A visiting research scholar to The University of Queensland will present a workshop tomorrow (November 27) focusing on new and innovative approaches to dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Robert Accordino, a PhD student from the University of Oxford in the UK, received a Fulbright Scholarship to allow him to further develop his research on individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Currently based in UQ’s School of Psychology, Mr Accordino will present his research on auditory processing of those with autism in the domains of music and language and moderate a panel of representatives from local agencies and organisations who work with people with ASD.
The workshop resulted from a collaboration between Mr Accordino and Dr Nancy Pachana, UQ’s Deputy Head of the School of Psychology, and Dr Paul Harnett, also from the School.
“The incidence of autism in the community is much higher than we ever thought with around one in 100 people affected by this condition,” Mr Accordino said.
“The workshop will bring together representatives from various local agencies working directly with children and adults with autism, including Autism Queensland, Asperger’s Syndrome Support Network Queensland, Josie Santomauro’s Book Company and researchers from UQ.”
Mr Accordino, who has been in Brisbane since June, said his time here has been a wonderful learning experience as he has been able to broaden his understanding of how autism affects people throughout the lifespan.
“My research prior to my time in Australia primarily focused on 10 to16-year-olds, but since being here I have been involved in undertaking research with very young children and adults on the autism spectrum,” he said.
The workshop will run from 9am to 12.30pm at the St Thomas Anglican Parish in Toowong. For registration details contact UQ on 07 3365 6723. A portion of the proceeds from the workshop will go to Autism Queensland.
Note: Media are invited to attend the workshop. For further information, contact Robert Accordino on 0403 942 748 or r.accordino@psy.uq.edu.au
