Autism: The Unfolding Mystery
When children have a disability of any kind, it can sometimes be very stressful for parents. For parents of children with autism, it can be an even greater challenge. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects multiple areas of development - like a child's ability to develop speech, language, communication, social skills - and that results in many behavioral peculiarities, like repetitive conduct. And while Dustin Hoffman's fictional portrayal of an autistic man in the movie Rain Man is most people's reference point, autism in a child is a very real and life changing disorder for many families, as parents watch their child retreat into his or her own world. Join host Dr. Winnie King as we explore what it means to be autistic, how you can recognize the signs of autism in your child, and hear about new treatments and programs to help children learn to deal with the disorder. We'll also meet a remarkable young man who was diagnosed with autism at age three, attended a unique day program and is now excelling in college!
GUESTS: (on set and in video segments)
Hailey Lyle (age 3) and Brendan Lyle (age 5) - Children with Autism
Pam and Chris Lyle - Hailey and Brendan's parents
James Ogilvie - Young Man with Autism
Ellen Ogilvie - James' Mother
Ami Klin Ph.D. - Yale Child Study Center
Fred Volkmar, M.D. - Yale Child Study Center; Developmental Disabilities Clinic
Katarzyna (Kasia) Chawarska, Ph.D.- Yale Child Study Center; Developmental Disabilities Clinic
TIPS:
Possible Indicators of Autism
- Poor eye contact
- Little interest in other people
- Does not respond to name
- Trouble with speech, or no speech by 16 months
- Child does not babble or point by 1 year of age
Autism Characteristics
- Impaired Social Development
- Poor Communication Skills
- Resistance to Change
- Repetitive Behaviors
- Onset before age 3
RESOURCES:
The Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/
1-800 - 3AUTISMCure Autism Now
http://www.canfoundation.org/
1-888 - 8AUTISM
