Leading figures in autism are gathering for a conference on the latest developments in treating the condition.
Thinking Autism’s conference will hear from experts on a wide variety of topics. These will include cannabis, diet, sensory processing, epilepsy, mitochondrial disorders, genetics and improving care for those with the condition and their families.
Dr Ben Marlow, who will tell Thinking Autism’s conference different subtypes of autism are needed that demand distinct responses
Israeli medical cannabis pioneer Dr Adi Aran will be among the speakers at the biomedical charity’s conference this weekend (17 to 19 May 2019).
Improved social responsiveness
His latest clinical trial showed cannabis compounds reduced disruptive behaviour and improved social responsiveness for children with autism.
Other speakers include consultant paediatrician Dr Ben Marlow.
The medic has a five-year-old son, Freddie, with severe autism. He will talk about improving care for people with autism and their families.
Marlow will also argue autism needs to be categorised into subtypes that have a variety of causes. These will need distinct approaches, he believes.
Conference focuses on co-occurring conditions
In a statement, the charity’s trustees said the conference is focusing on tackling co-occurring conditions in autism. These include epilepsy and gut problems.
They said addressing these conditions can reduce the “disabling symptoms of autism”.
Federico Balzola is a gastroenterologist at the University of Turin, in Italy.
He will talk about gut problems and finding the right diet and medicine for bowel and brain health.
Neurodiversity
Earlier this year, Thinking Autism found itself embroiled in a row with the neurodiversity movement.
The charity criticised the Labour party for embracing neurodiversity, which sees autism as a difference rather than a disorder.
Thinking Autism says the condition’s links to illnesses such as epilepsy and gut problems show it is more than just a difference.
Roadshows held by Thinking Autism in Maidstone, Kent, and Liverpool faced protests from neurodiversity advocates.
For more information on the conference, visit: www.thinkingautism.org.uk/events/autism-conference-2019/programme/
Related:
Published: 17 May 2019
