Asia Pacific Autism Conference looks at new research

More than 1200 delegates from across the globe will gather to learn about new research surrounding autism at the fourth Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) in Brisbane this week.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke today officially launched the three day international conference, jointly hosted by Autism Queensland and the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders, and introduced the theme ‘Transforming Futures’.

“This year’s theme reflects the way research and education are generating successful and increasingly positive outcomes for people with autism and their families,” Minister O’Rourke said.

“Australian research will be a major focus at this year’s conference and I am proud that Queensland has some of the most innovative services for children with autism across the state.

“Events like this are vital in bringing together clinicians, educators and researchers to discuss the latest information and best practices to better support people with autism.

“It is also a great opportunity to hear first-hand from people with autism to gain a better understanding of their experiences.”

Minister O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was a major sponsor and had provided $15,000 towards the conference to help generate knowledge and awareness about the disorder.

“This financial year, we have also allocated more than $5.67 million to service providers to deliver specialist early intervention supports for children aged 6 and under with autism across Queensland,” she said.

“This funding is to help them access supports early on that can help make a real difference to their lives, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and behavioural support.”

Autism Queensland CEO and APAC Conference Chair Rod Cameron welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s support for the conference.

“The Queensland Government’s sponsorship is yet another example of their commitment to people with disability,” Mr Cameron said.

“The APAC conference series is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and we welcome this support and see it as an acknowledgement of the importance of the conference for this sector.”

For more information about disabilities and available supports and services, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au