If you are a relative or professional living or working with a young person who is diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome you will know that the barriers within education, employment, and social situations are significant. The impact that the complexities of Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome has upon life situations is very real. Communication is a key factor in addressing the needs of such young people and by addressing this issue, windows of opportunity are opened. This enables young people to progress, in terms of furthering their education and employmentoptions, by improving self–esteem and confidence orsimply by offering an opportunity to feel included in society, to feel valued and understood.
 
Building on the success of previous conference, Edge Hill University is hosting the fourth international conference addressing the needs of young people with Autism/Asperger’s syndrome.  The conference takes place on 21st May 2010.
 
This years keynote speaker is Dr. Gary B. Mesibov, who is currently the Director of Division TEACCH at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This internationally recognized statewide program is one of a kind in its pioneering approaches to research, service, training, treatment and the education of individuals with autism. Prior to Dr. Mesibov's appointment as Director of Division TEACCH in 1992, he served as the Division's Co-Director from 1987 and the Associate Director from 1983. Dr. Mesibov also serves as Professor of Psychology, Dept. of Psychiatry, and Clinical Professor, Dept. of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Mesibov is a licensed practising Psychologist in the state of North Carolina.
 
 
You are invited to submit abstracts for oral and / or poster presentations to keytosuccess@edgehill.ac.uk by Friday 26th February 2010.
Further information is available at http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/events/2010/05/21/conference-addressing-autism-asperger-s-syndrome    
 
For information on autism please visit www.nas.org.uk