Seminar examines translational research’s role in autism program

Wayne Fisher, Ph.D.

Applying basic behavioral research principles in a treatment setting has allowed Wayne Fisher, Ph.D., director of the UNMC Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and H.B. Munroe Professor of Behavioral Research, and his team to significantly improve care for those with autism and related conditions.

This process will be the focus of Dr. Fisher’s presentation on Monday when he presents “Integrating Basic and Applied Research in the Treatment of Autism” at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater. His presentation is part of a monthly series focused on clinical and translational research.

“This approach has allowed us to develop more efficient and refined procedures that target the specific environmental causes of problem behavior,” Dr. Fisher said.

Before coming to UNMC, Dr. Fisher helped establish world-renowned autism programs at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center in Baltimore and the Marcus Institute in Atlanta.

Rather than simply trying to cure the behaviors associated with autism and related conditions, Dr. Fisher and his team examine such behaviors to see what triggers them. Once triggers are identified, the team develops ways around and through such behaviors.

If you go Dr. Fisher’s seminar will take place at noon on Monday in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Jennifer Larsen, associate dean for clinical research in the College of Medicine, said Dr. Fisher has extensive experience in effectively adapting research findings to a clinical setting.

“This seminar will allow other UNMC scientists to gain insight into the process and methods Dr. Fisher used in translating research to develop world-class programs,” Dr. Larsen said.

The seminar will be recorded and available for investigators who cannot attend. The seminar also will be televised at the following sites:

• College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Dixon Lecture Hall;
  
• College of Nursing in Lincoln, Room 307;
  
• College of Nursing in Scottsbluff, Panhandle Station Room 203;
  
• College of Nursing in Kearney, CMCT 216; and
  
• College of Nursing in Omaha, Room 4078.

The clinical and translational research seminars are held on the third Monday of each month at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

The next seminar in the series will be on Monday, Jan. 21, when Deepak Khazanchi, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, presents “The Potential of Information Technology Theories & Tools in Clinical and Translational Research.”

If you have any questions about the seminars or a desire to present at a future seminar, contact Brian Shotwell at bshotwell@unmc.edu or Dr. Larsen at jlarsen@unmc.edu.