Autism

NBC Today Show Series on Autism:

Kennedy Krieger Institute autism programs, research, families and experts were featured on the Today Show series, Autism: The Hidden Epidemic? Originally aired at 8:10 and 9:10 a.m. the week of February 21-25, the series explored tough questions about autism’s causes as well as the benefits of early detection, early intervention, education and advocacy. The culmination of the series was an interview with Kennedy Krieger President & CEO Dr.

(Baltimore, MD) -- Today, the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), with support from leading autism advocacy groups, launches the first major survey to study the experience of wandering and elopement, or escaping, among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The tendency of individuals with ASD to wander or “bolt” puts them at risk of trauma, injury or even death, yet information on this critical safety issue is lacking.

BALTIMORE, MD -- Distinguished researchers, clinicians, and medical professionals will gather on October 20th and 21st to share recent findings and information on autism, a complex, life-altering, developmental disorder affecting 1 in every 110 children. This two-day conference, hosted by Kennedy Krieger Institute will provide a comprehensive view of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including evidence-based early intervention approaches and strategies.

October 4, 2011 (Baltimore, MD) -- New findings from a 16-year study confirm that the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the gold-standard for the classification of mental health conditions, can be used to accurately identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children with Down syndrome, according to research from Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Given a choice, Kevin Sargeant says he could do without all of the independence and opportunities that adulthood promises. But adulthood, it seems, is coming for him nonetheless.

There's just something about the solar system that fascinates me. It started when I was about five years old. I couldn't get enough of books and computer programs about planets, moons, and stars. I was even interested in model rockets because, in life-size form, they created a path to the great Milky Way.

Families whose children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder typically have a wide range of reactions: sadness, fear, and, for some, relief at having a name for their child's challenges. While they all have drastically different experiences, almost all agree on one thing: there aren't enough educational professionals trained to help their children.

At nine years old, Hillary Reston developed a dangerous energy her father describes as "positively thermonuclear." If they turned their back on her for an instant, her parents often found Hillary perched on top of kitchen cabinets, swallowing staples and tacks, smashing glass tables and throwing knives.