Clara Lajonchere, Ph.D., Autism Speaks vice president for clinical programs, will be a featured speaker at the biannual conference of the Autism Research Institute (ARI), October 13-14, in Anaheim, Calif.
Dr. Lajonchere will provide perspective on the groundbreaking California Autism Twin Study, the largest study of twins affected by autism. Dr. Lajonchere co-authored the study, which provided strong evidence that prenatal factors play a larger role in determining autism risk than previously realized. The research was made possible through the significant contribution of Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE).
“Inspired by this study, we chose ‘the delicate web of life – autism and the environment’ as the theme for the science program of this conference," says ARI Managing Director Jane Johnson. "The study confirmed our suspicion that environmental factors play a tremendous role in the causation of autism,” Johnson explains. “We are thrilled that Dr. Lajonchere has agreed to present."
The conference’s science program is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers and knowledgeable parents. It is approved for Continuing Medical Education credits. Registration for the conference is now open. For a complete program, click here.
Autism Speaks continues to fund a wealth of research through its Environmental Factors in Autism Initiative. You can explore these and other research projects using our Grant Search.