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1. JEAN RUTTENBERG, M.A., executive director of THE CENTER FOR AUTISM inPhiladelphia: "As executive director of one of the first autism treatment andevaluation centers in the nation, I have seen autism diagnoses increase andavailable treatment options expand throughout the past 20 years. To helpensure a child's future success, it is important that they receive acomprehensive evaluation at an early age. Since no two people with autism arealike, I strongly believe that autistic individuals should receive treatmentservices that are tailored to meet their specific needs." News Contact:Jessica McKee, [email protected] Phone: +1-215-878-3400, ext. 138Web site: http://www.thecenterforautism.org (4/3/08)
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2. DR. CAROLE PATRYLO, professor of education at LA SALLE UNIVERSITY:"Socialization is very difficult for some special-needs children. I direct asummer program in which autistic children (and those with other disabilities)take classes with siblings. This is a particular need for children withvarious levels of autism. During an orientation session for the program, achild with autism ran out of the room. We worked carefully with the disorderand made significant strides. The teachers included him in all lessons anddevoted much time on appropriate social skills. He has returned for the lastthree years with his sisters. One mother cried when she saw her autistic sonin a classroom: It was the first time he had even been in an educationalsetting with other students. News Contact: Jon Caroulis, [email protected]: +1-215-951-1085 (4/3/08)
3. ROLANDA MAXIM, M.D., developmental pediatrician and assistant professor ofpediatrics at SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY: "Communication develops primarily in thefirst two years of life, so it is critical to improve early screening anddiagnosis for autism. Everybody agrees the kids with autism who have the bestprognosis start intervention early." Maxim is leading a new initiative in St.Louis to train Parents as Teachers educators to recognize early symptoms ofautism. News Contact: Sara Savat, [email protected] Phone: +1-314-977-8018(4/3/08)
4. DR. CATHERINE KARNI, assistant professor of psychiatry at UT SOUTHWESTERN,and medical director of the Center for Pediatric Psychiatry at CHILDREN'SMEDICAL CENTER DALLAS: "Even diagnosing the disorder can be difficult. Autismspectrum disorders cover a wide span of conditions and symptoms, from severemental retardation to mild social impairment. It wasn't until 1980 that autismbecame an official clinical diagnosis, separate from childhood schizophreniaor retardation. Early intervention is crucial for the treatment of autisticchildren." Karni also oversees the autism clinic at Children's Medical CenterDallas. News Contact: Erin Prather Stafford,[email protected] Phone: +1-214-648-3040 (4/3/08)
5. DR. PHILIP H. LEVY, president of the YAI/NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PEOPLEWITH DISABILITIES NETWORK, has been a pioneer in the field of developmentaldisabilities, including autism, for more than three decades: "While there isno cure for autism, there is hope for these individuals to lead dignified,productive and fulfilling lives." A passionate and effective advocate onbehalf of the rights of people with disabilities and their families, Levy isavailable to discuss the importance of finding supports that best fitindividuals on the spectrum and their families. While much of the focus hasbeen on children, Levy can discuss the many adults who have been on the autismspectrum for decades. The YAI/NIPD Network has been serving people with autismsince 1957. News Contact: Lynn U. Berman, [email protected] Phone: +1-212-273-6199 (4/3/08)
6. RICHARD MALONE, M
