(NEW YORK, N.Y.) April 12, 2010 – Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced their support and collaboration on a major new autism awareness initiative within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative was officially announced by Her Highness Princess Al Johara Bint Faisal al Saud, under the auspices of HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. The announcement included a long-term commitment within the Kingdom for more autism training centers, better autism screening, and more programs for those affected by autism. This Kingdom-wide autism initiative has the full support and commitment of HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia.
Autism Speaks has been working closely with the world-renowned Prince Salman Center for Disability Research and the Mother of Faisal Autism Center in the development of the Kingdom-wide awareness campaign. For the first time in Saudi Arabia's history, all the major autism organizations and center have come under one umbrella to raise awareness of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the world. Autism Speaks Co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright commended Saudi Arabia's commitment to autism saying, “We feel the leadership of Saudi Arabia and the support of the autism community is exemplary. We look forward to partnering in this ongoing endeavor. We hope Saudi Arabia's enormous commitment to autism will be the catalyst to encourage other nations around the world to do the same."
Saudi Arabia has a population of 27 million, and autism awareness materials will be distributed throughout the country, in malls, hospitals, schools and airports. In addition nationwide events will be held throughout the year including workshops, sporting events, and town hall meetings to educate the public on autism. Also involved in this nationwide campaign are others Bob and Suzanne Wright met with during their visit to Saudi Arabia last year, including HH Princess Al Johara Bint Faisal al Saud, Dr Sultan al Sediary and Dr Mohammed al Dosari of the King Fasial Specialist Hospital Research Center.
In a sign of increased autism awareness in Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, participated last week in Autism Speaks “Light it up Blue” campaign for 2010's World Autism Awareness Day. Kingdom Tower was among the first buildings in the world to “Light it up Blue.”
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 North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 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 $210 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 also Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. Suzanne has received numerous awards such as the CHILD Magazine Children's Champions Award, Luella Bennack Volunteer Award, Spirit of Achievement award by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine's National Women's Division and the Weizmann Institute of Science. 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.
