Bob Wright addressing members of the Foreign Press Center with (from l – r) Dr. Young Shin Kim, Mark Roithmayr, Suzanne and Bob Wright, Geri Dawson
On the eve of the second World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright held a briefing with members of the U.S. State Department's Foreign Press Center. Members of the press from England, China, Germany, India, Taiwan, Denmark and Russia gathered in New York City to hear updates on Autism Speaks' global research projects and awareness campaigns.
The briefing, on the eve of the G20 summit in London, opened with a message from Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who talked about the need for a better global understanding of autism. Messages from Ban Soon-taek, wife of the UN Secretary General and the first ladies of four other countries were also shown (view these messages here). Also attending this important international meeting on behalf of Autism Speaks were President Mark Roithmayr, Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Vice President of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih, and Executive Vice President for Programs and Services Peter Bell.
In his remarks, co-founder Bob Wright said autism is “the most prevalent childhood development disorder” in developed countries. Wright explained that Autism Speaks' global awareness campaign would enable “foundations and health organization around the world to be more involved.” He also spoke about the economic impact of autism on families in the U.S., estimating between $35-50 billion a year in lost productivity in the country.
Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson gave a detailed account of the signs of autism and explained how Autism Speaks allocates its scientific funding – causes of autism, biology, diagnosis, treatment and dissemination of findings. Since its inception Autism Speaks has committed $10.9 million to international research, and an additional $4.7 million to the Autism Genome Project in 19 different countries. “It is only through international cooperation that we will find the answers,” said Dr. Dawson.
Vice President of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih concluded the briefing by announcing an expansion of the Global Autism Public Health Initiative into Albania and Ireland as well as the status of ongoing research projects in 13 countries, including India, South Korea and Taiwan. “Science knows no boundaries,” said Dr. Shih. “Now we need to join up with more global parties.”
This year, over forty countries on six continents will be marking World Autism Awareness Day. This event was just one of many awareness events to celebrate and educate the global community about the global impact of autism.
Autism Speaks team with a proclamation from New York City Mayor Bloomberg stating that April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Pictured: Korean autism researcher Dr. Young Shin Kim, Mark Roithmayr, Suzanne and Bob Wright, Geri Dawson and Andy Shih
