November 16^th, 2007 – New York, NY

The International Autism Epidemiology Network, a collaborative effort sponsored by Autism Speaks and the CDC, hosted a meeting of the Developing/Low Resource Countries Workgroup in New York City on November 16^th. Aimed at designing culturally-sensitive screening and diagnostic instruments for use in low-resource territories, specifically those lacking reliable estimates of autism prevalence, the workgroup involved representatives from India, Taiwan, Mexico, Venezuela, Norway, England, Canada, and the United States. In attendance were more than 20 experts from various fields of autism research including epidemiology, screening and diagnostics, behavioral psychology, and cultural anthropology, all of whom have particular interest and experience in conducting research within developing nations around the world. Major discussion topics included: proven and commonly used screening/diagnostic tools; cultural considerations in determining the case definition of autism; ascertainment and assessment criteria for autism cases; research and clinical capacity building in low-resource territories; and methods of collaboration/information sharing between researchers internationally.

Principally, the goal of the International Autism Epidemiology Network is to obtain reliable estimates of autism prevalence worldwide through the development of research collaborations and the design of epidemiological studies in various countries across the globe. Designed to tackle this objective from a variety of perspectives, the “Developing/Low-resource Countries” approach is focused on examining autism prevalence using population-based screening strategies in territories without well-organized public health surveillance infrastructure. Once such surveillance and epidemiologic activities have taken place, the subsequent tasks of the workgroup will involve assessing availability of treatment services, identifying specific areas of need, and investigating potential rick factors for autism within these populations.

The November workgroup meeting was an initial, but crucial, step toward not only improving our understanding of the worldwide patterns of autism prevalence, but also toward increasing awareness and access to services in countries with limited resources. Ultimately, the "Developing/Low-Resource Countries" initiative has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of autism etiology and natural history, by working to standardize epidemiologic methodology internationally, and through comparison of potential genetic and environmental risk factors around the world.

For more information on the International Autism Epidemiology Network, its objectives, and current projects supported by the initiative, please visit the network's website at: www.autismepidemiology.net.