The prevalence of autism in the United States is today estimated by the CDC to be about one in every 68 births. The Autism Society notes mores than 3.5 million Americans live with a disorder on the autism spectrum.
The screening, diagnosis, and understanding of autism has evolved significantly over the last decade. Next month is the tenth annual "Promising Pathways” conference at FGCU, where autism spectrum disorder experts will gather in Southwest Florida to look at how the scientific community continues to unravel the mysteries of autism and how the human mind develops. They'll also look at the changes in public perception as it relates to ASD, and the networks and communities of support for families where autism is a part of daily life.
Friday a 1 p.m. on Gulf Coast Live, Leigh Anna Nowak with FGCU's Center for Autism joins the show to talk about how the landscape and understanding of autism has changed in the decade since the first conference at FGCU.
Also joining the program is Brad Karpel, an FGCU student with autism who has been a past speaker at conference. Brad's mother Cindy Karpel will also join our discussion.
Past presenter and anthropology professor and author Dr. Richard Grinker also joins the show to talk about the cultural understanding of autism and how ASD is treated in different parts of the world, and what Americans can learn from how other nations deal with individuals with autism.
