Ms. Saima Wazed Hossain, a graduate of the Specialist in School Psychology program at the Adrian Dominican School of Education, was instrumental in the organization of the Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia International Conference held on July 25-26, 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 50 international delegates from 13 countries were represented at the conference including Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended the conference.
This historic international conference resulted in new initiatives. Autism Speaks with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Bangladesh, announced the Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) initiative in Bangladesh. Those attending the conference also laid the foundation for the South Asia Autism Network (SAAN) which will be a network of governments, organizations, and individuals working with autism in South Asia.
“Now is the time to create a greater awareness, acceptance, and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and mental health conditions in South Asia,” said Ms. Hossain.
Both faculty and graduates of the Adrian Dominican School of Education, traveled to Bangladesh to join Ms. Hossain in her efforts to bring collaboration among regional countries and support for the families of the disabled including autism. Dr. Agnes Shine, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School Psychology at the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Dr. Michelle Major, a graduate and the School Psychology program and the PhD in Leadership and Education with a Specialization in Exceptional Student Education, and Ms. Joanne Byron, a graduate of the Specialist in School Psychology program, were presenters at the conference.
“It was through Saima's efforts that the conference was held. I am very proud of all of the work done by Barry graduates! They truly are living the Barry mission,” said Dr. Shine.
“As a student of Barry University, I have had the good fortune to not only learn from the professional experiences of my professors, but the multicultural environment, the tolerance for individual differences, and the importance of giving back to the community is part of what Barry has taught me,” said Ms. Hossain. “Barry is a close knit community, a place that has always felt like home to me and whose professors even to this day I can still count on to guide me through my journey as a professional school psychologist."
Many notables attended the conference including the keynote speaker, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress and daughter of the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and Ms. Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and mother of Ms. Saima Hossain.
Caption for picture:
Mr. Saifullah Solenkhi, Technical adviser to the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh
Mr. Thomas Caffrey, Certified Behavior Analyst
Dr. Michelle Major, graduate of the Specialist in School Psychology program and the PhD in Leadership in Education program with a Specialization in Exceptional Student Education
Ms. Gilda Gallaro, Occupational Therapist
Ms. Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Ms. Joanne Byron, graduate of the Specialist in School Psychology program
Mr. Matt Aubry, Program Coordinator for YAI
Dr. Agnes Shine, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School Psychology program
Ms. Saima Wazed Hossain, graduate of the Specialist in School Psychology program