Manama, Bahrain, 1 April 2009: The Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral & Communication Difficulties is hosting a conference on the theme 'Untangle Autism. The conference being held at the Sheraton Hotel, Bahrain on April 2 - 4, 2009 aims to bring together educators, researchers, service providers and practitioners, people with an autism spectrum disorder, families and carers from around the globe.

Global Banking Corporation B.S.C (GBCORP) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] initiative has committed to support this noble cause in helping to create greater awareness on autistic disorders through its sponsorship of the ongoing Second International Conference on Autism.

Ms. Sumaya Hussain, Vice president of The Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral & Communication Difficulties said: "We are truly grateful to GBCORP for their support for this conference and also their contribution towards developing the infrastructure needs for the children. Autistic children and their parents face greater challenges than other specially-abled children. These children need to be treated with greater understanding, patience and intelligence.  Though the disorder has shown high incidence in the Middle East, autism is not easily understood or rightly diagnosed in many cases. The demand for research and assistance for this particular disorder has risen sharply. GBCORP's support will go a long way in generating awareness about the work done by the Society and also help to address the challenges we face."

Today, 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than paediatric cancer and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.

Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Most children with autism lack social support, meaningful relationships, future employment opportunities or self determination.

Untangle Autism aims to inspire participants by providing opportunities to build relationships, explore intervention strategies, learn about new research developments and celebrate experiences and achievements and raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders.

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© Press Release 2009