CARDIFF: A bilingual book aimed at siblings of children with autism in Wales is to be launched at a major Asperger's syndrome conference in Cardiff.

"My Brother Gwern – Fy Mrawd Gwern" is written by Dr Elin Walker Jones, a clinical psychologist at Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust, and is published by Autism Cymru, Wales’ national charity for autism.

The booklet, which will be available free of charge, will be launched by Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson, Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, at the second of Autism Cymru’s two Asperger's syndrome conferences, which is to take place at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on June 6, 2005. 

Leading speakers from across Britain - including the prominent autism authority, Dr Glenys Jones, from the University of Birmingham, and Luke Jackson, the 16-year-old author of the acclaimed "Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome" - will address the conference.

The conference is aimed at a range of professionals, including teachers and other education professionals, health professionals, employment advisers, the police, the youth justice system and the probation services.  People with Asperger's syndome and their parents are also welcome to attend.

The conference is part of Autism Cymru’s nationwide education and training programme.

There are thought to be around 18,000 children and adults in Wales with an autistic spectrum disorder. 

For further information or to book a place at the conference please contact Jennie Thomas on 029 20463263 or email jennie@autismcymru.org.

For or a synopsis or further information on ‘My Brother Gwern – Fy Mrawd Gwern’ or Autism Cymru and its work contact Laura Morgan on 029 20464940

For further information on the Asperger's Syndrome conference, contact Jennie Thomas on
029 20463263

Autism Cymru is to host its second International Autism Conference in Cardiff between May 8-10, 2006

(Source: Autism Cymru, April 27, 2005)