New Resource for Understanding Autism

Individuals with PWS struggle with a variety of behavioral issues and have an increased incidence of autism compared to the general population and to most other developmental disabilities.  Even in those with PWS who don't have a diagnosis of autism, many behavioral similarities can be found. This seems to be connected, in a way not completely understood, with genes in the PWS region.  In fact, genetic alterations in the PWS region of chromosome 15 (eg, microdeletions or maternal duplications in the region of 15q11-13) are found in more than 1% of people with autism in the general population (without PWS).  Thus, understanding and finding effective therapies for autistic behaviors is an important for our population.  A new resource from Yale University provides a whole lot of information on autism.  Understanding Autism is a website that provides an entire lecture series (slides, readings, videos of each lecture) on autism - everything from genetics to behavioral therapy.   Fred Volkmar, one of the leading researchers in autism and Director of the Yale Child Study Center, heads up this lecture series.  The program is geared toward undergraduate college students.  Happy viewing!