By providing a snapshot of the autism-related research studies, treatment methods and education policy, the conference aimed to bring attention and raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for people who care about the ASD community. The conference was kick-started by the welcoming speech of Mr. Toby Mountjoy, Founder and Director of APF, followed by the key-note presentations and panel discussions. Dr. Ronald Leaf, Founder and Director of APF, delivered his keynote speeches about “ASD, Past, Present and Future” in the morning and “Maximizing the Opportunities in Treatment of Autism – ASD Treatment Models, ABA” in the afternoon.
Mr. Mountjoy remarked at the conference, “As part of our initiatives to support the ASD community, we are launching four new complimentary services in 2016, which are: Intensive ABA Month for Children, Parent Workshop, Early Identification Training for Schools and Marriage and Family Therapy. We are also grateful to receive sponsorship from UBS Hong Kong and Friends of Asia (FOA) Hong Kong to support two of these services. Through these services, we hope to help alleviate the challenge and stress faced by the individuals with autism and their families.”
Other high-profile speakers who presented the keynote speech included:
- Dr. Simon T. M. Ng, Assistant Professor and Senior Program Director in Law, School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE), HKU
- Dr. Eria Li, Senior Academic Consultant, Graduate School, The Hong Kong Institute of Education
- Dr. Hon. Cheung Chiu Hong Fernando, LEGCO member of HKSAR
- Mr. Simon Ling Fai, Hung, member of Progressive Teachers’ Alliance
- Mr. Chan Tsun Kit, Executive Member of Chosen Power (People First Hong Kong)
- Dr. Fanny Wai Fan Lam, Specialist in Developmental-Behavioral Paediatrics
- Mr. Kathleen Man, Principal of Aoi Pui School
- Dr. John Tse, Associate Professor of City University of Hong Kong
- Mrs. Cheung, one of the representatives from parent sharing section
