Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are developmental disorders with complex phenotypes defined by a triad of symptoms that include disrupted social abilities, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and restricted interests with repetitive behaviors. Co-occurring neurological and medical conditions often occur in the disorder. The underlying etiology remains a mystery, but ASD is one of the most highly heritable of neuropsychiatric disorders. This Workshop will examine dimensions of ASD on various levels, including sessions on characteristics of the Clinical Syndrome, the neuropathology, imaging, and cognitive neuroscience studies that implicate Circuits and Systems involved in ASD, the current state of findings from Human Genetics, concepts regarding the Developmental Neurobiological basis, the use of Experimental Models, and current Etiological Theories & Hypotheses of ASD.

In addition to hearing about the most recent research in these areas, we will explore and debate controversial topics and challenges to basic assumptions in the field. An exceptional faculty with diverse interests will bring the most up-to-date results and theories to the students, making this Workshop a valuable resource for young researchers starting out in this fast-moving and expansive field. Not only will it help them build the foundation for their future research, it will also introduce them to many potential collaborators working to understand ASD from different disciplines. The workshop will have hands-on exercises to complement the featured intense lecture sessions. Importantly, students also will have free-time for reading, informal discussions and recreation on the beautiful campus of the Banbury Center, which includes a beach, a pool and tennis courts.

Please note that selection criteria for attendance at the workshop will be similar to that for regular Cold Spring Harbor courses. Limited financial support is available but will not influence the selection process. Workshop students are expected to stay for the duration of the course. The workshop will begin on the morning of June 4 (students are requested to arrive on the afternoon or evening of June 3) and end by lunchtime on June 10. The workshop will be held at the Laboratory’s Banbury Conference Center located on the north shore of Long Island.

2015 Speakers Include:
GuoPing Feng, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Eric Fombonne, Oregon Health & Science University
Francesca Happe, King's College London, UK
Takao Hensch, Harvard University
Portia Iversen, Cure Autism Now
Connie Kasari, University of California, Los Angeles
Declan Murphy, King's College London, UK
Sergiu Pasca, Stanford University
Richard Paylor, Baylor College of Medicine
Isabelle Rapin, Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Marc Weisskopf, Harvard School of Public Health

This Workshop is supported with funds generously provided by: Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation

Cost (including board and lodging): $2,600