Autism, ethics and society

This workshop is a result a call from the University of Cambridge for an open debate on the wider implications of the new scientific research into autism.

Main questions

• What specific concerns are those outside the scientific community likely to have about the new discoveries in autism?
• How should society respond to the potential discoveries in the genetics of autism? Specifically, should research efforts focus on 'curing' or 'preventing' autism or on means of ameliorating the difficulties that confront those living with autism?
• How should new scientific discoveries inform public policy, especially in light of the new Autism Act (2009) and the adult autism strategy?
• How can people with autism be more directly involved in both the genesis of scientific research and in shaping its social implications?

Programme

Session 1: autism, science and society: debates and dialogues

• Professor Jonathan Wolff, Centre for Philosophy, Justice and Health, University College London
• Dr Wendy Lawson, autism activist
• Dr Marc Stears, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford

Session 2: the new translational genetics and its ethical challenges

• Professor Baron-Cohen, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
• Mr Sandy Starr, Progress Educational Trust
• Professor Emily Simonoff, Institute of Psychiatry

Session 3: implications: genetics, social policy and education

• Ms Virginia Bovell, autism, ethics and education specialist
• Professor Tony Charman, Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Institute of Education
• Professor Richard Ashcroft, School of Law, Queen Mary, University of London

Session 4: futures: participation, voice and influence

• Mr Larry Arnold, autism activist
• Professor Laurent Mottron, Hopital Riviere-des-Prairies, Montreal
• Dr Dinah Murray, Autreach IT