media and technology will be discussed as well as applications of media and technology that enable connection, support, and learning. This includes virtual and augmented spaces, wearable devices, and mobile technologies designed to create broader understanding, stronger social associations, and better overall health and well-being. Current research in assistive technologies, robotics, software, portable or wearable devices and their positive potential in the area of Autism will be explored. Discussion will include how the new technologies can be practically applied and implementation into family life. Recommendations about media use for promoting psychological health and discussion on current and future applications of digital technology for improving psychological and community well-being will be presented. Understanding media and technology tool capabilities can further support and connect families and people with Autism. !

Autism Spectrum Disorders In Females: Where Did All The Girls Go? David H. Skuse, PhD.

For many years, our conceptualization of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been based on a male stereotype. There is a consensus that the sex ratio is at least 4-to-1, males predominating. Epidemiological evidence from around the world seems to be supportive. An influential theory of autism susceptibility — that it represents an ‘extreme male brain’ — has been promulgated with great success. I will question the validity of these assumptions. Our current ascertainment methods for autism are biased toward the identification of males. A corollary of this biased ascertainment is that so-called ‘high-functioning’ females with autism are harder to diagnose; the 4-to-1 sex ratio is not consistent across the full range of intelligence quotients (IQ). Females with autism and high IQ are rarely clinically identified. In those with the lowest intellectual functioning, the sex ratio is no more than 2-to-1. No evidence for X-linked genetic susceptibility as a cause of male predominance has been proven. No biological mechanism by which the sex ratio varies with IQ has been identified. In this lecture, I will discuss possible explanations for the ‘variable sex ratio’. There are three significant factors. First, our standardized measures of autism are derived from historical conventions based on the stereotypical symptom profile of boys. Second, boys with autism tend to have co-occurring symptoms and conditions that prompt clinical attention (including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behavior). Girls with autism, on the other hand, tend to have subtle related symptoms (such as social withdrawal, depression and anxiety), so their underlying social communication problems are often overlooked. Third, there is increasing evidence that females with autism show a greater capacity to ‘mask’ their difficulties, and this leads to the development of compensatory behaviors in those who are intellectually able. I will present empirical evidence to support these hypotheses and describe the female phenotype.

Alexithymia and empathic reactions in autism Amandine Lassalle, PhD.

Whether empathy is diminished in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains unclear. Previous functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies investigating affective empathy in people with ASD did not always show decreased brain activation in the neural network associated with empathy, but these studies used different kinds of stimuli (e.g., facial expressions of unknown others in pain, limbs of known or unknown others in painful situation). In addition, many of these studies did not monitor whether participants were affected by alexithymia, even though this condition is frequently comorbid of ASD. In the present study, we collected fMRI data from 47 participants (22 ASD) who viewed pictures depicting hands and feet of unfamiliar others in painful, disgusting, or neutral situations, and had to label the emotion evoked by each stimulus. We computed labelling accuracy and whole brain activity for the contrasts Painful vs. Neutral and Disgusting vs. Neutral, and investigated the role of alexithymia. Group differences in brain activity were also computed in regions of interest (ROIs) within the empathy network. We found that ASD participants had decreased activation to painful and to disgusting stimuli compared with controls, especially in regions involved in emotional resonance. However, group differences in brain activation, and in labelling accuracy disappeared when alexithymia was controlled for. Together our results suggest that affective empathy is not directly affected in ASD, and that alexithymia, because of its association with reduced motor resonance, may lead to emotional labelling difficulties in ASD. We discuss the implications of our findings for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorders And Psychosis Marinos Kyriakopoulos, PhD., FRCPsych

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia were separated into different diagnostic categories in the late 1970’s (DSM-III) having previously been considered as related diagnostic entities. Since then, several lines of evidence have indicated that these disorders show clinical and cognitive overlaps as well as some common neurobiological characteristics. Furthermore, there is a group of patients presenting with ASD and psychotic experiences who pose particular diagnostic and management challenges and may represent a subgroup of ASD more closely linked to psychosis. Evidence from a study of the first empirically derived classification of children with ASD in relation to psychosis based on three underlying symptom dimensions, anxiety, social de!cits and thought disorder, will be presented. Further phenomenological, genetic and neuroimaging research on the clinical boundaries and overlapping pathophysiology of ASD and psychosis may help better define their relationship and lead to more effective interventions. Understanding this relationship will also provide a framework of working with patients with mixed clinical presentations.

