Understanding Autism

By Laura Knoy on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

The number of children diagnosed with this kind of developmental disability keeps rising, here in New Hampshire and nationwide…but no one is really sure why. We’ll explore that question and look also at how autism is diagnosed and treated, and what impact autism has on families, schools and communities.

Guest

  • Linda Quintanilha, parent of three children with conditions on the autism spectrum
  • Carol Ann Edscorn, autism educator and advocate who also has Asperger Syndrome herself
  • Laura Rubin, neuropsychologist at the Portsmouth Neuropsychology Center

We'll also hear from

  • Kirstin Murphy, Executive Director of ARCH (Autism Resources for the Community and Home) and Administrative Director for the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Autism show
David Hunter - Thu, 09/03/2009 - 09:27

Thank you for an interesting show today. I tried to call in and participate but time ran out before you got to me. My comment was regarding the link between Autism and Lyme disease. There is an organization in California called the LIA Foundation (Lyme Induced Autism). They estimate that perhaps a third of the autistic spectrum disorder cases are Lyme induced. As a nine year Lyme patient advocate and facilitator of the Greater Manchester Lyme Disease Support Group, I have dealt with hundreds of Lyme patients who have been misdiagnosed with any number of misdiagnoses due to the medical establishment's lack of understanding of this complex disease. There is a reason why Lyme is called the "New Great Immitator". It can look like everything from autism to ms to lupus to bipolar disease. It is a far larger and far more serious epidemic than most of the public realizes.

The Lyme Documentary, Under Our Skin, has been playing at the Red River Theatres in Concord for the past week. Tonite is the last night. I conducted Q & A sessions after two of the showings. Everyone should see this award winning documentary.

Please consider doing a show on Lyme disease. I would be more than happy to participate. I've moderated the film in many venues across NH as well as in Connecticut. I have given a Lyme lecture at UNH Manchester and delivered talks to many different groups. There is much myth and misinformation that surrounds Lyme disease. I am sure your listeners would find a show about Lyme both interesting and enlightening.

Autism September 3 2009
CarolAnn Edscorn - Thu, 09/03/2009 - 16:21

Well done for such a short time.I enjoyed the process of the interview with Laura.

I am posting my email address if listeners have more questions or need resources.

acornheart@gmail.com

I wish to emphasize that autism is a neurological condition and must have a genetic predisposition regardless of triggering events such as environmental, medical, physical or dietary reactions.

I wish to encourage other persons with autism and their families to share their stories as we can do much in our culture to educate, enlighten and empower all persons of difference. Anger, fear and ignorance need to be replaced by hope, courage and strength.

I have Web sites and resources and book lists for interested persons, and I give workshops to support groups and schools, creating a bridge of communication.

Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.

CarolAnn Edscorn
Autism Ability Adventures
Freedom Writer Teacher: TEACHING HOPE (Random House)