"Science is our only answer for determining what causes Autism and for developing more effective treatments and preventions for this devastating illness," said Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, founder and director of the NYU Child Study Center. "We honor Suzanne and Bob Wright for taking the personal tragedy of their grandson's diagnosis of Autism and giving voice to those who can't speak."
Because of medical research, a substantial portion of children with Autism are now much more able to engage and relate to others and to their world. Some do move into productive lives in rewarding ways, but they still struggle. Fortunately, the range of potential outcomes is much broader than was true in the past. But for the majority of these children their lives are limited socially, professionally and intellectually.
Guests at this year's dinner included Al Roker; Matt Lauer; Ann Curry; Stone Phillips; Campbell Brown; Diane Neal; B.D. Wong; Dylan Baker; Nathaniel Kahn, Oscar-nominated director of My Architect; Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; The Honorable Jon S. Corzine; Dr. Ruth Westheimer; Brooke and Daniel Neidich; Arthur and Linda Carter; Alice and Thomas Tisch; Ann Tenenbaum and Tom Lee; Claude Wasserstein; Klara and Larry Silverstein; Patricia Warburg Cliff and Karl von Frieling; Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer, Bloomingdale's; Dr. Gail Saltz; Erica Jong and Kenneth Burrows; Martin Lipton; Ken and Elaine Langone; and Heather and Steven Mnuchin.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. was the evening's corporate sponsor. Other supporters of this year's dinner include Beth Rudin DeWoody; Millard Drexler, chairman and chief executive officer, J. Crew & Co; Laura and Robert Sillerman; and Katherine and Jerry Speyer, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Tishman Speyer.
The Child Advocacy Award Dinner celebrates the Child Study Center's commitment to its mission: to apply the best of science and medicine to the problem of mental illness in children. Past honorees include: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton; Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; Tipper Gore; Governor George E. Pataki; Whoopi Goldberg; Senator Jon S. Corzine and Joanne Corzine; Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D. Ph.D.; Lawrence Summers, President of Harvard University; and Leonard N. Stern.
NYU Child Study Center
The NYU Child Study Center is dedicated to the understanding, prevention and treatment of child and adolescent mental health problems. The Center offers expert psychiatric services for children and families with emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention. The Center's mission is to bridge the gap between science and practice, integrating the finest research with patient care and state-of-the-art training, utilizing the resources of the New York University School of Medicine. The Center offers a variety of mental health services for children, adolescents, young adults and their families. Child and Family Associates is the clinical arm of the NYU Child Study Center and the point of entry for all clinical programs. Our goal is to bring together the most research-supported evaluations and evidence-based treatments with an individualized and family centered approach.
The NYU Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Service at the Child Study Center is dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with Autism, Aspergers and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
For additional information, contact the NYU Child Study Center at (212) 263-6622 or visit www.AboutOurKids.org.