UAE international Annual Conference & Exhibition / Abu Dhabi 2023
Since 2013
27-30th April / 2023
Autism. Challenges and Solutions
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
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)
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)
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)
Why have we been doing this for so many years?
I am very grateful to the speakers and organizers of the conference for their great work!!! For titanic work!!! For the opportunity to see all the most interesting and useful things without getting up from the couch!!! And also get presentations!!! And also listen more than once or twice, if it’s not clear. It will be a great pity if everything again switches from online to only an in-person format - I will lose such a precious opportunity to gather wisdom.
Dear Ekaterina!
It was so cool that it still takes my breath away from the memories: yes, I was there too, I listened to it too!!!
Thank you very much for the amazing presentations from such high-level specialists from all over the world. Thank you for the excellent organization, and for the fact that both parents and specialists could communicate, discuss, debate, and ask their most pressing questions!!! It's amazing!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the work done!!!
And this applies not only to the conference - to everything that you and your wonderful team do in our country to help families with children with autism!!! Priceless!!!
It was so cool that it still takes my breath away from the memories: yes, I was there too, I listened to it too!!!
Thank you very much for the amazing presentations from such high-level specialists from all over the world. Thank you for the excellent organization, and for the fact that both parents and specialists could communicate, discuss, debate, and ask their most pressing questions!!! It's amazing!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the work done!!!
And this applies not only to the conference - to everything that you and your wonderful team do in our country to help families with children with autism!!! Priceless!!!
I heard so much information at the conference, on the different sides. The most important thing is that you can hear it first hand. Evidence-based, scientific, practical, proven.
I don’t understand many things, many things just don’t fit into my head, mainly because I’m hearing about it for the first time. I am very glad that sometimes my husband finds time to watch speakers with me (he watches the program beforehand), and we even discuss some points.
Many thanks to the organizers and speakers.
I don’t understand many things, many things just don’t fit into my head, mainly because I’m hearing about it for the first time. I am very glad that sometimes my husband finds time to watch speakers with me (he watches the program beforehand), and we even discuss some points.
Many thanks to the organizers and speakers.
Because people really need it - specialists, parents, scientists. Some of the feedback from Russian
conference participants over the years:
conference participants over the years:
The Venue:
Floor to the Originators
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
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
parents
genetics and epigenetics
evidence based methods and experimental practices
Pathogenesis of autism:
genetics and epigenetics
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
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
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 11th 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.
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 11th 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
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
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.
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
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.
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"
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.
Participation in the plenary session
Company information, logo and banners on the Conference website
Distribution of ad materials: (place company info insert into conference bags, branded souvenirs) (all materials provided by the sponsor)
Informational banner in the main conference hall
Company information in the media coverage
fadia@phoenixglobaluae.com
+971 50 613 8171
Strategic partners
About 500 speakers from more than 20 countries
presented during 10 annual Conferences since 2013
"Thank you very much for inviting me to participate in your conference and for the work that you and your colleagues did to organize it."
Marvin Natowicz, M.D, Ph.D., Prof.
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
Harvard Medical School; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Matthew P. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D.
"Very well-organized event. I really appreciated the insightful questions. Glad to participate."
Exercise Connection
David S. Geslak, BS, ACSM - HFS, CSCS
"Thank you again for everything the last 12 days. The workshop went extremely well and with all the feedback and questions from the roundtable, it seems as though parents are really beginning to understand the value of exercise. I was also encouraged with the discussion about employment and what is happening in Russia. Congratulation again on such an incredible conference."
School of Optometry and Vision Science Bar-Ilan University
Yoram Bonneh, Ph.D.
"I would like to thank you again for inviting me, for the opportunity to spread the message of "hidden cognition" in the non-verbal. I was glad to hear your thoughts and insights on this matter."
Psychotherapist and Behavioral Consultant, The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development
Amanda Tami, MA, BCBA, LBA, LPC
"Thank you so much for inviting me to speak at the Autism, Challenges, and Solutions conference. I hope that the content and information I provided was useful to your audience. I had an amazing experience with the conference attendees and with the other professionals who presented, and the activities you organized for us were wonderful. I am so grateful for the experience and impressed by the work you do."
The Shabani Institute
Daniel Shabani, Ph.D., BCBA-D
"I am really inspired by the conference and am extremely impressed with how dedicated your team is - best of luck with everything! Thanks for the opportunity."
Kendall Center and home of Therapeutic Pathways
Jane Howard, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Please accept my thanks for the wonderful opportunity to participate at the Conference. I would be grateful if you can share my appreciation with the entire organizing committee. We wish you and all the professionals and families in Russia great success in pursuing effective treatment. ABA has much to offer children, adults, and families impacted by autism. May the collaboration continue!
Department of Psychology, City University of London
Dermot Bowler, Ph.D., Prof.
"I really enjoyed the conference. The audience were very engaged, and the level of questioning was very high."
Speech-language pathologist, Director of Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC), Executive Director I-ASC
Elizabeth Vosseller, MA, SLP
"I stand with your efforts to support autistic people and their families and am happy to present in your conference."
Associate Professor of Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine - Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine
Margaret Bauman, M.D., Ph.D.
"I know the focus of most families is on their children, getting a diagnosis, accessing needed interventions and school programs. It is often hard for families to think about their child's future. Where will they live, who will take care of them when parents are no longer there, what programs may be available for them as adults, how will needed services be funded? All of this is really overwhelming under the best of circumstances.
Maybe all of you in Russia are way ahead of us but we are only just beginning to tackle these questions. Many autistic individuals continue to be underestimated, as suggested by your earlier speaker. Most are much more capable than they appear to be on the surface. Parents are still having to be the leaders to fight for the rights of their children, adolescents and young adults.
Thank you for asking me to participate in this meeting. Thanks for including me. Wishing you and your organizing team the very best. Hope this meeting is a huge success."
Maybe all of you in Russia are way ahead of us but we are only just beginning to tackle these questions. Many autistic individuals continue to be underestimated, as suggested by your earlier speaker. Most are much more capable than they appear to be on the surface. Parents are still having to be the leaders to fight for the rights of their children, adolescents and young adults.
Thank you for asking me to participate in this meeting. Thanks for including me. Wishing you and your organizing team the very best. Hope this meeting is a huge success."
Kendall Center and home of Therapeutic Pathways, president CalABA
Jill Maureen Young, Ph.D., BCBA-D
"Nothing would bring me more happiness than to continue to help you and the families in Russia.
I would be happy to come to help when and in any way you feel us best. I would enjoy to give practical trainings with parents and therapists. I think people have very good and important questions. It is my great honor to come to large-scale conference “Autism. Challenges and Solutions”. I would love to see the work you have done in this last year! You are all very brave and work so hard to make the lives of children better. I would love so much to be helpful to you in your great work."
Kendall Center and home of Therapeutic Pathways, president CalABA