Content:
Autism as a neurodevelopmental condition is a spectrum of presentations that reflect communication, relational, and behavioral challenges. We also know that early identification and intervention are associated with better long-term outcomes. Concerns about autism often arise only after a child who is expected to be speaking shows language delays. However, long before they speak, babies communicate with their actions and competencies. The “touchpoint” in developmental process at 9-months of age offers us valuable lessons about the many social communication skills that we should anticipate before spoken language emerges. This gives us an important opportunity to identify challenges associated with autism when a child is as young as possible for screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the many developmental competencies that we can observe at the 9-month Touchpoint. These observations serve our ability to detect autism as young as possible in service of best outcomes.
Biography:
Dr. Jayne Singer, PhD, IECMH-E®
- Clinical psychologist with 40+ years of experience.
- Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
- Works with children and families at Boston Children’s Hospital.
- International Facilitator of the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach and NBO system.
- Co-launched programs in early autism detection and cardiac neurodevelopment.
- Led the development of Touchpoints initiatives supporting early childhood and family well-being.