San Mateo Teen To Present Autism Research At Cal
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Most 15-year-olds are hanging with friends or studying for high school classes, but Sophia Brink of San Mateo is spending her time preparing to present her autism research at a UC Berkeley symposium.
Brink attends Virtual Academy High School, and takes college classes at Canada College. She is the youngest ever student to have her research proposal accepted by the Bay Area Honors Research Symposium.
"I'm really excited to present my findings at UC Berkeley, and to educate my readers - and the people that will hear me - about autism," said Brink.
Her research examines whether or not all autistic children need medication.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
"My brother has autism," said Brink. "So I wanted to write this research report to educate about the effects of medication and alternative treatments on autistic children."
She found that many medications can have negative effects, and that not all alternative treatments work.
"It all depends on the child, because all autistic children are different," said Brink.
Brink hopes to become a psychologist or psychiatrist that works with autistic children and adults.
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