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Autism Speaks co-sponsors international autism conference in Manila, Philippines Feb. 3-5

NEW YORK, N.Y. (January 28, 2010) – Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization, is a sponsor of the first-ever International Autism Conference (IAC) in Manila, Philippines. The conference, reaching out to the Asian autism community and organized by the Autism Hearts Foundation and Autism Hearts Philippines, is being co-sponsored by Autism Speaks with partners UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, Philippine Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and the Autism Society of the Philippines.

The IAC will gather medical experts from around the world to present the most current research, knowledge and information on diagnosis, assessment and treatments of autism spectrum disorders ASD, as well as to review current policies to create a baseline from which to support individuals on the spectrum and their families. The conference will also launch the Global Autism Public Health Initiative in the Philippines (GAPH Philippines), a partnership between the Autism Hearts Foundation and Autism Speaks. The GAPH initiative is an innovative, integrated approach with partners worldwide that focuses on increasing public and professional awareness of ASD; increasing research expertise and international collaboration through training of autism researchers, with a focus on epidemiology, screening and early diagnosis, and treatment, and enhancing service delivery by providing training and expertise to service providers in early diagnosis and intervention.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will serve as the Keynote Speaker and the First Gentleman, Attorney Jose Miguel T. Arroyo, will be the honorary conference chair. Both will attend the IAC opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 3.

"Autism Speaks is pleased to formalize our relationship with the Philippines," said Andy Shih, Ph.D., Autism Speaks vice president for scientific affairs. "Autism Speaks has already made a $1 million commitment to speed our international collaboration efforts in the areas of science, research and epidemiology. We have translated screening and diagnostic instruments in at least eight languages, spoken by an estimated 1.75 billion people worldwide, an essential first step in local diagnosis of individuals with autism. Once prevalence can be estimated by these diagnostic efforts, GAPH can support countries such as the Philippines in crafting policy and shaping services to serve their local populations impacted by autism." Dr. Shih will be speaking at the conference, along with two other Autism Speaks experts, and is available for interviews.

About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About the Co-Founders

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the boards of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, mostly directed toward helping children. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. In 2008, the Wrights were named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world for their commitment to global autism advocacy.

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