Autism information subject of conference

--Awareness, community resources, intervention and parent and family issues regarding autism are topics of a conference Friday, April 23, on the campus of Western Michigan University.

WMU President John M. Dunn will deliver opening remarks for the free event at 3 p.m. in Room 2000 of Schneider Hall. Other speakers will follow, including:

• Dr. Stephanie Peterson, WMU associate professor of psychology, who will give an overview and evidenced-based treatments for autism.
  
• Dr. Diane Chugani, Wayne State University professor of pediatrics, who will speak on biological advances in understanding autism.
  
• Brenda Gagie, teacher consultant for the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency Autism Program, who will talk about community resources for autism.
  
• Dr. Bruce Mills, Kalamazoo College professor of English, who will give his perspective as the parent of a son diagnosed with autism.
  
• Andrew Ackner, a Michigan native and noted presenter with autism, who will speak about his personal experiences.
  

The event is sponsored by WMU's Department of Psychology, Residential Opportunities Inc., the Autism Society of Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, KRESA and Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan.

Free public parking is available next to Schneider Hall in Lots 72R and 72W.

For more information, contact Dr. Wayne Fuqua, chair of the Department of Psychology, at wayne.fuqua@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4474.