Dear Sir/ Madame,
Continuing the tradition of Cracovian conferences devoted to autism spectrum disorders, it is our pleasure to invite you to join the Focus on Autism International Scientific Conference, which will take place in Kraków on 27—29 September 2018, and which is organized by the Department of Psychology of the Pedagogical University together with Fundacja Wspólnota Nadziei (Community of Hope Foundation).
The aim of the conference is to present the results of contemporary interdisciplinary research and their practical applications in improving the quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder is revealed throughout the human life and concerns all its aspects, therefore the invitation is extended to representatives of medical sciences (genetics, pharmacology, neurology, psychiatry), social sciences (psychology, sociology) and humanities (pedagogy). We would like to draw special attention to the problems of adults, for whom the Community of Hope Foundation was established twenty years ago, creating the first Polish centre of permanent residence, work, therapy, rehabilitation and professional activation for adults with autism spectrum disorder – the Life Farm (Farma Życia) in Więckowice near Kraków. Adults with ASD, regardless of individual manifestations of typical autistic disorders, suffer from comorbid chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders, which in view of the complexity of the clinical picture are a challenge both to their carers, and to modern science.
As part of the conference, we propose plenary lectures by outstanding researchers in the field of autism, who will present the latest research results; thematic and poster sessions; as well as practical workshops conducted by experienced practitioners.
The conference will take place traditionally in the royal city of Kraków, where we would like to invite all of you who are interested in the topic of autism. We are hoping that our scientific meeting will be an opportunity for an interdisciplinary scientific discussion that will bring us closer to understanding this phenomenon.
On behalf of the organisers
Joanna Kossewska and Alina Perzanowska
