Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy to Release Latest Report, 'AUTISM: The Myths and the Realities' on Friday 4/14/2004
From: Tom Roskelly of the Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy, 410-268-3302, ext. 104; 202-638-7444 or Troskelly@annctr.org ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 14 -- The Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy will release its latest report, "AUTISM: The Myths and the Realities," on April 16. The news that one's child has been diagnosed with autism is traumatic for any parent, but recent media attention given to the affliction can have dangerous and unintended consequences. Myth, misconceptions, misunderstanding, and outright ignorance have contributed to a public view of autism that is significantly at odds with what real facts are known about the disease. This report is a straightforward and unemotional attempt to discuss underlying causes, core features, associated conditions, and treatment. Key points of the report include: -- Autism is a profound, pervasive, life-long developmental disorder for which there is no known cure affecting an individual's ability to communicate, to interact with other people, and to maintain ordinary contact with the world outside. It is more appropriate to speak of autism spectrum disorders because the signs and symptoms of this illness can be manifested in varying degrees of severity and expression. -- Autism is a much more complex biological phenomenon than earlier understood; clinicians must consider these associations when diagnosing a patient and include any such finds in the treatment plans. The treatment should consist of a well- integrated, evidence-based, comprehensive approach based on all the latest research and clinical data. It is important to understand that the majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder can be helped. -- The incidence of autism spectrum disorders appears to be on the rise. The time to act is now before society is faced with a serious problem with tragic human costs and extraordinary social and economic consequences. There needs to be greater government support for both basic and applied research and more involvement in ensuring that those that are affected today (and their families) have access to the best possible care. To obtain a copy of "AUTISM: The Myths and the Realities," please contact Sabine Aliamus, The Annapolis Center for Science- Based Public Policy, 111 Forbes Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, Maryland 21401; 410-268-3302, ext. 101 or E-mail: Saliamus@annctr.org The report is also available on The Annapolis Center's website: http://www.annapoliscenter.org/resources Contact: Tom Roskelly, Vice President - Communications, The Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy, 111 Forbes Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, Maryland 21401; 410-268-3302, ext. 104; Washington D.C. Line: 202-638-7444, or E-mail: Troskelly@annctr.org |