found this online, thought it would be of interest!
WELSH HEALTH MINISTER WELCOMES THE WORLD?S
BIGGEST FREE ON-LINE AUTISM CONFERENCE
www.autism2005.org
Over 20,000 delegates from around the world are expected to log on to a free on-line conference on autistic spectrum disorders. For the first time ever over 30 of the world?s leading experts on autism will come together discuss the latest developments in the condition.
The conference, which is thought to be the largest of its kind anywhere in the world, is open to anyone with an interest in autistic spectrum disorders, which includes Asperger syndrome.
Autism2005.org is a unique opportunity to speak directly to experts such as Professor Rita Jordan, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor Uta Frith, Dr Tony Attwood and best selling international author Donna Williams who herself has autism.
The conference is being organised by Autism Cymru, Wales? pioneering national charity for autism. Delegates can register now at www.autism2005.org and make a note to log on to take part in this groundbreaking event which will take place from 17 to 21 October 2005.
Abstracts and papers for the conference will be available online from the beginning of October 2005.
You don?t need to be an expert yourself ? the conference is open to absolutely anyone ? people with autism, parents, teachers, social workers, probation officers, police officers, medical professionals, researchers or the just plain curious.
All the experts will be available to answer questions and exchange views and ideas.
The conference is the latest in a notable series of world firsts for Autism Cymru.
The Welsh Assembly Government is working closely with the charity and others in developing a strategy for children, young people and adults with autism. This 10-year strategy aims to raise awareness and improve service delivery across health, education and social services.
Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons said, ?This conference will help raise awareness of autism and allows people to share their experiences. The Assembly Government, through its all-Wales Strategy for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), aims to ensure those with ASD gets support that meets their assessed needs, whatever their age and wherever they live. This will be backed by the National Service Framework for Children, which will be published in the Summer of 2005?.
Autism Cymru is also working with the universities of Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea to develop a national research centre for autistic spectrum disorders.
The on-line conference will tackle all aspects of autism, from the latest research findings in the fields of the brain and genetics, to diagnosis, education, Asperger syndrome, biomedical approaches, other therapies and first-hand experiences of living with
autism.
Autism Cymru?s Chief Executive, Hugh Morgan, commented, ?Autism Cymru is proud to host this historic on-line conference. Never before has the public had access to such a pre-eminent group of leading-edge experts in the field of autism. Distinguished experts from across the globe will come together to discuss their research and experience and exchange the latest ideas and thoughts on a subject which has continued to perplex practitioners from a range of disciplines. It is our hope that Autism2005 will set the standard by which future similar events may be judged. I would encourage anyone with an interest in autism to register and take part in this truly world-beating conference?.
Ends
Notes:
- For further information on Autism2005 contact Laura Morgan on 029 20464940 or go to www.autism2005.org
- Autism Cymru is Wales? national charity for autistic spectrum disorders.
- Autism Cymru is currently working with the Welsh Assembly Government to develop the world?s first government-led national strategy for autistic spectrum disorders.
- The outstanding gathering of experts taking part includes:
Professor Uta Frith
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen
Professor Tony Attwood
Professor Rita Jordan
Professor Anthony Bailey
Professor Lorna Wing
Donna Williams
Wendy Lawson
Paul Shattock
Dr Karl Reichelt
Theo Peeters
Dr Geraldine Dawson
Dr Digby Tantam
Dr Fiona Scott
Dr Tony Charman
Dr Marian Sigman
Dr Patricia Rodier
Dr Rebecca Landa
Dennis Debbaudt