News Release
Oklahoma City— Both state and private systems are struggling to keep up with the needs of the growing number of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The prevalence of ASD continues to rise, with one in 68 children diagnosed in the United States.
Kicking off the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Spring Lecture Series will be “Autism: Current Research and Evidence-Based Practice,” being held Thursday, January 14 at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. All lectures are free and open to the public.
Guest lecturer will be Rene Daman, co-director of the Oklahoma Autism Network in the Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities and Autism. She will discuss current research regarding the causes of ASD, the importance of early identification, and interventions to support individuals with ASD and their families.
Other lectures in the spring series include a look at career pathways for low-income and low-skilled workers and their employers. Additionally, an examination of suicide prevention in Oklahoma takes center stage, as suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Oklahomans between the ages of 10 and 35. A complete list of spring lecture topics is available on the DHS website at www.okdhs.org.
The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. Register to attend by phoning (405) 521-3552.
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