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The Experts Speak

About Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger syndrome was first described by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger in the 1940s, who observed boys who possessed normal intelligence and language development traits but were experiencing challenges with social and communication skills. Though it was classified as a separate disorder from autism in 1994, many professionals feel that Asperger syndrome is simply a milder form of autism; they use the term "high-functioning autism." Separate or not, it is a very real condition that can have a significant impact on affected families, like the fictional Bravermans of "Parenthood."

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Click here to learn more about the organization.

How You Can Help

Autism Speaks also organizes walks all across the country to raise funds and awareness. To find a walk in your area, click here.

Ask the EP: Questions About the Characters

April 19, 2011 4:20 PM

Q: Who was the first person cast in the show? I love the casting. - Amanda Soto I consulted with Tommy Schlamme, who directed the pilot, and our casting directors ...

Ask the EP: Inspiration and Influences

March 29, 2011 6:53 PM

Q: Mr. Katims, I must say that your show is a metaphor for life-long lessons. I look to these characters and can see so many similarities to me and my ...

Questions for and About Max

March 22, 2011 5:33 PM

Thank you so much for your overwhelming response - your questions are full of such positive feedback, and insightful inquiries. (Of course they probably only show me the nice ones.) ...

The cast of Parenthood encourages your support of Autism, because everyone needs to be heard. More »

Meet The Experts

Roy Q. Sanders, M.D. is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and currently the Medical Director of the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, Georgia. His practice serves children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Additionally, he holds a faculty position with Emory University in the Department of Psychiatry. He has been in practice for 20 years and is the parent of a son with autism and mild intellectual disabilities. He is the author of a book on Autism for professionals, friends, and families living with the spectrum "How to Talk to Parents About Autism."
Sheila Wagner, M.Ed. is an Assistant Director at the Emory Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Wagner is a national and international lecturer on educating students with ASD with close to 30 years experience in ASD, and is a published author of books on inclusive programs (Future Horizons). Ms. Wagner is a certified special educator, a teacher trainer and school/student consultant working to improve educational programs for students with autism spectrum disorders. Her books include "Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism" (winner of the 2001 ASA Outstanding Literary Award of the Year), "Inclusive Programming for the Middle School Student with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome," "Inclusive Programming for the High School Student with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" (winner of the 2010 ASA Outstanding Literary Award of the Year - educational division), "Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Fast Facts" co-authored with Emily Burrows, and a chapter titled "Educating the Female Student with Asperger's," in Temple Grandin and Tony Attwood's book "Asperger's and Girls."