The Drexel University School of Public Health will host a major conference on the communication of scientific findings of autism research that will feature leading researchers, scientists, journalists, families and health care providers on October 6, 2009 – October 7, 2009 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
The conference, "Ethics of Communicating Scientific Findings of Autism Risk," is being organized by Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, a leading autism researcher and department chair at Drexel University, and Dr. Michael Yudell, a professor and expert in public health history and ethics at Drexel University. The focus of the conference is to work toward the development of strategies and guidelines for appropriate, ethical, and effective communication of emerging autism risk factor research findings to the full range of interested audiences.
According to the conference’s organizers, findings from major new initiatives now underway have the potential to enrich understanding of the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Given the intensity of public debate about causes for ASD, the communication of scientific findings presents significant difficulties and demands sensitivity.
For a complete list of invited speakers and more about the conference, please see the conference's brochure.