A regional network that focuses on talking about new ways to help people with autism has been launched in Berkshire.
The Berkshire Autism Research Network (BARN) had its first meeting on September 28 at the University of Reading. The event was attended by more than 100 clinicians, teachers, and individuals with autism and their families.
Among activities at the three-hour launch event was a keynote speech by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University.
Dr Bhismadev Chakrabarti, assistant professor at the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) at the University of Reading, organised the event.
“As well as finding new ways to understand and treat autism, the network will help to inform people with autism spectrum disorders and Asperger syndrome, to hear about and take part in the latest research projects,” he said.
It is hoped that BARN will provide a regular platform for researchers to interact with professionals and individuals with autism.