Innovative Technology for Autism Initiative

Autism Speaks Innovative Technology for Autism Initiative is supporting the development of therapies and assistive technologies by promoting collaboration among designers, engineers, scientists and individuals and families affected by autism.

Its primary mission is to adapt and promote the use of available technologies, and spur the development of new technologies, in an interdisciplinary and creative way to facilitate applied research that directly impacts the growing needs of those with autism.

Autism Speaks is delighted to be partnering with Fundación Orange and Fundación Adapta to host the first international conference on innovative technologies for autism, on July 6^th – 8^th, 2012. The conference, entitled “Technologies for Autism: Tools, Trends and Testimonials,” will take place in Valencia, Spain. Keynote speakers include pioneer child psychiatrist Michael Rutter, M.D.; child psychologist Ami Klin, Ph.D.; and Aberdeen University doctoral student James Cusack, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome age 12. For more information, registration and presentation submissions, visit the conference website.

Special note: The illustrations created for this conference (see above) are by Miguel Gallardo, who also created the amazing autism-awareness animation Maria's Journey.

I Want to Say is a 27-minute film about the Autism Speaks initiative Hacking Autism, which seeks to facilitate and accelerate technology-based ideas to help give those with autism a voice.