JEDDAH — While there is a general idea among people about autism, a lot remains unknown as many are not fully aware of its symptoms, diagnosis, and care for children with disorder. Much scientific research is still required to improve care for those affected by it. Keeping this in mind, specialists from the Ministry of Health, Batterjee Medical College (BMC) and its research center, King Saud University (KSU), and Saudi German Hospital came together recently to discuss innovation in care for autistic children. The medical conference titled “Together to understand the world of autism” included several lectures and workshops for a number professors and consultants such as Dr. Shahid Bashir, assistant professor of neurosciences at KSU, Dr. Amira Al-batrawi, consultant pediatric psychologist at the Saudi German Hospital, and Dr. Ahmed Salam, ENT specialist at KSU. Experts discussed topics such as sensory integration and autism, integrated regenerative programs, and auditory barotraumas. Professor Laila Y. Al-Ayadhi, director of the University Center for Research and Treatment of Autism at KSU, began the series of lectures by elaborating biomarkers and possible actiology for autism spectrum disorders, paying attention to results of local autism studies in the country that were conducted by her university. Participants of the conference also discussed how families of autistic children can effectively deal with the condition. In his welcoming address, the dean of Batterjee medical college, Professor Khaled Batterjee, emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about autism in all segments of society. He referenced the studies conducted by KSU, which indicated an increase in the number of autistic children. “Autism is one of the developmental disorders that need a lot of attention because it affects crucial areas of daily life such as social interaction, linguistic communication and the perceptual domain. “So, interest in aspects of scientific research to address these problems is no less important than other aspects of dealing with it.” In his presentation, Dr. Yahya Yousef, chairman of Research and Studies Center at BMC, revealed the existence of an integrated program called “Integrated Regenerative Therapy Program.” He said:”This program developed by the center to find ways to address people with autism through interactive nutrition, which has contributed to being significantly effective in improving cases of sick volunteers. “We are also working on establishing a specialized center for the treatment of people infected with the disease within the Research and Studies Center of the College.” The complete program on autism also included two weeks of activities for autistic children held at BMC. “'Together to understand the world of autism” was sponsored by Khaled Batterjee, and was held in collaboration with the Research Center and treatment of autism diseases of the University of King Saud. This was the third annual conference on autism spectrum disorder held at BMC.
