One in 54 Utah children have Autism Spectrum Disorder, and that's higher than nearly everywhere else in the US. So the obvious question is why? Researchers have yet to identify a cause, so we can't find easy answers in our environment or in our genetics. But Utah has been ahead of the curve on research, and it has a vibrant activist community with support from educators and lawmakers. Wednesday, Doug talks to a panel of guests about what we know and don't know about autism in Utah.
Guests:
- Dr. Sam Goldstein, University of Utah. Among his many books areRaising Resilient Children with Austism Spectrum Disorders [Amazon|Indiebound] and Billy and the Rock Hounds, illustrated by his patient with autism Julia Adams
- Cheryl Smith is president of Autism Council of Utah and a board member of Carmen B Pingree Center for Children with Autism. Cheryl's son Carson has autism.
- Dr. Jaime Christensen is Director of Schools for the charter school Spectrum Academy. They have a campus in North Salt Lake, and are opening a Utah County Campus in the Fall.
On VideoWest
Julia Adams, Art and Autism
In our favorite's section, "Sensory Overload," which explores the world through the senses of a child with autism.
