ADDRESSING AUTISM

Autism

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an average of 1 in 110 children has some form of autism.

Children with autism are likely to have decreased development of social and communications skills, unusual play and other behavioral issues. Parents who are concerned about their child's development should talk to their health care provider. Early diagnosis can help improve a child's chance to reach his or her full potential.

CDC researcher Catherine Rice says specially structured teaching can help people with autism, especially if it's started early.

[Catherine Rice speaks] ``It's very important to begin the structured teaching, for families to be involved in that teaching, and to coordinate across areas where a child is receiving therapy.''

The study is in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.