26th IACAPAP Lunch & Learn Webinar
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
3:00 PM Doha (GMT +3) | 1:00 PM CET | 7:00 AM EST | 12:00 PM UTC
Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder: Multidisciplinary Approach in Assessment and Care
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by early onset socialization and communication difficulties, associated with restricted interests and behavioral rigidities. Recent epidemiological study shows that 1 in 31 children have autism. This interesting condition is among the least understood developmental disorders of childhood. There is growing body of research on ASD, making it critically important that pediatricians, family physicians, child psychiatrists, general psychiatrists, neurologists, clinicians, and psychologists are well informed about these conditions.
Multidisciplinary assessment looking at the needs of the child and family is crucial. Differential diagnosis as well as various co-morbidities can have a huge impact on assessment and management.
There are various pharmacological and behavioral strategies focusing on target cluster symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention, irritability, aggression, self injurious behaviors and ritualistic behaviors. FDA has approved psychotropic medications for treating irritability associated with autism. Speech and occupational therapy interventions, parent education and support, and appropriate educational programs are integral parts of management.
Chairperson
Dr Hesham Hamoda
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
Attending Psychiatrist, Boston Children’s Hospital
USA
IACAPAP Director of Communication
Speaker
Professor Muhammad Waqar Azeem, MD, DFAACAP, DFAPA
Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, USA
Director, World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Collaborating Center
Chair, WPA Medical Students Working Group
Co-Chair AACAP Global Mental Health and International Relations Committee
Important note
1. The IACAPAP webinar will be held at different times to accommodate attendees and members from various regions. The 26th IACAPAP Lunch & Learn Webinar is scheduled to cater to the Middle East region's time zone.
2. The webinar is open to the members of IACAPAP (Individual Members and Individuals within IACAPAP Full Member organisation and Affiliate Member organisation).
3. This webinar will be conducted virtually via Zoom. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in advance. Seats are limited, and it's based on a first-come, first served. E-certificate of attendance will be provided to those who have attended and completed the survey at the end of the webinar. Please be advised that the survey for the webinar will be displayed in the browser ONLY after the webinar has ended.
