FGCU set to host autism conference
A conference on autism, “Promising Pathways: The Road to Best Practice in Autism,” will be presented for physicians, parents and educators from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 25 in the Student Union Ballroom at Florida Gulf Coast University.
National experts in the research and study of autism and autism spectrum disorders will address a variety of topics such as diagnosis and treatment, current research, communication alternatives, parents of individuals with autism and the community system, addressing behavioral concerns and more.
This is the second annual “Promising Pathways” conference. Sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast University, College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences, it is free and open to the public.
Reservations are required at: www.fgcu.edu/events/promisingpathways by April 17 or by calling 992-4680.
Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that is sometimes referred to as an “equal opportunity disorder” as it strikes families of all races, education levels and family incomes.
It affects a child’s social growth and behavior, sensory, communication and learning. At this time, autism is not curable, but it is treatable. One in 150 children in the United States is affected by autism.
“We’re very pleased to once again partner with Florida Gulf Coast University to present such an in depth look at autism as well as offer a symposium with essential topics,” conference chairman Armando Galella, executive director of Eden Florida, a non-profit agency that offers lifespan services for children and adults with autism. “The conference will offer pertinent information for professionals in the medical and educational fields as well as parents and caregivers, and all those affected by and/or interested in the study of autism.”
Keynote presenters include: Mohammad Ghaziuddin, a child psychiatrist on the faculty of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; Dr. Paul Law, director of medical informatics at the Kennedy Krieger Institute; and Kiely Law, research director of the Interactive Autism Network at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.