Talking With Parents About Autism: A Three-Day Modular Workshop For Parents Of Children Diagnosed With The Autism Spectrum. 1st Meeting (*18 Nov.): Talking with parents about autism: Practical and emotional challenges. 2nd Meeting (*19 Nov.): Talking with parents about autism: Recognizing ways to manage practical and emotional challenges. 3rd Meeting (*20 Nov.): Talking with parents about autism: Strengthening the resilience of parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum. Antigoni Apostolopoulou, MA, PhD. (Cand.)

Talking with parents about autism: A three-day modular workshop for parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum. Parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum experience high levels of stress in their effort to manage all the practical and emotional challenges that accompany such a diagnosis for their child. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a shared meeting place for parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum, within which they will be able to talk about the challenges they face and the feelings they experience on a daily basis. Through group interaction, parents will also have the opportunity to share ways in which they manage their own difficulties. In doing so, it is hoped that the participants will leave the workshop with greater awareness that they are not alone in facing these challenges, and with a heightened ability to cope with these challenges. 1st Meeting: Talking with parents about autism: Practical and emotional challenges. 2nd Meeting: Talking with parents about autism: Recognizing ways to manage practical and emotional

challenges. 3rd Meeting: Talking with parents about autism: Strengthening the resilience of parents of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum.

!"#$%&'( µ) &*+( ,*%)-( ,"' &*% '+&".µ/: 01"2µ)1* .3*%4+#5&/ )1,'.&21"* ,"' ,*%)-( 3'"4"$% µ) 4"6,%5.7 '3/ &* 86.µ' &*+ '+&".µ*9. "# $%&'() *+#,#-& µ' ,#.$&/01 +*2 3% 4.0µ+ 3%5 +53#0µ%6 7#-&%5& 5819. '*(*',+ .$:%5) ;+# 03<') 031& *<%0*.='#+ 3%5) &+ ,#+:'#<#03%6& 29') 3#) *<+;3#;>) ;+# 05&+#0=1µ+3#;>) *<%;9?0'#) *%5 05&%,'6%5& µ#+ 3>3%#+ ,#.$&/01 $#+ 3% *+#,( 3%5). @;%*2) 3%5 '<$+031<(%5 '(&+# &+ +*%3'9>0'# >&+& ;%#&2 32*% 05&.&3101) $#+ 3%5) $%&'() *+#,#-& µ' ,#.$&/01 +*2 3% 4.0µ+ 3%5 +53#0µ%6, '&32) 3%5 %*%(%5 =+ >:%5& 31 ,5&+32313+ &+ µ#9?0%5& $#+ 3#) *<%;9?0'#) *%5 +&3#µ'3/*(A%5& ;+# 3+ 05&+#0=?µ+3+ *%5 7#-&%5& 0' ;+=1µ'<#&? 7.01. B>0/ 31) %µ+,#;?) ,#.,<+01), %# $%&'() =+ >:%5& '*(01) 31& '5;+#<(+ &+ µ%#<+03%6& µ'3+C6 3%5) 3<2*%5) µ' 3%5) %*%(%5) %# (,#%# ,#+:'#<(A%&3+# 3#) ,50;%9(') *%5 *<%;6*3%5&. D% '<$+03?<#% 4#9%,%C'( &+ *<%04><'# >&+& +04+9? :-<% 05&.&3101) ;+# >;4<+01), *%5 =+ ,-0'# 4/&? 03#) +&.$;'), 03#) *<%0;9?0'#) ;+# 03+ 05&+#0=?µ+3+ 3/& $%&>/&, '&#0:6%&3+) >30# 3% +(0=1µ+ 3/& ;%#&-& ,50;%9#-& +99. ;+# 31& #;+&2313. 3%5) &+ +&3'*'C><:%&3+# 03#) *<%;9?0'#). 11 @5&.&3101: B#9-&3+) µ' 3%5) $%&'() $#+ 3%& +53#0µ2: E<+;3#;>) ;+# 05&+#0=1µ+3#;>) *<%;9?0'#). 21 @5&.&3101: B#9-&3+) µ' 3%5) $%&'() $#+ 3%& +53#0µ2: F&+$&-<#01 3<2*/& ,#+:'(<#01) *<+;3#;-& ;+# 05&+#0=1µ+3#;-& *<%;9?0'/&. 31 @5&.&3101: B#9-&3+) µ' 3%5) $%&'() $#+ 3%& +53#0µ2: G&#0:6%&3+) 31& +&=';3#;2313+ $%&>/& *+#,#-& µ' ,#.$&/01 +*2 3% 4.0µ+ 3%5 +53#0µ%6.

