Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    Associations between autism and gastrointestinal health are being actively investigated in medical research. Two major projects, each spanning three years, are focusing in particular on intestinal bacteria, ie the microbiome, and constipation, respectively. Leading the charge on these investigations are Drs. Pat Levitt and James Versalovic. Dr. Levitt is Chair of Developmental Neurogenetics at Children's Hospital - Los Angeles (CHLA), while Dr. Versalovic is Chief of the Department of Pathology at Texas Children's Hospital. Their work seeks to better understand how the human microbiome impacts neural health and development, and how refined treatments aimed at changing this potential "gut/brain axis" may aid therapies for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  The funding for the research project that Dr. Pat Levitt and Dr. James Versalovic are conducting is awarded by a grant from Autism Speaks.

Autism's Gut/Brain Connection: Can the Microbiome Influence Neurodevelopment?

Over a time span of only eight years, the national prevalence rate for Autism Spectrum Disorder has risen dramatically from 1 in 166 to 1 in 68. This change creates major societal, medical, and economic impacts, leading to questions of how and why the number of autism diagnoses in the United States has risen so sharply. This series, Autism Spectrum, is hosted by Paul Rokuskie and will explore the latest research, diagnostic approaches, patient challenges, and evolving roles of the health care professional in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Science & Medicine

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Medicine

Health

Alternative Health

Self-Help

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Fitness & Nutrition

Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    Did you know that in just 10 years, the national prevalence rate for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has nearly tripled, going from 1 in 166 to 1 in 59? Or that 2 percent of the US population under the age of 18 now carries a diagnosis of ASD? Join Paul Rokuskie as he speaks with Dr. Stuart Shapira, Associate Director for Science at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, about these and other findings from the 2018 study regarding prevalence rates for ASD.   

Why Has the Prevalence Rate of Autism Tripled in Recent Years?

Host: Paul Rokuskie 


  Guest: David S. Mandell, ScD 



  
    As prevalence rates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increase, so do economic costs. On average, medical expenditures for individuals with an ASD were 4 to 6 times greater than those without an ASD. Join Paul Rokuskie and his guest Dr. David Mandell, Associate Director of the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as they dive into the economic impact of ASD.  

What is the Economic Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    As diagnostic information becomes more readily available, the importance of early diagnosis cannot be underestimated when it comes to helping those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Join Paul Rokuskie and his guest Dr. Stuart Shapira, Associate Director for Science at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, as they discuss the diagnosis criteria for ASD.

Autism: The Critical Importance of Early, Individualized Diagnosis

Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    Scientists have been doing research into many areas of autism spectrum disorder in the hopes of explaining the doubling of its prevalence rate over the past decade. Both environmental risk factors and genetic components are areas of intense scrutiny for researchers seeking to understand the root causes of autism. Host Paul Rokuskie talks with Craig Newschaffer, Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, about the risk factors for autism spectrum disorder that scientists are working to better define.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk Factors: Environmental and Genetic Components

Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    Over the past two decades, the world has seen a dramatic rise of individuals being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For decades scientists and medical professionals have been researching various aspects of this disease to uncover genetic and environmental factors explaining this rapid increase in prevalence; however, discovering definitive clues to causality has proven elusive.  Host Paul Rokuskie talks with Dr. Craig Newschaffer, Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute about the latest research findings into environmental factors affecting autism risk.  

Autism's Gut/Brain Connection: Can the Microbiome Influence Neurodevelopment?

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