The DPI/NGO Section invites you to an
NGO Briefing
on
Autism: Raising Awareness, Changing Attitudes
on
28 June 2007
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
at the
Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium
Background Information:
This week’s briefing will focus on autism, a disorder
that severely inhibits neurological, emotional, and intellectual
development. It has been estimated that 1 in 150 children are affected
by the disorder worldwide. While autism remains increasingly researched
but often misunderstood, autistic children may experience difficulty
with language and communication, social interaction, and perception
of their environment, which tragically leads to their isolation.
The briefing will look at current research underway and the social
challenges posed by autism. Panellists will discuss efforts to raise
awareness of autism in order to eradicate devastating stigmas and
prevalent misconceptions surrounding the disorder, as well as to
raise funds for research to find better treatments and eventually
a cure.
Speakers:
Ms. Suzanne Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks
Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, Greene Infectious Disease Laboratory
Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, Director, National Institutes
of Health (invited)
Mr. Eric Olson, Focal Point on Family, Social Integration
Section, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations
A video entitled Autism Every Day, produced by Autism
Speaks will be screened at 10:00 a.m.
Representatives of NGOs are encouraged to participate
during the Q&A segment.
Please note:
This is the last briefing for this spring session. Briefings will
resume on 4 October 2007, with an event in observance of the International
Day of Older Persons.
