The DPI/NGO Section invites you to an
NGO Briefing
on
Understanding and Celebrating Autism
In observance of the 1st World Autism
Awareness Day (2 April)
on
3 April 2008
10 :00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
in
Conference Room 1
Speakers:
Dr. Edwin Trevathan, Director, Centres of Disease
Control and Prevention
Mrs. Suzanne Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks
Mr. Bob Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks
Mr. Lee Grossman, President and C.E.O., Autism
Society of America
Ms. Valerie Paradis, co-founder of the Open Center
for Autism
Moderator:
Lynda Baquero, News Anchor, WNBC, Chanel 4, New
York
Background Information:
The briefing will celebrate people with autism, their families and
friends. It will pay tribute to their daily struggles and highlight
the importance of a better understanding of the disorder. The panellists
will speak about their personal efforts in raising awareness and
eliminating stigma associated with autism. During the course of
the event, several special guests - whose dedication and commitment
have contributed significantly to enhanced acceptance and appreciation
of people with autism - will be acknowledged. Personal perspectives
on the impact of autism both locally and globally will be shared
during the discussion. After the panel discussion, there will be
an opportunity to engage in conversation and exchange of views both
inside and outside of Conference Room 1, where information material
on autism will be displayed.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and
is a result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning
of the brain. The disorder typically manifests itself in early childhood
and has been on the rise around the world regardless of race or
socio-economic status. It is estimated that autism affects 1 out
of 150 children and 1 out of 94 boys; it is four times more prevalent
in boys than in girls. There is currently no cure for it, but studies
have shown that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lessen
the symptoms and greatly enhance chances of people with autism achieving
their full potential. Due to the impaired communications skills
and social interaction of those suffering from autism, there is
a lot of stigma and misunderstanding attached to it.
A short video, providing an overview of autism, will
be screened at 10:00 a.m.
Representatives of NGOs are encouraged to participate
during the Q & A segment.
The event may be webcast. If so, it will be available
at www.un.org/dpi/ngosection.
For more information, please visit United Nations
Department of Public Information, NGO Section Website: http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/index.asp
Preview of next week’s briefing “Pope
Benedict’s Visit to the US, 15-20 April”:
On Thursday, 10 April 2008, the briefing will look at the
significance of Pope Benedict XVI visit to the United States. Several
high-level guests are expected to speak at the event. The briefing
will take place in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium
from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
