American Academy of Pediatrics is now promising to consult with DAN

[Guest guest]

Well, its about time. I'll take late rather than never. Let's get

real, autism can NOT keep increasing at the current pace or the world

will end. It has to be stopped. Its an emergency!

Heidi N

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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOGNIZES WORLD AUTISM DAY

For release: APRIL 1, 2008

AAP media contacts: s Debbie Linchesky

ssmartin@... dlinchesky@...

CHICAGO – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports World

Autism Day (April 2) as a way to bring together groups that are

committed to finding the causes of, and successful treatments for

Autism Spectrum Disorders, which now affect an estimated 1 in 150

children in the United States. Thousands of children, parents and

families are coping with what can be a devastating diagnosis with

lifelong consequences.

Pediatricians care for children with autism and their families every

day. They are passionate advocates on behalf of these families and

recognize that autism is a significant challenge to the health of the

nation's children. Pediatricians emphasize that early diagnosis is

critical. The AAP promotes regular screening for autism at the

appropriate well-child visits, as well as treatments tailored to meet

the needs of an individual child. In 2007, the AAP published the

Autism Toolkit, which includes clinical guidance to help

pediatricians identify and manage children with autism, to refer them

to therapeutic services, and to provide parents with information and

resources. The AAP also offers a host of resources for parents on its

Web site, www.aap.org.

" We know many parents are searching for answers, " said AAP President

R. , MD, FAAP. " The AAP has supported research into the

causes of autism and will continue to do so. " Pediatrics, the

Academy's peer-reviewed, scientific journal, has included dozens of

studies on the associated factors, management and impact of Autism

Spectrum Disorders.

The AAP recognizes the best way to address the needs of children with

autism and children overall is through a partnership among

pediatricians, parents and researchers. The AAP has met with leaders

of advocacy groups, such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of

America, which include parents of children with autism. Most

recently, the AAP met with representatives of Defeat Autism Now! (a

program of the Autism Research Institute) in an effort to facilitate

communication between pediatricians, parents and researchers about

the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism. All advocates

for these children agree that further research is needed regarding

causes as well as safe and effective treatment.

" We are pleased the AAP reached out recently to Defeat Autism Now! in

order to better understand the treatments and interventions that we

have found beneficial to children with autism, " said Stan Kurtz,

executive council member of Defeat Autism Now! " We are full of hope

that this is the beginning of a thoughtful partnership that will

further explore factors that might cause or contribute to autism, as

well as examine safe and effective treatment approaches for families

coping with this condition. "

" Autism is a challenge for pediatricians, their patients and

families. By working together, we stand the best chance of helping

these children to realize their full potential, " Dr.

said. " The Academy is committed to working with researchers and

treatment groups like Defeat Autism Now! to get closer to finding

answers to the multiple causes of autism and determining effective

therapies. "

For more information about autism, visit www.aap.org.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000

primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and

pediatric specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being

of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is a non-profit organization

established in 1967 that fosters scientific research on autism

triggers as well as diagnostic, treatment, and prevention methods.

Through its Defeat Autism Now! program, ARI provides research-based

information to parents, clinicians, and researchers worldwide,

through its Web site (autism.com), call center, parent groups,

conferences, science-based publications, and think tanks. (Press

Contact: Autism Research Institute; email: lisa@...)

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