Thomas Frazier to join Autism Speaks as Chief Science Officer
NEW YORK, N.Y. (PRWEB) January 19, 2017 -- Autism Speaks is pleased to announce that clinical psychologist and autism researcher Thomas Frazier II, PhD, is joining the organization as its chief science officer effective April 1, 2017.
Dr. Frazier comes to Autism Speaks from Cleveland Clinic Children’s, where he has directed the Center for Autism and Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health since 2013. Previously, he was the autism center’s research director.
Dr. Frazier’s clinical interests include the assessment and behavioral treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. His research includes pioneering work on the potential underdiagnosis of autism in girls and women, and the development of new and more-effective screening methods for identifying autism risk in babies.
Dr. Frazier has published 100 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented more than 150 scientific abstracts and invited talks at national and international research conferences. Among the most recent of his many awards is a National Institute of Health Career Developmental Award supporting his multidisciplinary clinical research on the biological effects of autism-linked gene changes.
Dr. Frazier is also the father of a son on the autism spectrum.
“I am excited to join Autism Speaks as chief science officer,” said Dr. Frazier. “As a parent and researcher, I have valued Autism Speaks since its inception as a driving force in advocacy and science for the autism community. I look forward to advancing research that will increase understanding of autism’s causes, improve screening and diagnosis, and develop effective interventions.”
“With a career at the forefront of autism care and research, Dr. Frazier is uniquely suited to guide Autism Speaks as it embarks on its second decade with a powerful focus on life enhancing research with real-world benefits,” said Angela Geiger, president and CEO of Autism Speaks.
Dr. Frazier received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in psychology from John Carroll University, in University Heights, Ohio, and completed both his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at Case Western Reserve University. His postgraduate training includes an internship in clinical neuropsychology at Ann Arbor VA Medical Center and a fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Section of Neuropsychology.
About Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. Go to AutismSpeaks.org to learn more, donate or join a fundraising walk.
Aurelia Grayson, Autism Speaks, http://www.autismspeakswalk.org, +1 646-385-8531, [email protected]
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