Beaumont to host autism community conference, resource fair

Baylor College of Medicine will bring a community conference and resource fair to the Beaumont area on Saturday, Jan. 20, to provide an educational seminar and support materials for children with special needs and their parents.

Provided jointly by Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the Arc of Greater Beaumont and the Early Childhood Intervention program at Spindletop Center, the conference will address updates in genetics and care for children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Christian Schaaf, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, will lead the discussion.

“Autism spectrum disorder is mostly a genetic disorder. With current tests available in the clinic, we can find an answer and identify the underlying cause in 25 to 40 percent of all cases,” Schaaf said. “Identifying the underlying cause does not always come with a ‘magic pill’ cure for autism. But it helps families understand, and it empowers them as they help their children to develop to their fullest potential.”

The resource fair will offer current information on care, education and research as they relate to autism spectrum disorders and encourages networking within the community by connecting patients and their families with others in similar situations.

“Reaching out to the community is so important. It will help people understand some of the major progress that has been made in the field of autism over the past decade,” added Schaaf.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The seminar will be held at the Arc of Greater Beaumont, 4330 Westridge Lane. Register for the event. The resource fair begins at 9 am, and the conference will follow at 10 am. Refreshments will be provided.

This conference is supported by the Texas Center for Disability Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Department of State Health Services.