Parenthood

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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.

Episode 205: The Booth Job

October 12, 2010 11:00 PM

Children with an autism spectrum disorder pose daily challenges to their parents. The love of a parent for their child may be boundless, but understanding and coping with the unusual ...

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Episode 204: Date Night

October 05, 2010 7:07 PM

Living with any child with developmental disabilities or chronic health/behavioral problems creates emotional, financial and logistical stressors outside of those experienced by more "typical families," as we see in this ...

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Episode 203: I'm Cooler Than You Think

September 28, 2010 7:07 PM

The ability to carry on a conversation is a crucial component of making connections with others. The people involved in the conversation can learn new information, offer insight into feelings ...

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Helpful Links and Resources

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

Ask The Executive Producer

Meet The Experts

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    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."

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    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."