Congressman Fattah to Host Autism Event in Philadelphia on April 1st
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02), will host a free, community-wide event highlighting new innovations, therapy, and care for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Ron Suskind, who will share the unique story of his family's 20-year struggle with their son's autism and his close work with the scientific community on "Affinity Therapy," an autism intervention that the Suskinds developed with their son. Suskind's remarks will be followed by an expert panel representing all facets of autism care. The panel will discuss the resources available to the Philadelphia community and offer insight into ongoing research, policy, and caregiving practices as they relate to autism.rnrnThrough his role as Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, Congressman Fattah has fought for increased federal funding for neuroscience as a means of discovering breakthrough treatments and cures for brain related diseases and disorders, including autism, stroke, Alzheimer's, and other dementias. In 2011, he established the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative which aims to coordinate research across agencies, and draw upon public-private partnerships and the world of academia to promote neuroscience research and discovery. As part of this ongoing effort, Fattah is hosting next week's program to engage the Philadelphia community around these issues. rnrnWHO: Hosted by Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) and featuring:rnrnRon Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Life AnimatedrnRyan Hammond, Director of the Kinny Center for Autism Education and SupportrnLindsay Shae, Regional Director of ASEERT Partnership & Associate Professor at Drexel University rnDr. Robert Schultz, Director of the Center for Autism Research at the University of PennsylvaniarnDr. Matt Tincani, Associate Professor of Special Education at Temple UniversityrnWHAT: Addressing Autism event featuring Ron Suskind and a panel of local autism experts rnrnWHERE: McGonigle Hall at Temple Universityrn1800 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121rnrnWHEN: 5:30PM-7:30PM, Wednesday, April 1, 2015rnrnRSVP: Members of the press are requested to confirm their attendance by emailing Allyson.Freeman@mail.house.gov rnrn rnrnSOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka FattahrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fattah.house.gov