According to current stats, autism is very much on the rise. 30 years ago, one out of every 500 children was diagnosed with autism. Now, it’s one of every 31 children, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What happened? Is it an epidemic ? Or are we just scratching the surface of a condition that has been around for a while?

Either way, the good news is the Sacramento region is at the forefront of diagnosing autism and supporting autistic individuals and their families.. One showcase is the UC Davis MIND Institute, an internationally recognized research and clinical care center that’s dedicated to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and Down syndrome.

Aubyn Stahmer, a nationally recognized expert in autism intervention, is the new director of the MIND Institute. Her extensive federally funded research program emphasizes increasing access to autism services for historically marginalized communities. She has published more than 150 research articles and served as the editor of the international journal Autism for 11 years.

Stahmer will join us to talk about the latest research and supports in autism diagnostics and supports, and how they can be best applied to community programs so that young people can learn to master essential life skills, engage socially and develop a sense of self .

Bring your questions for Stahmer. Nothing is too dumb or too small to ask.

Claim your seat - Register here on our Eventbrite page.

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Ruhstaller BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha, canned mocktails and sodas, and sparkling water— feel free to BYO food.