Workshop: A Hands On Approach To Improving Flexibility, Agility And Other Motor Deficits In Individuals With ASD Natalia Neophytou [Msc (Med), [[BHSc (Hons) Biokinetics1]

PURPOSE: This workshop aims to increase awareness of the motor deficits often found in individuals with ASD, as well as equip parents and professionals with knowledge and basic skills to implement effective exercise classes to effectively improve selected motor deficits. DESCRIPTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder in which individuals often present with compromised coordination, reduced muscle tone and postural abnormalities often resulting in declined performance of motor tasks. Appropriate, and ASD specific exercise interventions have been scientifically compile to help improve these impaired motor skills. 1Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Water And Our Multisensory World. Swimming And Movement In Water For People On The ASD! Mikaella Spantiou, MSc

In 2014, the World Health Organization adopted a formal resolution making autism a global health priority. Once considered rare, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 160 children globally has autism that begins in childhood, and tends to persist in adolescence and adulthood. Adequate nutrition across the lifespan of persons with autism remains critical. Popular trends of diets for autism are putting affected persons at increased health risks for inadequate nutrition, chronic eating problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, and micronutrient imbalances that impact healthy lifestyle adoption and response to treatment. Current public health and therapeutic approaches seldom rely on evidence-based measures to address prevalent misinformation and misconceptions surrounding diet and health concerns for autism. This presentation provides a comprehensive cross-cultural comparative analysis of global dietary patterns and best practices for autism. It explores ways of how innovations in media and technology can be used to transform the way persons with autism, and their families, eat by applying psychological and behavior change theory components to allow for greater personalization, higher specificity, elevated user flow and careful attention to adequately address the underlying determinants of personal food intake, including the cultural and traditional aspects of diet and lifestyle in various regions of the world. Efforts to draw on autism-focused media psychology for effective nutrition interventions for autism are paramount to informing the global policy debate about evidence-based practice adoption and intervention surrounding diet and autism. Consideration for greater integration across available technologies is favorable too. Issues of privacy and digital divide impose both a systemic challenge and a growing opportunity to encourage action on regulatory oversight and to investigate measures of closing the digital divide gap.

Media Psychology: A Comprehensive Cross-Cultural Comparative Analysis Of Global Dietary Patterns And Best Practices For Autism Tatyana El-Kour, MS, RDN, FAND, PhD. (Cand.)

In 2014, the World Health Organization adopted a formal resolution making autism a global health priority. Once considered rare, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 160 children globally has autism that begins in childhood, and tends to persist in adolescence and adulthood. Adequate nutrition across the lifespan of persons with autism remains critical. Popular trends of diets for autism are putting affected persons at increased health risks for inadequate nutrition, chronic eating problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, and micronutrient imbalances that impact healthy lifestyle adoption and response to treatment. Current public health and therapeutic approaches seldom rely on evidence-based measures to address prevalent misinformation and misconceptions surrounding diet and health concerns for autism. This presentation provides a comprehensive cross-cultural comparative analysis of global dietary patterns and best practices for autism. It explores ways of how innovations in media and technology can be used to transform the way persons with autism, and their families, eat by applying psychological and behavior change theory components to allow for greater personalization, higher specificity, elevated user flow and careful attention to adequately address the underlying determinants of personal food intake, including the cultural and traditional aspects of diet and lifestyle in various regions of the world. Efforts to draw on autism-focused media psychology for effective nutrition interventions for autism are paramount to informing the global policy debate about evidence-based practice adoption and intervention surrounding diet and autism. Consideration for greater integration across available technologies is favorable too. Issues of privacy and digital divide impose both a systemic challenge and a growing opportunity to encourage action on regulatory oversight and to investigate measures of closing the digital divide gap.

Infant Mental Health And Development: Two Worlds Or One? Autism Needs An Integrated Approach Serena Wieder, PhD.

