Autism conference to be held April 2

On March, 22 the Research and Development Center of Autistic Inclusive Education, and KKU Demonstration School in cooperation with Autism Network and Khon Kaen province held a press conference to introduce the upcoming national academic meeting.

The conference will be held on April 2, and April 3 at Charoen Thani Hotel in Khon Kaen province to mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, 2012.

Sombat Triwatsuwan, the Governor of Khon Kaen, chaired the press conference and also was a guest speaker on “Policy and Guidelines of autism people development in Khon Kaen”.

Attending the Press conference were Assoc. Prof. Pissanu Uttamawethin, KKU Vice President, Dr. Veeraphan Supanchaimat, Director of Khon Kaen Hospital, Mrs. Usa Hongkanchanakul, Chief of Khon Kaen Social Development and Human Security Office, Buri Sereeyothin, the President of Khon Kaen Austistic People‘s Parents Association, and Ajarn Sawitree Runcharoen, Vice Chairperson of the organizing committee.

Governor Sombat said Khon Kaen ‘s policy is to aid people with autism in their development in accordance with the Constitution of 1997 which allows for all people to live in equality in the community.

He noted that there are around 966 people with autism in Khon Kaen Province, a ratio of around 1:166. Around 132 people with autism are studying in the kindergarten and primary schools.

He also added that he hoped that if people with autism are taken care and looked after from the beginning with proper care, education and development provided for them, that they could join the community and live in happiness.

The Governor asked that all working agencies concerned work to their utmost in helping people with autism develop their future.

On April 2, Prof. Dr. Suchart Thadathamrongwej is expected to preside over the Opening Ceremony and present the shields of honor to those organizations and people who worked in helping the autistic community. He also will be as a guest speaker on the topic entitled “Policy and supports to the special education”.
On the day, there will be also a special lecture on “Direction of education and development of the holistic potentials of the autistic people” and also lectures on “Autistic Inclusive Education” and on “Supporting autistic children,” by senior experts on autism education.

On the April 3, there will be three groups presenting their research on special education and inclusive education group, medicine, public health and rehabilitation group, and the keynote speaker lecturing on the rights and access to services of people with autism.

During the meeting day event there will be an exhibition on autism and sales of books, and other materials are available. For more information, please contact Autism Research Center, Khon Kaen University Tel.   043-343-265    and Fax   043-343-256, or Ajarn Prisana Arn-Champa, Tel.  081-2628688, Ajarn Sethawej Wejkama, Tel.  080-4062557 Arjarn Benjamaporn Choykrue, Tel.  083-4093258, 081-2612826.