International meeting for autism research reports latest on autism causes and treatments

900 research and educational presentations, lectures and panel discussions including 30 presentations/demonstrations on innovative technologies for autism

CHICAGO, IL – The 8th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) will host more than 1500 researchers, delegates, autism specialists, and students in the world's largest gathering of researchers and clinicians devoted to a better understanding of autism. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Chicago Hotel from May 6-9, 2009. Meeting sponsors include Autism Speaks, the Simons Foundation, the Autism Society of America and the National Institutes of Health.

Attendance at this year's meeting is up more than 20 percent from the previous year, reflecting heightened interest and more awareness of this disorder that is now recognized to affect up to one in 150 children in the United States and an estimated one percent of individuals worldwide.

Current research on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) involves sophisticated behavioral, genetic and biological approaches that require interdisciplinary research collaborations to gain comprehensive knowledge of the disorder. Scientists at IMFAR will discuss and disseminate the latest scientific findings aiming to stimulate research progress toward a better understanding of the nature, causes and treatment options for ASDs. By bringing together both clinicians and research scientists, IMFAR provides a unique opportunity to foster international dialogue across various disciplines and methods.

This year's meeting includes over 900 research and educational presentations, lectures and panel discussions. In addition, there will be a new feature: a daylong demonstration of the latest Innovative Technologies for Autism on Friday, May 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Detail abstracts can be found at http://autisminsar.org/docs/PRESSBOOK%20IMFAR2009d.pdf and highlight are included below.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

Press Conference – Panel Discussion
Hilton Chicago, Third Floor
720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
4:00 p.m.

Bob Schultz, Ph.D., President of the International Society for Autism Research; Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks; Gerry Fischbach, M.D., Scientific Director, Simons Foundation; Manny DiCicco-Bloom, M.D., IMFAR Press Liaison; Adrian Oblak, Boston University School of Medicine; David S. Mandell, Sc.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Michael Cuccaro, Ph.D., University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine; David McCoy, Florida State University

Leading autism experts will discuss the latest in autism research, the potential impact of this research and provide a preview of research presentations to be given at the conference as well as be available for questions and answers. Note: Pre-conference and embargoed study information will be provided to media attending this panel discussion.

THURSDAY, MAY 7

Keynote – Fulfilling the Promise of Molecular Medicine in Autism
8:40 a.m.
Mark Bear, Ph.D., MIT