Developmental science is shifting away from behavioral reductionism to a relational developmental perspective long embraced by the DIR (Developmental, Individual Difference, and Relationship based) Model. DIR introduced major paradigm shifts from behavioral frameworks to dynamic developmental and relational systems that integrated the principles of IMH. Promoting relationships and emotional development tailored to neurobiological individual differences in affective, regulatory, sensory and motor processes are essential for building the foundation for lifespan relating and learning. Current research on Parent Mediated Interventions (PMI) and biomarkers of ASD supportive of DIR’s relational approach to autism intervention will be presented.

Changing The Lens On The Spectrum: Developmental, Parent Mediated, Play As Regulation-Based Intervention Gilbert M. Foley, Ed. D., IMH-E.

There is a growing body of research supporting the efficacy of developmental, parent-mediated play-based intervention. This presentation introduces the participant to the principles and practices of the Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship- based (DIR) approach to intervention for children on the spectrum, a pioneering model in parent-mediated, play-based, developmental treatment. The core components of the model will be examined as concept and practice with supporting evidence reviewed. Play is integral to DIR and will be the focus of a presentation within a presentation. Young children on the spectrum can play and ways to harness play as a treatment modality will be explored. The participant will be introduced to play as a developmental line with an emphasis on play as regulation. Based on an article that appears in Vol. 37 (2017) of the Journal, Topics in Language Disorders, by this presenter, the concepts of regulation and dysregulation; the typical development of self-regulation and how pretend play serves the acquisition of self-regulation through its own mechanisms, as regulatory practice, novelty and investigation and roles and rules will be examined. Play will be explored in concept and practice as a rich arena for promoting the development of self-regulation in typical children and children with ASD. Regulatory challenges in sensory reactivity, affect modulation and grading impulse are all aspects of the spectrum that compromise the functional potential for children with ASD. Video illustrations will be presented.

:The Hidden Meanings Of Repetitive Behaviors” – A Window Into The Child’s Inner World Through A Multidisciplinary Perspective Yael Bruck Binya, OT, Psyd. (Cand.)

When children exhibit repetitive behaviors or choose the same game over and over again, or appear aimless and restless, we (parents, educators and therapists) often respond with anxiety and frustration. Such behaviors may seem odd, bizarre, unrelated to the social situation and difficult for us to understand. Moreover, they frequently serve as a traumatic trigger, reminding us of the difficulties a child may be facing. In this talk we will explore the repetitive behaviors from a functional-emotional point of view. We will address some of the questions related to underlying reasons and ways in which we can respond. We aim not only to mediate the anxiety and despair, but also raise our ability to gain deeper understanding into the child’s inner world. Through video case presentations and related discussion, this talk will offer a glance into the intricate connections between repetitive behaviors and stress, individual differences & visual spatial processing. As well, we will demonstrate how deep and multifaceted attention to such behaviors can lead to increased capacities for parents and professionals to become curious, empathic and reflective of the child’s inner world and experience; And how such introspective view can lead to healing within the parent- child relationship. When children exhibit repetitive behaviors, we often respond with anxiety and frustration. Such behaviors may seem odd, bizarre, unrelated to the social situation and difficult for us to understand. We will explore the repetitive behaviors from a functional-emotional point of view, i.e., their underlying reasons and functions and ways to respond not only to mediate the anxiety and despair, but to gain deeper understanding into the child’s inner world. Through video case presentations and discussion, we will glance into the intricate connections between repetitive behaviors and stress, individual differences and visual spatial processing. We will also demonstrate how deep and multifaceted attention to such behaviors can increase capacities for parents and professionals to become curious, empathic and reflective of the child’s inner world and experience. This introspective view can lead to healing and hope within the parent- child relationship. Objectives: 1. Understand the connection between stress, individual differences, visual spatial capacities and repetitive

behaviors 2. Identify interventions for parents and professionals leading to increased insight and empathy into the

possible reasons for children’s repetitive actions. 3. Identify developmentally appropriate responses to repetitive behaviors that promote and emotional well-

being and deep interpersonal connections.

