MEDIA ADVISORY: MU Hosts Expert for Discussion About “Brain Mapping” Autism

Story Contact(s):
Jesslyn Chew, ChewJ@missouri.edu

WHAT: Autism is on the rise in the U.S., but the disease is only partially understood. By using neuroimaging – technology that creates “maps” of the brain – scientists have gained clues to the biological aspects of autism.

The University of Missouri will host David G. Amaral from the University of California-Davis Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute for a discussion about the Autism Phenome Project. Amaral will discuss the project’s findings in detail – including new insights into brain structure, size and development in children across the autism spectrum.

The program is sponsored by The Mizzou Advantage, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Visitors Program and the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science.

WHEN: 3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17

WHO: David Amaral is director of Autism BrainNet, which promotes research into the
causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also is the director of research for the MIND
Institute at the University of California-Davis, where he is a distinguished professor.

WHERE: Monsanto Auditorium, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, MU Campus

NOTE: The events are free and open to the public.

The Chancellor’s Distinguished Visitors Program brings prominent scholars to the University of Missouri campus to participate in academic programs and research and spend time engaging the campus community. For more information on this and other programs, please visit: http://distinguishedvisitors.missouri.edu/.