About the WEDU-PBS Project, Autism: Breakthrough to Hope
A live taping of this community conversation about autism was held on April 1, 2017 at WEDU PBS. Families and caregivers of children or adults with autism, professional experts, business leaders and companies who advocate through education and employment discussed autism and other related disabilities. The Town Hall and Webcast Videos are available to view.

On April 18, 2019 a panel of experts participated in “Autism and the Media”, this video along with autism resources are all available online.

What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children have been identified with ASD.

“There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people,” according to the Center for Disease Control. “The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.”

ASD occurs among all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Most children with ASD are diagnosed after age 4, even though ASD can be diagnosed as early as age 2.

You can learn more about the Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes and Risk Factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.