Moving From The Actual Space Of The Outer World To The Inner Space Of Symbols Through Play Alisa Vig, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

The DIR Model revolutionized the concept of development by integrating psychodynamic theories and neurodevelopmental differences of the individual with emotional developmental capacities mature through interactive and affective relationships. This presentation focuses on DIR (Wieder and Wachs 2012) and Winnicott (1971) concepts of space and "potential space". It emphasizes three zones: • Space in Real World - This zone may include visual spacial capacities such as body awareness, location

of body in space, relation of objects / self / others, and visual logical reasoning. • Personal and Psychic Space –Internal zone that includes subjective reality of the individual such as

wishes, dreams, and anxieties. • Potential Space – Winnicott describes it as the "in-between space" which is between the first two zones -

the Real and Psychic zones. This is the zone where symbolism develops. Many have doubted children with ASD can play or engage in creative activities, develop the "potential space" and symbolism. This presentation asserts that by embracing in a meaningful way the three zones - helping the child process and master the Real Space in addition to the Psychic one in a playful manner, child with ASD can also develop mechanisms of symbolism and creativity. With such intervention the child can moves from perceptions and action in the real world to first internal representations (1), build basic or episodic symbols (2) and later elaborated symbols and abstract thinking (3). The evolution of symbolism will be illustrated by a case study animations and video clips in a comprehensive developmental and dynamic setting.

The Autism Research & Innovation Centre: Engaging And Involving The Wider Community In Research Niko Kargas, PhD.

The Autism Research & Innovation Centre (ARIC) is a new multidisciplinary centre that is part of the University of Lincoln, UK. The ARIC’s mission is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where community knowledge and academic expertise merge and complement each other in productive and impactful ways. The centre studies and develops evidence-based innovative approaches that are used by professionals across education, business, health and social services with the aim of enriching the lives of autistic people and their families. To do this, ARIC is focusing on engaging and involving the wider community (e.g., agents from the statutory, private and voluntary sectors, their service users and the general public) in:

• the design, development, implementation and evaluation of our research programmes and activities • collaborative grant applications • providing an effective route to impact

My talk will focus on showing how having a centre that combines a range of multidisciplinary academics with a number of external agents, service providers and end-users, will ensure that pathways and routes to high quality research impact and dissemination can be innovative, academically and practically useful and embedded from the start. To demonstrate this, I will present some of the centre’s current research projects focusing on the development of innovative practices to be used by practitioners who support people on the autism spectrum in education, employment and social services.

Challenging Barriers In Autism: Perspectives From Neuroscience And Epidemiology Bhismadev Chakrabarti, PhD.

Autism constitutes of a diverse spectrum of lifelong conditions that pose significant challenges for all those with a diagnosis, as well as those around them. My lecture will focus on some invisible barriers within and outside the brain, that pose key challenges. The first set of barriers in Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) that I will discuss, is that of understanding others’ emotions. Our research over the last decade using fMRI, psychophysiology and behavioural techniques point to brain mechanisms underlying this set of barriers. The second set of barriers that I will focus on is that of efficient and early detection of ASC: early detection is the first step to effective interventions and improving outcome. Unfortunately, in a majority of countries around the world, there is a significant gap in detection of ASC, which then acts as a barrier to effective intervention. I will present insights from our research in India, where more than 5 million children are estimated to be on the autism spectrum. Through adapting, validating, and using tools for autism screening and diagnosis in over 10000 children in India, we have attempted to scale some of these barriers.

Mixtures Of Xenobiotics Found In Human Fluid Modify Embryonic Thyroid Hormone Signalling And Brain Development Jean-Baptiste Fini, Bilal Mughal, Michelle Leemans, Sébastien Le Mével, Petra Spirhanzlova and Barbara A Demeneix « Evolution des régulations endocriniennes » team Département Régulations, Développement et Diversité Moléculaire, MNHN, Sorbonne

