Host: Paul Rokuskie 



  
    When Derek Volk's oldest child, Dylan, was two years old, his wife suggested, "Something is not quite right with Dylan." They struggled for the next several years as they were bounced from one diagnostician to another, each offering a unique perspective on Dylan's challenging behaviors. Finally, at eight years old, Dylan was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and the Volk family was able to start making sense of Dylan's differences. In Chasing the Rabbit, authors Derek and Dylan Volk share their respective experiences coping with the challenges of autism in the household and the healthcare system.

Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad's Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum

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

Sexuality

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.  

Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad's Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum

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