Vatican To Hold Three-Day Conference on Autism

In a press conference this morning in Vatican City, the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers presented its 29th International Conference.  The topic of this year’s conference is Autism.

More than 650 people from 57 different countries are expected to attend this year’s conference, which is titled “The Person With Autism Spectrum Disorders:  Animating Hope”.

Speakers at the conference on November 20-22, 2014 include:

• Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers (for Health Pastoral Care);
• Monsignor Jean-Marie Musivi Mupendawatu, secretary of the same dicastery;
• Fr. Augusto Chendi, M.I., under-secretary; and
• Stefano Vicari, head of the Department of Child Neuropsychiatry at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Rome.

According to Vatican Information Service:

Archbishop Zimowski explained that the term “autism” was first used by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911 to describe the introversion of schizophrenic patients. Subsequently, in 1943, his colleague Leo Kanner described the disorder for the first time, affirming that autistic children were born with a congenital incapacity to establish normal contact with other people. It is currently defined as a “neuro-behavioural disturbance (also known as Kanner’s Syndrome) of a pervasive type”, of multifactorial origin. In general, autism spectrum disorders manifest themselves before the age of three, and are life-long. The most recent statistics confirm that around 1% of children worldwide are affected.

“The many difficulties, including those of an ethical, moral and spiritual nature, faced by those with autism spectrum disorders and their carers have led us to choose such an important, difficult and delicate theme for this conference”, the prelate explained. “It will be a special occasion for observing the advances that have been made in research and treatment, as well as legal and political-administrative aspects; three valuable days for listening and exchanging experiences, and learning from the world’s most qualified specialists.”

In addition to the planned sessions, attendees will be greeted by the Holy Father at the Wednesday General Audience.  The group will hear testimonies from people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families, and professional associations.

There will be an exhibition of the works of Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee.