Families affected by autistic spectrum disorder received encouraging news this month with the appointment of Dr. Susan Bryson as the first holder of Dalhousie University's Joan and Jack Craig Chair in Autism. Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre introduced Dr. Bryson at a joint press conference in late October.

Educated in psychology at McGill and the University of Guelph,Dr. Bryson's areas of special interest are autistic spectrum disorders, mental handicap, specific developmental learning disorders and developmental neuropsychology. She has published extensively and has presented around the world on topics related to autism and pervasive developmental disorders. She has made distinguished contributions to the community in her capacity as consulting clinician to Woodview Manor and board member for many organizations, including the Asperger Society of Ontario, Kerry's Place, the Geneva Centre, and the Autism Societies of Nova Scotia and Ontario. In 1992 she was honoured with an award for Outstanding Professional Contributions by the Autism Society of Ontario.

"There is no doubt that people living in the Maritimes will benefit from having such a renowned specialist living and working in their midst," said Dr. Tom Traves, President of Dalhousie University. "An endowed Chair acts as a magnet to attract top-notch faculty and students because of the excellent research and clinical environment such a position provides and nurtures. We are very grateful to the Craigs for their generosity, which has made this possible."

The Joan and Jack Craig Chair in Autism, the first chair of its kind in Canada, was established at Dalhousie in May 1999 with a generous gift from the Craig family. The Chair represents a $2 million endowment, half of which is donated by the Craigs. The endowment guarantees funding in perpetuity to contribute to the salary of the Chair holder and support her clinical and research efforts. Part of the Chair's salary is also supported by the Dalhousie Pediatric Association. The Chair was created to attract an outstanding individual in the field of autism who would foster new knowledge and treatment practices, and enhance diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for people with autistic spectrum disorder in Nova Scotia and beyond. The Chair will help Dalhousie Medical School and the IWK become leaders in the field of autistic spectrum disorder. Dr. Bryson will be a faculty member of Dalhousie Medical School and of the IWK Department of Pediatrics.

"The Joan and Jack Craig Chair in Autism will help advance scientific research, diagnosis and treatment of autistic spectrum disorder, which is wonderful news for Dalhousie and the IWK and, more importantly, for children and adults with autism, and their families," noted Dr. Noni MacDonald, Dean of Dalhousie Medical School. "There is a great need for outstanding individuals like the Craigs to work hand in hand with Dalhousie, the IWK and government to enhance research and patient care in the Maritimes. Partnerships like this in health care delivery will help us achieve what we cannot achieve alone."

 Reprinted with permission from Connection Newsletter, Dalhousie Medical School