Story Archives of 'Autism'

The number of people diagnosed with autism has grown tremendously in the past few decades. In the 1970s the rate of autism was about one in 10,000. Now it's about one in 150. But the question of whether autism is indeed spreading is contentious. In fact, so is almost every aspect of the disorder.

Most agree autism is genetic, while some believe it's caused by environmental toxins, especially vaccines. And a third camp believes people with autism should be accepted, and should in fact be proud of being different. They refer to themselves as the "neurodiversity movement."

Andrew Solomon recently wrote about the push for autism rights in New York Magazine, and he joined Word of Mouth to discuss the movement to see autism as a positive identity, not a disability.

(Photo by Norma Desmond)

Jane Hiltz from Goffstown found support and services through the Easter Seals" Autism Network so she could best support her son.

The Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant wants to increase the temperature of the water it releases into the Connecticut River. That could make part of the river warmer by one degree. That may not sound like a lot, but some worry that this could hurt local fish populations. We'll talk with a biologist to find out whether one degree should really cause much concern. Shay's guest is Keith Nislow. He's a Research Fisheries Biologist for the federal Forest Service.

Later in the show we look at autism. A group of studies has refuted the suggestion that a childhood vaccine is causing the condition in some children. Researchers and experts in developmental disorders related to the central nervous system are uncertain why there's an increase in the number of autistic diagnoses. We'll talk with geneticist Dr. John Moeschler of Dartmouth Medical School about where the science and study of autism is today.

It's hard to recognize, it's only had a name now for 10 years, and it's been thought that both Albert Einstein and Thomas Jefferson had it. Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism. Most afflicted with it have average to above-average intelligence, yet are found to have deficiencies in social and communication skills. Although much progress has been made in diagnosing and treating the condition, there are still many unanswered questions.
We'll talk about what we know, what we don't know and answer your questions on Asperser syndrome. Trish's guests are Teresa Bolick, a clinical psychologist in Nashua, New Hampshire specializing in autism disorders and author of "Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the World". Idell Champagne, Vice President of the advisory board for the Asperger Association of New Hampshire and the parent of a 10 year old with Asperger Syndrome. Ben Carozza, 17 year old at Concord high school with Asperger Syndrome. He's developed a website for other teens with Aspergers.

Information on Friday's conference: Asperger Syndrome Nurturing Strengths and Passions in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Matt Savage has a form of autism, and for the first few years of his life, he couldn?t stand to listen to music. But there was a hidden talent that revealed itself after several years of therapy. Now, Matt leads a trio that performs and records professionally. He and his mother Diane talk about his music and his life journey so far. The Savage family lives in Francestown. www.savagerecords.com