UNIVERSITY NEWS - JANUARY 2004

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
(561) 297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu or
Dr. Jack Scott, (561) 775-0625, jscott@fau.edu

FAU Hosts Lecture Series on Autism
First lecture will be hosted by Dennis Debbaudt this Friday

Boca Raton, FL (January 14, 2004) – The Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disability (CARD) will present a lecture on autism by Dennis Debbaudt. The lecture will take place in the Majestic Palm Room at the University Center on the Boca Raton campus on Friday, January 16 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Debbaudt is an internationally recognized expert on autism and law enforcement. He is the author of Avoiding Unfortunate Situations and Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders. He works as a private investigator and has a son with autism. He has conducted workshops on autism and other disabilities for law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, across the United States and internationally.

Debbaudt’s message to parents stresses how they can keep their children with disabilities safe and secure from crime, while his message to law enforcement personnel helps them understand the nature of autism and offers ways to approach those persons with sensitivity.

The autism lecture series will be holding two more events in the coming months and is coordinated by Dr. Jack Scott, associate professor of Exceptional Student Education at FAU and by CARD. For more information call 561-297-0392.

-FAU-

The FAU Center for Autism and Related Disability provides services to persons with autism and their families in Palm Beach County. FAU CARD serves as the satellite office of the University of Miami CARD. CARD centers are funded by the Florida legislature.