Autism Speaks announces multinational initiative

Autism must be diagnosed by trained professionals using standardized behavioral instruments. Through this multinational partnership, representatives will explore the best possible models and mechanisms for maximizing both the social and scientific impact on this initiative and provide specific training to professional service providers for continuity of care. Representatives from this initiative will host the first workshop in June 2008 with a focus on awareness.

ABOUT AUTISM

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

ABOUT CARSO HEALTH INSTITUTE

The Carso Health Institute is a non-for-profit organization based in Mexico City that mobilizes private resources to finance projects of social interest in the areas of health, nutrition and the environment. The aim of the Institute is to contribute to the solution of the health problems that affect the Latin American region through the identification and prioritization of the problems; the design of initiatives and mechanisms to address them; the identification of partners to coordinate and execute these initiatives; the training, technical assistance and monitoring of the parties involved; and the evaluation of the results. http://www.salud.carso.org

ABOUT INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCES, MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION

The Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction will support research to enhance mental health, neurological health, vision, hearing, and cognitive functioning and to reduce the burden of related disorders through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation. Associated research will advance our understanding of human thought, emotion, behavior, sensation, perception, learning and memory.

ABOUT CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH