ACS 2023 Abu Dhabi XI Conference

Headlines
At a glance
Countries
Goals
2023 Speakers
The Venue
Originators
Audience
Format
Topics
Beyond
Patronage
Organizers
Sponsorship
Partners
Speakers feedback

UAE international Annual Conference & Exhibition / Abu Dhabi 2023

Since 2013

27-30th April / 2023

Autism. Challenges and Solutions

2023 Program

2023 Workshops

International research and practice conference «Autism. Challenges and Solutions» covers a broad set of issues related to autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The conference is envisioned not only as an experience sharing event, but also as an attempt to deal with a serious medical and social problem which is not getting its fare share of attention in most countries.

During the conference, the latest skills and experiences
in the field of developing modern methods of treating autism disorder will be reviewed within dialogue sessions, discussions, scientific research and visual presentations that include solutions and developmental ideas with the participation of
a large number of doctors, researchers and specialized experts from international academics in this field.
The conference will be accompanied by practical training workshops starting from the date of April 27, 2023 by international trainers and a media campaign on the media and social networking sites to support children with autism through

The educational goal of the conference is to pull autism out of the shadows. This creates an opportunity to introduce recent advances in protocols and methods into clinical practice and to encourage research to solve various problems of autism.

At a glance

Over 10 years of work the conference “Autism. Challenges and Solutions” laid the foundation for major changes in the field of professional care for people with autism. It launched an extremely significant discourses on autism, responding to current trends in scientific research and reflecting the re-conceptualization of autism as a phenomenon and as a diagnosis in the 21st century.

Countries of participants:

Goals of the conference:

Present the front-rank knowledge in theory and practice of autism treatment to the international community, speed up the dissemination of new, effective and safe measures, both medical and educational, to help people with autism

Show the results of the pilot stage of a unique experimental project for education of autistic children based on an innovative model of inclusive education for children with special cognitive needs, making use of the best international practices and state-of-the-art research

Discuss the ways and approaches for implementing some of these results into international practice

Demonstrate innovative research and achievements in biomedicine that may help fulfill various needs in autism

Form working groups for implementation of international projects in research and clinical practice

Set a starting point for biomedicine development in search of autism clinical diagnostic methods and ASD intervention approaches

Fulfill a powerful educational mission through massive participation in the conference and broad media outreach

Among speakers 2023:

Stephen M. Edelson

Ph.D., Director of the Autism Research Institute (USA)

Ekaterina Zhestkova

BCBA, IBA, Chairman of the RusABA Board, Director of the ABA-training Center “StepUp ABA” (Russia)

Khaled Saad

Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics at Assiut University Children's Hospital (Egypt)

James Adams

Ph.D., Professor, Director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University, President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix (USA)

Laila Al-Ayadhi

Ph.D., Professor and Consultant of Neurophysiology, Director
of KSU-Autism Research
and Treatment center, Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine,
King Saud University
(Saudi Arabia)

Barbara Gross

MA, MEd, BCBA, LBA, CSE
Missouri Behavior Consulting (USA)

Richard E. Frye

M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Rossignol Medical Center and the Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation (USA)

Michael M. Mueller

Ph.D., BCBA-D, IBA, Executive Director of International Behavior Analysis Organization (USA)

Naila Rabbani

Professor of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University (Qatar)

Ph.D., Professor of Human Genetics, Head of the DNA Research Laboratory in Genetic Behavioral Disorders, founder of the Autism Research Study Group, former Head of the Human Genetics Unit at the National Research Center (Egypt)

Nagwa Meguid

Undurti N. Das

MD, DSc, FAMS, FRSC, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad, Kandi (India), Department of Biotechnology, ITMO University (Russia)

Wail Hassan

Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine (USA)

All the speakers

The Venue:

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

Luxury 5 Star Resort

Beach Rotana

Rotana Beach Reservation

Floor to the Originators

What is the scientific impact of this conference?

"Based on my previous experience as a conference «Autism. Challenges and Solutions» speaker, I can say that the level of content and expertise has always amazed me. This conference aims to bring together the best efforts and highlight the most recent developments in a wide range of autism-related fields. For ten years, the conference has developed its ideals, expertise, and audience from many countries and health-care and education systems. Preparing the 11th conference, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, we adhere to the same principles and the same logic of this forum." The scientific committee was selected carefully to include outstanding well known scientists and researchers who conducted exceptional and integrative research on autism etiological mechanisms and different intervention approaches. The conference will give an opportunity for professionals to connect with the most recent research in the field, as well as receive practical understanding about information and ways to support individuals with autism. The conference focuses on multiple critical issues affecting autistic people's mental health and discuss the most recent breakthroughs in autism practice or research with professionals from health, social care, education, and other fields at the conference. As a joint conference I think it will be one of the most successful conference in 2023. We may indirectly enhance the lives of numerous autistic people and their families through this event.

Afaf El-Ansary, Ph.D.

Member in Autism Research and Treatment Center, KSA (Saudi Arabia) and Scientific Consultant of Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Medical Center in Abu Dhabi (UAE), in the recent past senior scientist at King Saud University, long-standing speaker of the conference "Autism. Challenges and Solutions", head of the scientific committee of the XI conference

What is unique about this event?
How do you see the level of this conference?

"Problem beyond politics. This conference is very much unique, as it gathered the experts from all over the world even when it was held for the first time. I strived to invite American research scientists that represent honest and evidence-based information. And the most current information. Those who attend the conference should have the opportunity to learn what's going on now and have a feeling of what is going to happen in the near future. What hopes can science and clinical practice give to autistic people and their families, and what is the basis of such hopes. I believe this international conference founded in Moscow is one of the best in the world. This is why I can invite through ARI the people who I believe are the best American researchers."

Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.

Executive Director of the Autism Research Institute (USA)

Conference format

"Having listened to hundreds of hours of European and American conference recordings I learned one key thing: Autism conference is not an industry convention, not a college reunion, and not a shareholder meeting. Autism conference is really an intensive educational experience which takes various forms and shapes.
And this experience is equally fascinating for a student, a graduate and a professor"

Ekaterina Men

President of Autism Challenge Center, member of the expert council on autism at the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, member of the Conference organizing committee

The Audience:

More than 20 000 people attended the Conference in the last 10 years

The audience of the conference is very diverse and includes:

Research Scientists

Science journalists

20k

(psychiatrists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, geneticists, pediatricians)

M.D.

(speech pathologists, psychologists and psychotherapists, art therapists, behavioral analysts)

Special educators

Medical doctors

Government officials

Various parent communities

Hybrid format:

In 2020 the traditionally inperson conference was quicky rearranged into the online format. This allowed to widen the range of participants and deepen the content, retaining its high quality. Since this year, the conference has retained a hybrid format. Talks and workshops will be broadcast from the conference halls to a specially organized online platform with simultaneous translation into Russian and Arabic. This will allow not only to maintain the already attracted audience of the conference "Autism. Challenges and Solutions", but also to significantly expand the international audience.

Integrative online platform

Autism. Challenges and Solutions

Live online talks

Questions and answers in live format

Studio for a live broadcast with moderators

Discussions between participants through their personal accounts on the conference platform

Live discussions with the experts from studio

Records of talks and lectures

Online marathon

Main topics:

sharing the know-how

experts, professionals,
parents

genetics and epigenetics

evidence based methods and experimental practices

Pathogenesis of autism:
genetics and epigenetics

Building the community:

Workshops and clinical seminars:

Education of autistic people

Neuroscience perspective on autism

Autism intervention and therapy:

Behavioral science and autism

Socioeconomic aspects of autism

Epidemiology of autism

Diagnosing and classifying "autisms":

potential biomarkers,
test protocols and assays

ABA and education topics:

Skills evaluation instruments and development of educational plans

Evidence based methods of alternative communication

Modern trends in ABA therapy

Behavioral approach in inclusive education

Standards and ethics of ABA Professionals

Evidence based effectiveness of applied behavior analysis

ABA therapy trainings and practicums

Certification seminars on alternative communication methods and sports
mediated intervention

Clinical workshops with practicing M.D.'s

Interaction with the parent organizations

Entertainment program

Beyond the conference:

Supervisions of educational projects and inclusive practices

Patronage

The United Arab Emirates pays great attention to its people of different segments, in particular those of determination as it worked to open social and health care homes that provide them with comprehensive care and quality services in order to achieve the great vision of the wise leadership, which spares no effort to serve these groups and ensure their empowerment and integration into society, and exploitation of their potential in work and building.

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, one of the organizations operating in this field, pursues its efforts in providing the best means of care and rehabilitation for people of determination, including those with autism, taking advantage of the immense and unlimited support provided to the organization by our wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, May Allah Protect him, and His Highness’ continuous care of the Organization’s programmes, initiatives, and strategic projects that enabled the Organization to achieve many local, international, and global achievements, thanks to His Highness’s wise directives and great concern for the delivery of quality and premium services to our sons and daughters of determination.

The hosting by Abu Dhabi of the 11^th International Conference for Autism Research, from 27 to 30 April, builds on previous successes in the field of care and rehabilitation of various groups of people of determination, especially those with autism. We are fully hopeful that these successes will continue through this global gathering, in which experience is exchanged, fruitful experiences are presented and various topics are discussed in an objective and scientific manner that enriches the expertise and experiences of all participants and specialists in this field and supports the development of services and means of care and rehabilitation for children with autism.
I express my appreciation to the organizers of this Conference, and pray to God the Almighty that their efforts bring success.

Under the patronage of His Highness

Sheikh
Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

Word of His Highness
Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination continues its journey towards providing the best means of care and attention to people of determination, and works in all directions and cooperates with ministries, institutions and concerned authorities to achieve the goal of creating an inclusive society free of barriers, that guarantees empowerment and a decent life for people of determination and their families, through policy-drawing and innovation of services that contribute to their enjoyment of a high quality of life, access to social integration, active participation, and reaffirmation of their role in development.

People with autism of all types are one of the groups that receive care and attention in the Organization. Health and psychological care and the latest methods of treatment and rehabilitation are provided for these groups, through providing the best doctors and specialized therapists who have undergone courses and practical workshops in order to gain the best experience in treating those with autism disorders. Our specialized centers are always equipped with the latest modern and innovative medical devices and equipment. Thankfully, we discovered the outstanding talents of many of those with autism who were able to overcome and compensate with their innovation and creativity in many practical and intellectual fields, and they benefited greatly in moving to an advanced stage of integration with their peers in schools and in society in general.

Our conference today highlights the latest findings of scientific studies and modern research, and provides a real opportunity for the participating experts, ZHO’s cadre and cadres of other institutions and concerned authorities from different countries of the world and parents of people with autism to see the best experiences related to autism. The presence of this number of experts and participants in the conference contributes to coming up with useful and influential recommendations in the field of autism care, and to discovering more methods of treatment to achieve the desired goals in helping this group and their families, so that we can reach the best means of treatment and continue the humanitarian journey so that the UAE be sustainable and at the forefront of care for all humanitarian aspects.

Abdula Abdel-Ali Al-Humaidan

Secretary General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

Word of His Excellency, Abdullah Al-Humaidan

Organizers

The first and the best holistic healthcare center in the Middle East leading the way in natural medicine and non-invasive approaches to wellness

A diverse group of doctors and adjunct staff from all over the world

Holistic, drugless healthcare with top notch doctors as well as modern equipment

Includes Zahrat Al Lotus Autism Center providing speech-therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, psychological and educational services

Supporting autistic children and their families

Educational programs and training for specialists in the field of autism

Many years of experience in organizing leading international conferences on complementary and integrative medicine

Lotus Holistic Group

UAE

Zayed Higher Organization for People of determination (ZHO)

UAE

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination was established in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on April 19, 2004, corresponding to Safar 29, 1425 AH. It is an umbrella entity that includes all current and future humanitarian care centers and institutions, as well as social services for people of determination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The organization's Board of Directors is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The organization includes centers and clubs dedicated to people of determination and provides integrated services that aim to rehabilitate people of determination in the community. These services include education, vocational training, psychological care and family counseling, therapeutic rehabilitation (assessment, early intervention, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy), as well as educational and athletic support provision.

Was founded in 1967 by Bernard Rimland, an American research psychologist, writer, lecturer, and influential person in the field of developmental disorders

Works to support the health and well-being of people affected by autism through innovative, impactful research, and education

For more than 50 years has been at the forefront of modern autism research

Works to pioneer efforts in biological research, educational outreach, and networking across organizations worldwide

A unique resource for individuals with ASD, their families, healthcare professionals

Has awarded more than 100 research grants over the past 10 years.

The Autism Research Institute

USA

Russia's leading expert organization in the field of autism founded by parents

Help to families raising kids with autism

Introduction of effective support, intervention, treatment, and teaching methods into social and educational practices in Russia

Education

Development of Professional Standard Inclusive Education (evidence-based Model)

Cooperation with universities and training programs for specialists

Interaction with governmental bodies

Founder of the Conference "Autism. Challenges and Solutions"

Autism Challenge Center

Russia

The sponsorship package includes:

Sponsorship package

The Organizing Committee invites you to be a partner of the International conference «Autism. Challenges and solutions» and support organizing or financing this event.