Latest Chan Division News
Autism

New study shows children with autism have less activity in brain region that observes, simulates movements ⟩
January 28, 2021

Autism Faculty Research Students

Team of USC and UCLA researchers first to pinpoint reduced frontal lobe activity, helping explain some social characteristics unique to autism.

By Mike McNulty A brain region responsible for processing visual observations of others’ movements then mapping those movements upon one’s own body schema is significantly less activated in children with autism spectrum disorder, compared to typically-developing children and to children with…

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At Pasadena theater, the ghost of Christmas, relaxed ⟩
December 20, 2019

Autism Community and Partners Diversity, Access, Equity Faculty

How a relaxed performance of “A Christmas Carol” was made possible with guidance from USC Chan occupational therapist.

By Mike McNulty The lights did not dim and the crowd did not hush when Ebenezer Scrooge stepped onstage last weekend in Pasadena. Rather, some in the audience wore noise-reducing headphones. Others handled fidget toys. All were free to come and go, as quietly or as loudly, as they pleased. At this…

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How one PhD student is emphasizing the World in World Autism Month ⟩
April 26, 2019

Autism Faculty Research Students

By Bryan Kang MA ’18, OTD ’19 April is World Autism Month, a time to recommit to raising awareness of, and support understanding for, individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy continues to be a leader in autism research, and…

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Elementary school students tap imagination and empathy to design mural in new USC research lab ⟩
March 21, 2019

Autism Community and Partners Faculty Research

Lab studying early screening, sensory issues tied to autism opens with Mirman School field trip visit.

By Mike McNulty Mirman School students interacting with the insp!re lab's wall mural. (Photo by Hannah Benet) Harness the collective imagination of nearly 50 kids, channel it through their art and technology teachers, add a Hollywood production designer’s know-how and unleash it all on a blank…

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L.A. television news highlights USC Chan-led research study ⟩
June 12, 2018

Autism Chan in the Media Faculty Research

Los Angeles-based television stations KCBS2 and KCAL9 highlighted a USC Chan-led research study during the stations' evening news broadcasts on Friday, June 8. The video package highlighted the National Institutes of Health-funded Sensory Adapted Dental Environments to Enhance Oral Care for…

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Faculty Q&A for World Autism Awareness Day ⟩
April 2, 2018

Autism Diversity, Access, Equity Events Faculty

Linsey Smith helps answer common questions about identity, language and experiential issues for autistic people (and people with autism).

Photo by Iker Urteag/Unsplash April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, a designated day when communities around the world host events and activities that increase understanding, support and acceptance for people living with autism. In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day 2018, Assistant…

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Parents warned about ‘bleach therapy’ for treating autism ⟩
February 6, 2018

Autism Chan in the Media Faculty

By Gigen Mammoser/healthline Photo courtesy of healthline "Desperate parents in the United Kingdom, Canada, and United States are reportedly using a bleach solution in an attempt to cure autism, sometimes in children as young as 2 years old. Proponents have touted chlorine dioxide (often referred to…

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Building better doctor’s visits for adults with autism ⟩
April 20, 2017

Autism Clinical Conferences Events Faculty Research

Newly funded study aims to improve primary health care encounters of autistic adults

By Mike McNulty/USC Today Challenges with communication, environmental factors and decision-making processes can add to the anxiety of a doctor's visit for a person with autism./Photo by Martin Kenny (Flickr) During his first visit to the doctor’s office, Bobby fled from the waiting room, ran…

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USC Chan appoints new associate dean, chair ⟩
February 1, 2017

Autism Events Faculty Research

Dr. Grace Baranek to lead USC’s occupational science and occupational therapy program

By John Hobbs MA ’14 Updated article was originally released on Aug. 23, 2016. The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy welcomes newly appointed associate dean and chair, Grace Baranek on Feb. 1. Grace Baranek PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Baranek comes to USC from the University…

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Toddler palace may house clues to social skills in autism ⟩
November 12, 2016

Autism Chan in the Media Conferences Faculty Research

Dr. Barbara Thompson's research is highlighted at the 2016 Society for Neuroscience meeting

By Sarah Deweerdt/Spectrum News Palace keep: The amount of time a young child spends in a play castle may provide hints about her social motivation. A half-hour-long ‘playdate’ between a toddler and an adult could help answer a long-standing question about whether and how much a child with…

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