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TOPIC: Associated Press and other outlets are reporting the results of two new government studies indicating that roughly 1 in 100 children in the United States have autism disorders, which is higher than previous estimates of 1 in 150. This percentage would represent about 673,000 children.
Though federal health officials have speculated that these numbers are affected by greater awareness, broader definitions and detecting autism in younger children than before, "[the] concern here is that buried in these numbers is a true increase" according to Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
Telephone surveys conducted as part of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health reported 1 in 91 children with autism, including milder versions such as Asperger's Syndrome. A more rigorous, not yet published study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found similar results, about 1 in 100, by studying health and school records of children in various cities.
Some experts question the validity of the findings, at least in part because autism is a behavioral diagnosis. Dr. Susan E. Levy of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee on autism, commented: "As of yet, there's no consistent biologic marker we can use to make the diagnosis of autism."
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33165127/ns/health-mental_health/
EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:
Dr.PanteaSharifi Hannauer, UCLA's Mattel Children’s Hospital
Dr. Pantea Sharifi Hannauer is a pediatric neurologist at UCLA Medical Center, Mattel Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and Director and Founder of Pediatric Minds in Torrance, CA. Dr. Sharifi Hannauer is the South Bay's only accredited child neurology specialist. She is a long time Attending Clinical Physician at UCLA Medical Center, she is recognized as one of the premiere experts in the field of pediatric behavioral and developmental disabilities. Her practice is scientifically based, and promotes behavioral treatment or other preventative measures before medical or pharmaceutical interventions are pursued. The practice offers services to children ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years, and encourages the involvement of the patient's family in the treatment. As a mother of two, Dr. Sharifi understands the challenges associated with parenting in today's society. She works closely with her patients and their families to ensure the treatment is a fit with each situation, and provides the patient the best chance for a successful outcome.
Contact Information
PR Contact: Trace Longo
Email: trace.longo@sbcglobal.net
Telephone: 949-364-2821
Expert Contact Information
Name:
Dr. Pantea Sharifi Hannauer
Title: Pediatric Neurologist
Telephone:
(310) 540-1630
Dr.MichaelAlessandri, University of Miami Center for Autism UM-NSU CARD
In addition to his role as Executive Director of UM-NSU CARD, Dr. Alessandri is also Clinical Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. Dr. Alessandri has worked with individuals with autism and their families for over 25 years. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester, where he earned his Bachelors degree in Psychology. He attended graduate school at Rutgers University, where he obtained both his M.S. (1989) and Ph.D. (1992) in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Alessandri completed his clinical internship at UNC-Chapel Hill's Center for Development and Learning (CDL). Prior to arriving in South Florida in 1996, Dr. Alessandri was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at San Jose State University (SJSU) and Associate Director of the Stanford University Pervasive Developmental Disorders Clinic. Dr. Alessandri has presented, consulted and published internationally on developing appropriate and effective educational programs for students with autistic spectrum disorders. His work has taken him to Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Taiwan, Australia, and throughout the United States. In addition, he has received several awards within the field of autism and disabilities. In 1993, he received the Autism Society of America Special Recognition Award for Publications, and in 1995 was given the Outstanding Faculty award by the SJSU Disability Resource Center for instruction of university students with disabilities. Under his direction, the University of Miami Center for Autism & Related Disabilities was named the National Autism Program of the Year in 1999 by the Autism Society of America. In 2003, Dr. Alessandri was the recipient of the Wendy F. Miller ASA National Recognition Award for Autism Professional of the Year. Dr. Alessandri has also received numerous other community service awards, including the March of Dimes Community Excellence in Health Care Award (2007). He was also named one of the Ronald McDonald House’s 12 Good Men (2008) and the Dewar’s 12 Man of Distinction (2007). Dr. Alessandri proudly serves several community and professional organizations as a member of the Board of Trustees (Parent to Parent of Miami) or the Scientific (Organization for Autism Research) or Professional Advisory Boards (The Victory School for Children with Autism; Friends for Youth; Casablanca Academy). Previously, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Scientific Affairs Committee of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), and actively supports Autism Speaks, which merged with NAAR in 2006. Dr. Alessandri is also a proud Founding Member of the Autism Society of Miami-Dade County. UM-NSU CARD serves children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have autism, or related disabilities. The focus is on research, education and support of individuals with autism and their families. UM-NSU CARD has the only autism mobile clinic in the country and is hosting one of only two surfing camps in the nation for children with Autism, this spring. More information on UM-NSU CARD at: www.umcard.org. Dr. Michael Alessandri is available for interview or comment via satellite.
Contact Information
Marie Guma-Diaz at m.gumadiaz@umiami.edu
or 305-284-1601.
Expert Contact:
Name: Dr. Michael Alessandri
Title:
Executive Director
Email: malessandri@miami.edu
Telephone: (305) 284-6558
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