The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding a three-day conference to identify priorities for action on autism and other developmental disorders. Taking place September 16-18 in Geneva, the meeting will bring together autism advocates with national and international policy makers and experts. It is being made possible with support from Autism Speaks.
Andy Shih, Autism Speaks senior vice president for scientific affairs, will facilitate the conference’s opening sessions. They will include discussion of opportunities and challenges in implementing the WHO’s recently passed “Resolution on Comprehensive and Coordinated Efforts for the Management of ASD.” Michael Rosanoff, Autism Speaks associate director for public health research, will assist Dr. Shih in leading a second session on the intersection between autism advocacy, leadership and government policy making.
“World Autism Awareness Day and the United Nations resolution on autism have succeeded in calling greater international attention to autism,” says Dr. Shih. “Now the World Health Organization can play a critical role in helping set the global agenda and facilitate effective partnerships that improve the delivery of services and the advancement of international research.”
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