Drexel to Host Major Conference on the Communication of Autism Research Findings

WHAT: On the heels of two new studies that found a much higher prevalence of autism and persistent questions about autism’s causes, the Drexel University School of Public Health is hosting a two-day conference featuring experts from across the nation on how to appropriately, ethically and effectively communicate autism research findings. Drexel University will bring together leading experts, including scientists, journalists, families, advocates, health care providers and others interested in the condition, to discuss the importance of this topic and map out strategies to communicate new autism research findings.WHERE: National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PAWHEN: Tuesday, October 6 – Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMWHO: Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, Drexel University School of Public Health (Host) Dr. Michael Yudell, Drexel University School of Public Health (Host) Dr. Lisa Croen, Northern California Kaiser Permanente Dr. Geraldine Dawson, Autism Speaks Dr. Baruch Fischhoff, Carnegie Mellon University Dr. Lynn Goldman, Johns Hopkins University Dr. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, University of California – Davis Dr. Paul Law, Kennedy Krieger Institute Dr. Robert McKeown, University of South Carolina Ms. Holly Peay, National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics Dr. Christopher Stodgell, University of Rochester Dr. Peter Szatmari, McMaster University Dr. Holly Tabor, University of Washington Dr. Sholom Wacholder, National Cancer Institute Dr. Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMore information on the conference can be found at http://publichealth.drexel.eduNews Media Contacts:Noah Cohen, Office of University Relations 215-895-2705, 267-228-5599 (cell) or noah.cohen@drexel.eduNiki Gianakaris, Office of University Relations 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu Richard Ochab, Drexel University School of Public Health 215-762-4732 or richard.s.ochab@drexel.edu