"Autism Spectrum Disorder: from Clinical Practice to Educational Provision" organised by The Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, in the School of Psychology at NUI Galway, in partnership with Autism Speaks and The American Ireland Fund.
Autism on the increase according to conference - http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0113/autism.html
Ireland’s first autism conference underway in Galway - http://galwayindependent.com/stories/it ... -in-Galway
by Marie Madden
Ireland’s first ever autism conference is taking place in Galway today, with Minister for Health James Reilly addressing an audience of over 600 researchers, healthcare professionals, teachers and parents.
‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: from Clinical Practice to Educational Provision’ is being organised by the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, in partnership with Autism Speaks and The American Ireland Fund.
It began yesterday and is focusing on providing practical solutions and approaches to diagnosis, clinical management, education, and adult service provision.
“This is a tremendous example of transatlantic cooperation to tackle one of the most demanding and complex issues affecting millions of families worldwide,” said Kieran McLoughlin, CEO of the American Ireland Fund.
“The partnership between Autism Speaks and NUI Galway and the willing support of our donors is a wonderfully tangible expression of the depth of Irish-American relations.”
Experts include Professor Connie Kasari from the Centre for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA; Professor Cathy Lord, Director of the Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital Institute for Brain Development; Professor Richard Foxx of Penn State University; and Professor Helen McConachie of Newcastle University.
“We are delighted to be hosting such distinguished international experts,” said conference organiser and lecturer in Psychology at NUI Galway, Dr Geraldine Leader. “It is only through the use of the latest up-to-date evidence based practices that we can ensure best outcomes for all individuals on the autism spectrum.”
Parents of autistic children have been invited to attend and participate in workshops on early intervention and caring for children on the autism spectrum.
Adrian Jones, a parent of an autistic child and a board member of Autism Speaks and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, welcomed the conference.
“Our family has been dealing with autism since we got Liam’s diagnosis 10 years ago, during which time we have been fortunate to benefit from the insight and guidance of experts in the field,” Jones said.
“We’ve seen the impact that Autism Speaks has had in generating awareness throughout the US, and the tangible benefits to families of its many programme initiatives. We hope the insights of global experts at this conference will accelerate improvements in care for Irish children and adults with autism.”
For further information on the conference, visit
www.conference.ie