The International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) was recently held in San Diego, May 12-14, by the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR). INSAR describes itself as,

“a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including autism, Asperger’s syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The Society’s main role has been to run the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), which is an annual scientific meeting to exchange and disseminate new scientific progress among ASD scientists and their trainees. INSAR also recently launched a new peer-reviewed journal, Autism Research.

More than 1900 individuals attended the 10th Annual IMFAR conference. As stated in a recent INSAR press release (May 11, 2011),

“scientists at IMFAR will discuss and disseminate the latest scientific findings focused on the nature, causes and treatment options for autism spectrum disorders. By bringing together both clinicians and research scientists, IMFAR provides a unique opportunity to foster international dialogue across various disciplines and methods. This year’s meeting includes more than 900 research and educational presentations, lectures and panel discussions over three days. ‘This IMFAR, our 10th anniversary meeting, will showcase some of the most rigorous and exciting science presented at any IMFAR meeting. Studies dealing with topics ranging from genetics to environmental factors, from medical co-morbidities to early intervention will be presented during the three-day meeting,’ said David G. Amaral, Ph.D. President of INSAR and Research Director for the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. ‘It is exciting that a great many of the participants are students who are immersing themselves in the collaborative, interdisciplinary science that will undoubtedly lead to understanding, prevention and more effective treatments of autism spectrum disorders”. 

Link to program book, abstracts, and press releases about highlighted studies. 

Stay tuned for additional blog posts that highlight more details about the specific research covered and IMFAR.