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Using music to teach spelling to children with autism, new directions in stroke research and recent advances - and ongoing challenges - in diagnosing genetic causes of neuromuscular disorders are among research topics to be presented by local and national experts, and leading students at a forum to be hosted by The University of Western Australia later this month.

This year's Symposium of Western Australian Neuroscience (SWAN) aims to connect scientists and clinicians to people with neurological conditions and those caring for and supporting them in the community.

Stroke victim Heather Addison will discuss her experience of life since surviving a stroke, while neurologist and UWA Associate Professor David Blacker will bring the audience up to date with new directions in stroke research in Western Australia.

Dr Nigel Clarke, from The University of Sydney, will describe the latest advances - and ongoing challenges - in diagnosing the genetic basis of neuromuscular disorders while Dr Olivia Carter, from The University of Melbourne, will present her research into using pupil responses to successfully communicate with non-responsive patients with Locked-in Syndrome.

Brightwater Care Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Penny Flett and Headwest Executive Officer Lee-Anne Brenssell will provide insights on living with acquired brain injury from a community perspective and the valuable initiatives their organisations undertake.

WA students and early-career researchers will present the results of their research in the featured areas of neuroscience, including Parkinson's disease, autism and spinal cord injury.

SWAN will be held on Tuesday 23 July at the Molecular and Chemical Sciences (MCS) Lecture Theatre at The University of Western Australia.

For further details and registration contact UWA Associate Professor Lindy Fitzgerald on 6488 2353 or email: [email protected]

Media references

Associate Professor Lindy Fitzgerald (UWA School of Animal Biology)  (+61 8)  6488 2353
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783