Endocrine disrupting chemicals were officially named 26 years ago at Wingspread conference. Since then many chemicals were shown to be harmful to both wildlife and human health. Characteristics of EDCs include action at low doses, critical windows of exposure with fetal exposure being a major one. Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling is conserved across vertebrates and can be seen as bridging the environment to gene expression networks. Data suggest a causal link between mixtures of EDCs affecting TH signalling and the increasing incidence of human neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Thus, there is an increasingly need to screen chemical mixtures that could be exerting “environment x gene” interactions, thereby contributing to the exponential rise in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and hyperactivity with their enormous socio-economic costs for individuals and society. Humans are currently exposed to myriads of chemicals, from early gestation onwards. Whilst data exists for such individual chemicals, few if any studies have focused on effects of a mixture of these compounds. Besides the evolutionary conservation of TH signalling and brain development, the amphibian model provides experimental access to early, critical windows of development that now known to be essential vulnerable exposure periods. In Pr Demeneix team, we studied the potential thyroid disrupting effect of 15 chemicals commonly found in pregnant women in the USA. Using a previously validated in vivo Xenopus assay for identifying potential Thyroid hormone (TH) disrupters, we confirmed that the 9 out of the 15 individual chemicals exerted an inhibiting or activating effect on the Thyroid hormone, T3, signalling pathway. Application of the mixture of the 15 chemicals together, at concentrations reported in amniotic fluid, we observed a significant and dose-dependent potentialisation of T3 dependent transcription. RT-qPCR analysis on the dissected brain tissue from the mixture-exposed Xenopus embryos revealed modifications of TH related genes including thrb, klf9 and especially the deiodinases (dio1, 2, 3) but also autism related genes such as rora, cntn4, bdnf. Using a locomotor tracking system, we observed that tadpoles exposed to increasing concentrations displayed severely and significantly reduced mobility. In order to study the mixture impact on neurogenesis we further subjected the amniotic mixture exposed embryonic brains to immuno-histochemistry. We observed increased proliferation within the developing brain and modification of cell fate (neurons, neuroblasts) when exposed to the mixture. Taken together these results argue for urgent concern from legislative entities in order to protect future generation’s health.

A Perinatal Strategy To Prevent Autism Das N Undurti, MD, FAMS, FRSC

Autism has a strong genetic and environmental basis in which inflammatory markers and factors concerned with synapse formation, nerve transmission and information processing such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and their products and neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and catecholamines and cytokines are altered. Anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and trace elements are needed for the normal metabolism of neurotrophic factors, eicosanoids and neurotransmitters, supporting reports of their alterations in autism. But, the exact relationship among these factors and their interaction with genes and proteins concerned with brain development and growth is not clear. It is suggested that maternal infections and inflammation and adverse events during intrauterine growth of the fetus could lead to alterations in the gene expression profile and proteomics that results in dysfunction of the neuronal function and neurotransmitters, alteration(s) in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their metabolites resulting in excess production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines and a deficiency of anti-inflammatory cytokines and bioactive lipids that ultimately results in the development of autism. Recent studies revealed that various PUFAs and their metabolites influence the synthesis, release and action of various neurotransmitters, synapse formation and information processing in the brain. We also noted that PUFAs and their anti-inflammatory metabolites such as lipoxin A4 enhance the production of BDNF, a potent neurotrophic factor. In addition, PUFAs influence gut microbiota. These evidences suggest that altered PUFA metabolism has a significant role in the pathobiology of autism. In view of this, I propose that all pregnant women or those who are at high risk to have autistic children may be supplemented with AA, EPA and DHA and co-factors needed for their optimum metabolism such that anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 and BDNF are produced in adequate amounts in the developing brain such that autism and other related disorders are prevented.

Human Glial Cell Line – Derived Neurotrophic Factor As Predictive Marker Of The Effectiveness Of Auditory Integration Intervention In Autism Afaf El-Ansary, PhD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. As both hypo- and hyper responsiveness to sensory stimuli are observed in autism, so, sensory processing abnormalities may be important as target for therapeutic interventions that might help to reduce rigidity and stereotyped behaviors. In this work, rehabilitation of autistic participants through the use of Auditory Integration Training (AIT) was attempted and its effectiveness was evaluated through the measurement of childhood autism rating scale (CARS), social responsiveness scale (SRS), and short sensory profile (SSP) together with a biochemical assay of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a biomarker greatly related to cognitive and emotional processes, synaptic plasticity, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission. The obtained data demonstrates that while GDNF was highly increased immediately after the AIT to reach 242.05 pg/ml with PH0.001, it was down regulated to reach 154.00, and 125.594 after one month and three months respectively. Moreover, a substantial decline in autistic behavior as considerable improvements on socialization, vocalization, self-steam behaviors, and flexibility was also recorded and monitored through the three used severity scales (CARS, SRS, and SSP). The negative correlation between GDNF and CARS confirms the remarkable improvement in the cognitive abilities of autistic participants (The higher the GDNF, the lower the CARS) measure, and the remarkably improved autistic child. In conclusion: Up to our understanding of the etiological mechanism of autism, the observed relative improvement in CARS, SRS, and SSP as three measures of autism severity in response to AITinduced GDNF, might be due to the amelioration of the impaired serotonin and dopamine systems, the induced- glutamate excitotoxicity, elevated – pro-apoptotic and neuroinflammatory markers. Among the three measures, CARS demonstrates the best prognostic measure. These findings provide preliminary support for the use of AIT as a helpful component of effective intervention in children with autism.

