November 30, 2018
Experts related to autism
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Attention on a recent study published in Pediatrics, suggests that parents are reporting a higher incidence of autism spectrum disorder in children than previously reported. Purdue was not involved in the study, but members of the Purdue Autism Cluster are able to discuss specific topics that relate to autism such as behavior assessment and intervention, early autism development, sibling issues and sleep.
Children with autism behavior assessment and intervention
Mandy Rispoli is an associate professor of special education and co-director of the Purdue Autism Cluster. Rispoli is an expert in children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Her research assesses the challenging behavior of children with autism developmental disabilities and explores the variables influencing the behavior. Her work also provides professional development for special educations teachers, providing new practices, preparation and support. Related news release: Toys and games provide both education and entertainment for children with autism
Source: Mandy Rispoli, 765-494-7301, mrispoli@purdue.edu
Media contact: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu
Early autism development, sleep issues and siblings
A.J. Schwichtenberg is an assistant professor of human development and family studies and co-director of the Purdue Autism Cluster. Schwichtenberg is an expert in the area of early childhood developmental trajectories and sleep; studies of early autism development and the role(s) of sleep in treatment, language learning, autism emergence, and family life. Schwichtenberg also is a developmental sleep expert featured in the Pediatric Sleep Council’s BabySleep.com website, where parents can find resources year-round. Schwichtenberg is cite lead for Purdue’s autism spectrum disorder Infant Sibling Study. This study is part of the Baby Sibling Research Consortium, which is one of more than two-dozen sites in the nation that collects data on 4,000 families for a variety of studies of autism. Schwichtenberg’s study focuses on the roles of sleep in early autism development.
Related news release: Purdue prof provides tips for Baby Sleep Day
Source: A.J. Schwichtenberg, 765-496-2780, ajschwichtenberg@purdue.edu
Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu