Asperger authority will speak next week.

Byline: Anne Williams The Register-Guard

A world-renowned expert on Asperger syndrome will lead a conference in Eugene next week targeting parents, educators and other profession- als who work with children and adults with the syndrome.

Dr. Tony Attwood, a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals with autism, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Asperger syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism, characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, restrictive interests and sensory-motor integration dysfunction.

"Dr. Attwood is unmatched in his ability to capture the essence of potential in the individual with Asperger syndrome," said Nan Lester, a Eugene counselor and educator who specializes in adolescents and adults with Asperger syndrome. "The topic and breadth of content is designed to appeal to a broad population, all working toward the same objective: a full, rich, meaningful life with the education, career and relationships deserving of the individual."

Lester, who began her work with Asperger syndrome after her son was diagnosed with it, is co-coordinating the conference with Future Horizons, a Texas-based publisher of autism materials. She's met Attwood and seen him speak before. "He's very dynamic, and very funny," she said.

Attwood was among a group of scholars at the University of London who were the first to translate the work of Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, the first to identify the syndrome. Attwood is the author of "Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide For Parents and Professionals," which has sold more than 300,000 copies.

In an e-mail interview, Attwood said the primary focus of his presentation will be to explain the nature of Asperger syndrome and offer strategies to help, particularly in regard to managing emotions and making friendships.

He noted people with Asperger syndrome - both children and adults - can often be isolated or bullied and teased by others at school or at work.

"One of their difficulties is living in a world of social zealots that prioritize socializing more than any other activity," he wrote. "However, those with Asperger's syndrome often find something much more interesting than socializing."

Attwood acknowledged that during the past decade Asperger syndrome has become "a diagnosis which has potential to be over used." Current research in Europe suggests that it occurs in 1 in 250 children, he said. "We have only recently been able to develop diagnostic criteria and, as such, we are still exploring the borders of the condition within the normal range," he said.

However, he said, growing recognition and understanding of the syndrome has greatly improved the quality of life of such individuals. "They no longer feel as isolated and misunderstood and are better able to achieve successful careers and relationships," he said.

Oregon consistently has one of the highest rates of autism spectrum disorder in the nation, according to state and federal data, and Lane County's is higher still.

ASPERGER CONFERENCE

For information or for a link to register for the Oct. 14 conference at Lane Community College, visit www.aspergercounseling.com or call Nan Lester at Asperger Counseling Northwest at 345-8588. The cost is $125. All professional participants will receive continuing education credit.