Deriving Resting State Fmri Biomarkers For Classification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Antonis D. Savva, Aikaterini S. Karampasi, George K. Matsopoulos

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits concerning communication and social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior and limited interests. The purpose of the current study is to classify autistic people using resting state fMRI data. Towards this direction, data were retrieved from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) initiative, based on the Harvard-Oxford parcellation scheme. The extracted timeseries were used in order to calculate plethora of functional features which were set as input to a medical Decision Support System (DSS). This study focused on Default Mode Network, which has been previously reported to be related with ASD and is utilized to construct an extensive feature vector which quantifies within-network functional connections. These interactions were evaluated based on static and dynamic functional connectivity analysis, information based metrics for instance entropy, skewness, kurtosis and Kullback-Leibler divergence. In addition, Haralick texture features are introduced for calculating texture measures of the network’s responses. Finally, after comprehensive trials, head motion parameters, age, sex and information regarding the acquisition protocol, were found to improve the overall performance of the DSS. Internal parameters of the DSS were chosen based on a Bayesian optimization framework, which aimed to maximize the Area Under Curve (AUC). The DSS comprised of a common Support Vector Machine classifier featuring several kernels such as linear, polynomial and radial basis function (RBF) kernel. In this study several combinations were made in order to construct a suitable feature vector, in terms of higher classification performance. The best results were obtained using the combination of static and dynamic functional connectivity, head motion parameters, handedness, sex and information concerning the hardware setup. Using the RBF kernel the above combination resulted in accuracy 66.47%, sensitivity 73.63% and specificity 58.55%. Through the current study it is shown that it is feasible to achieve high classification performance despite the plenty acquisition parameters and different demographics or other information present in the data, by setting them as features to the DSS. Moreover, it is concluded that the quantification of functional interactions could be utilized for classifying ASD. References Abraham, A., Milham, M. P., Di Martino, A., Craddock, R. C., Samaras, D., Thirion, B., & Varoquaux, G. (2017). Deriving reproducible biomarkers from multi-site resting-state data: An autism-based example. NeuroImage, 147, 736-745. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.10.045 Funakoshi, Y., Harada, M., Otsuka, H., Mori, K., Ito, H., & Iwanaga, T. (2016). Default mode network abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder detected by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Medical Investigation, 63(3-4), 204-208. doi:10.2152/jmi.63.204 Itahashi, T., Yamada, T., Watanabe, H., Nakamura, M., Ohta, H., Kanai, C, Iwanami, A., Kato, N., Hashimoto, R.-I. (2015). Alterations of local spontaneous brain activity and connectivity in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Molecular Autism, 6(1) doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0026-z Hernandez, L. M., Rudie, J. D., Green, S. A., Bookheimer, S., & Dapretto, M. (2015). Neural signatures of autism spectrum disorders: Insights into brain network dynamics. Neuropsychopharmacology, 40(1), 171-189. doi:10.1038/npp.2014.172 Aarthi Padmanabhan, Charles J. Lynch, Marie Schaer, Vinod Menon, The Default Mode Network in Autism, Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Available online 22 April 2017, ISSN 2451-9022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.04.004. Jamal, W., Das, S., Oprescu, I. -.A, Maharatna, K., Apicella, F., & Sicca, F. (2014). Classification of autism spectrum disorder using supervised learning of brain connectivity measures extracted from synchrostates. Journal of Neural Engineering, 11(4) doi:10.1088/1741-2560/11/4/046019

The Nurtured Heart Approach To Autism Kimberly Krieger, MA

The Nurtured Heart Approach is a simple and accessible method for building the inner wealth of children by helping them use their intensity in successful ways. It has been a powerful tool for families, educators and other adults in a child’s life to find ways of successfully building the inherent greatness in children. This presentation will focus on the 3 Stands, saying yes to energizing the positive, refusing to energize the negative and maintaining absolute clarity around rules and un-energized consequences. This approach was developed by Howard Glasser for working with the most difficult children and has a proven impact on every child including children who have challenges with behaviors, social interactions and academics. The approach has helped children diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder and other behavioral, emotional and anxiety challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger Syndrome.

