Events

The Hospital for Sick Children

Approximately 160 people attended this public forum on autism, which ranged from the search for the disorder's genetic roots to its impact on patients and families, and which OGI presented at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto).

Attendees included representatives from Toronto-area hospitals and research institutions, school boards, five autism support groups, the Ontario Ministries of Research and Innovation, Health and Long Term Care, and Education, and the public.

The forum featured short presentations from a diverse group of speakers; thereafter lively discussion with the audience spilled over into the post-event reception.

The panellists were

• Rose Cordiano, multiple exceptionalities educator, TCDSB
• Kayla Cornale, science fair winner: "Sounds into Syllables"
• Marti Leimbach, acclaimed author, "Daniel Isn't Talking"
• S. Wendy Roberts, MD, developmental paediatrician and autism researcher
• Stephen W. Scherer, PhD, genomics researcher and Principal Investigator, Canadian Autism Genome Project

Here are just a few examples of what attendees had to say:

[I most enjoyed] the variety of the panel. Different disciplines, different opinions and findings. Parents, students, teachers, and professionals = great balance. Well done.

I was thrilled to be invited to this event! The reception was wonderful. Very interesting panel and great presentations.

I really enjoyed learning about the latest discoveries in terms of genomics and how much closer the research is to completing goals ... The parental viewpoint was a great feature as well.

This event was well planned, and a very important thing that needs to be talked about in the community.

I'd like to see more of this type of forum for parents and professionals.