One of out every 88 American children is identified with an autism spectrum disorder.

In order to raise awareness about autism, the University of Oregon brought renowned autism researchers and specialists — and family members of autistic individuals — to speak at the panel The Science of Autism.

The event, co-sponsored by the UO Alumni Associate and the College of Education, will discuss autism prevalence, identification and family-based services.

The event featured a keynote speech from Dr. Eric Fombonne, a Professor of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health and Science University and the Director of Autism Research at OHSU’s Institute for Developmental Disabilities and Child Development and Rehabilitation Center.

Along with Fombonne, the event also featured a variety of impressive guest speakers. Philip Washbourne, associate professor in the Institute of Neuroscience and the Department of Biology at the UO shared some of his research in animal models of autism, including the renowned zebra fish project. Also speaking, Judith Newman, the co-director and co-founder of Early Childhood CARES, discussed local services for children with autism and their families, as well as state legislature surrounding special education. Finally, Wendy Ricketts, who is a mother of two children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum discussed her family’s experiences taking care of the son.

“A year ago, the Alumi Association did research to come up with a strategic plan for a new direction. While we like being involved in sports, we wanted to be involved in more than that,” Tim Clevenger said, associate vice president of alumni affairs. “We wanted to find something that was relevant and meaningful to not only the world but to families as well.”