An Architecture for Autism: The Origin and Future Applications of the Autism ASPECTSS™ Index Magda Mostafa, PhD.

In 2002, the first documented and published evidence-based research project on the effect of built environments on individuals with autism began. Published in 2008 in the International Journal of Architectural Research, this work became what autism researchers would call “core literature” in the field, and for this work, its author, Magda Mostafa, would be called “one of the world's pre-eminent researchers in autism design”. Since then the preliminary findings of the 2002 study have been expanded and tested against best practices in autism design internationally, work which has culminated in the development of the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index, the first evidence-based set of guidelines for autism design worldwide. It has since been presented at the United Nations; World Health Organization; Office of the High Commission for Human Rights and their Committee for the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD); as well as at the first ever autism conference dedicated to design and hosted by the National Autistic Society in London in November 2015. This presentation will look at the origin of this work, its recent applications as well as its possible future role in improving the built environment experience for users with autism worldwide.

Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment & Research: Design and Purpose Based on Best Practices and The Autism ASPECTSSTM INDEX! Neophytos Papaneophytou, PhD.

Since 2014, Dr. Papaneophytou proposed the establishment of the Cyprus International Center for Autism Treatment (diagnosis, education, therapy) and Research. This international center will serve a population originating from a multitude of neighboring countries, hosting school-age children through to age 18+ (adults on the autism spectrum.) The focus of this specialized center will be on early detection, intervention, and diagnosis, therapy, education, vocational training, accommodation and integration (both children and adults who are on the autism spectrum. Enhanced practical therapeutic intervention based solely on best practices will be introduced, applied, and maintained. The center will be staffed by a variety of multilingual experts, stemming from various cultural backgrounds and disciplines, with varied levels of expertise. Design, engineering, and other structural features of the center’s facilities will be based on research and best practices. Dr. Mostafa, an award-winning architect and a luminary expert in her field of expertise, will apply modelling based on her unique ASPECTSS™ Index. This center will boast autism friendly spaces that are ergonomically designed, maximizing productivity and efficiency. The center will offer a superb quality of life for both clients and staff occupying the premises. This model center will offer par excellence services to resident clients and local clients alike. Magic Always Happens seeks to replicate this model in additional European countries, Africa, the USA, and other regions interested in collaborating with us. We remain open to constructive feedback and International Collaboration.

Repetitive And Stereotyped Movements In Infants With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Intentionality, Cognition And Affect Hillel D. Braude,1 (Presenter), Alonim, H., 1,2, Scheingezicht G.2 The Mifne Center1, Bar Ilan University2

Background: Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors comprise one component of the core clinical symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), besides impairment in communication and social interaction. The presence of repetitive motor behaviors beyond two years of age may be indicative of ASD. However, the relation of motor stereotypies in infants with ASD is not yet well understood. Aim(s): This study aims to analyze stereotyped motor behaviors in infants who received treatment for autism during their first two years of life. Methods: A retrospective video analysis of infants between the ages of 6-18 months who received an intensive three-week treatment intervention for ASD. Video material is derived from home videos during the infants’ first year of life, and video recordings of treatment sessions using Reciprocal Play Therapy (RPT). Coding of stereotyped movements is based on Esther Thelen’s taxonomy of 47 repetitive behaviors, modified by Alvin Loh et al. for analysis of infants with autism. Particular movements, such as hand flexion and extension, are additionally evaluated in terms of the apparent intention of the infant in the context of daily action. Mapping particular stereotypical movements in relation to the rest of the body is evaluated in terms of human movement notation. Results: The results of this study are presented in terms of quantification of stereotyped movements, the relation of the movement to intentionality of action, and the relation of the movement to the core bodily self. Together, these three forms of data provide material for a phenomenological (theoretically neutral) analysis of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors in infants with ASD. Conclusions: A predominant conception relates stereotyped movements to attentional disengagement, and deficits in executive functioning. The findings from this study suggests that repetitive behaviors and stereotyped movements in infants with ASD should be analyzed in terms of the constellation of intentionality of movement, joint attention, cognition and affect. While motoric stereotypies may appear purposeless, their careful evaluation in context of daily life and therapeutic intervention may provide insight into their neuropsychological function.

!!!!!!!!

! !

!!!!!!

Copyright: Magic Always Happens - 2017 NLP/MAH/2017