Autism Consortium Symposium Summarized

09/11/2009

The meeting gave scientists, clinicians, advocates and parents an opportunity to gather for the latest information on causes of autism and their implications for diagnosis, prognosis and therapies for people with autism spectrum disorders.

The Autism Consortium, a collaboration of researchers, clinicians, funders and families dedicated to catalyzing research and enhancing clinical care for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), took place in October at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

“The symposium provides a forum for researchers working to find the next breakthroughs in autism to meet not only with each other to share their latest finding but also directly with practitioners who are treating children and their parents," said Peter Barrett, chair of the Autism Consortium's board of directors. "

The symposium's scope and attendance doubled this year, with an increase in scientific posters presented from 19 in 2008 to 38 and attendance rising from 200 to 400 over last year. "The growth of this year's symposium strengthens our resolve to bring researchers, clinicians and families together to move the needle on autism research as quickly as possible," said Deirdre Philips, executive director of the Autism Consortium. "The Autism Consortium encourages families to become vested partners in the research process, participating in studies whenever they can to provide the broadest possible foundation for new discoveries that will lead to new treatments."

The symposium provided a snapshot of current autism issues, such as:

• an overview of the genetic changes that have been identified in children with autism


• discussion about a new study demonstrating the utility of clinical genetic testing in the diagnosis and treatment of children with ASDs


• discussion about new legislation that, if enacted, will mandate insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of ASDs


• discussion about a study evaluating the effectiveness of autism treatments based on research study results published in peer-reviewed journals


• presentations on several promising areas of autism research and panel discussions among the presenters

For the first time in 2009, the Symposium included a Family Resource Fair, a forum for support and advocacy organizations to provide information on their programs and services. The Resource Fair was especially well received by the many autism family members and caregivers in attendance.

REHACARE.de; Source: Autism Consortium
- More about the Autism Consortium at www.autismconsortium.org

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