This seminar will provide an overview of the clinical features of autism; review current research on genetic and other causes of the disorder, and the neurobiological basis of the main behavioral and cognitive symptoms. The course will end with a brief exploration of different behavioral and biological treatments currently available.

Course Goals
The main goals of this seminar are to introduce students to the literature on autism, a rapidly growing area of interest among scientists and the public. Both clinical and basic research perspectives will be covered, from a multidisciplinary approach. Classes will focus on a discussion of primary source readings and students will have the opportunity to explore in depth one aspect of autism in their final paper for the course.

Course Faculty
This course is taught by Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, Director of the Lab for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. Guest lectures may be offered by other senior members of the lab including Dr. Robert Joseph or Dr. Daniela Plesa-Skwerer.