Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer speaks at congressional hearing on global public health

Today, the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing by the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations titled “Meeting the Challenges of Global Brain Health: Diagnosis and Treatment for the 21st Century.”  

Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Dr. Andy Shih was one of four individuals invited to testify before the committee. The meeting focused on how the U.S. government can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of developmental and neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Alzheimer’s and hydrocephalus. These conditions all disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries and require significant investment. 

In his testimony, Dr. Shih spoke about Autism Speaks’ work in the global public health sphere. While we have taken great strides in supporting governments and community organizations around the world who are driving forward autism policy and services, we have only scratched the surface of the work that needs to be done.  

Globally, there remains an unmet need for greater understanding and acceptance of autism, infrastructure for services, and access to quality healthcare. The Global Report on Children with Developmental Disabilities, authored by the WHO and UNICEF with support from Autism Speaks, provides a roadmap for progress around the world. 

We’re grateful to Chairman Chris Smith, co-founder of the Congressional Autism Caucus, for including us in this important conversation. We look forward to continuing to work with congressional champions and global leaders to improve the infrastructure of services needed around the globe to meet the needs of autistic people. 

Read Dr. Shih’s full testimony.