Autism

Children with autism turn into adults with autism: an obvious fact, but one that remains inadequately addressed by society. Through the uplifting stories of Paul deSavino and Jamie Hoppe, two adults with autism who enjoy the support of their parents, life coaches, and others dedicated to their well-being, this ABC News program looks at America's overall unpreparedness in helping such adults pursue fulfilling lives. Psychologist Peter Gerhardt; Jen Hoppe, cofounder of Quest Autism Foundation; and others express their concerns about long-term quality of life for people with autism, emphasizing the need for more initiatives to assist them-and the funding to keep those initiatives running. (23 minutes)

It is the size of the frontal cortex that helps separate the human brain from that of other animals. This part allows humans to communicate, infer meaning, and imagine, all basic to the socialization process. But there is a group of people, primarily males, who lack a small piece of this frontal cortex and who suffer from a mild form of autism. Identified as Asperger's syndrome in 1940, this condition makes them incapable of everyday social interactions. They live in a constant state of anxiety, a result of the phobias that are a part of the disease. This program profiles the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome and what sufferers and their families can do to overcome the limitations that it imposes. Original BBC broadcast title: I'm Not Stupid. (30 minutes)

As a child, Dr. Temple Grandin was diagnosed as brain-damaged; doctors today would call her autistic. But her condition did not deter her and, with the help of her mother and therapists, she went on to become an expert in animal behavior, designing livestock handling facilities and teaching as an assistant professor at Colorado State University. Much of her expertise with animals comes through lessons learned from her own condition. This program provides the rare opportunity to hear an autistic person discuss her condition and how she deals with life. Dr. Grandin offers many insights into the motivations behind autistic behavior and how parents, teachers, and therapists can better work with autistic children. (59 minutes)

Research has shown that some children with autism who are enrolled in a curriculum of applied behavioral analysis at a young enough age can be mainstreamed right into the public school system. This ABC News program profiles two children with autism who receive this intensive form of therapy and discusses the mixed results of it. Although the degree of improvement attributable to ABA varies from child to child, any gains, large or small, are of immense value to the children-and to those who love them. (22 minutes)

What is it like for people with autism, living among others yet always, in a sense, living alone? And how do their parents cope, as they care for them? Built around several case studies, this program distinguishes between high- and low-functioning autism; illustrates structural and functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains; considers genetics, neurological diseases, and immune system anomalies as possible contributory factors; and discusses associated conditions, such as mental retardation, epilepsy, and echolalia. Applied behavior analysis, the TEACCH system, multisensory stimulation, and dietary interventions are also touched upon. (53 minutes)

A link between autism and the Measles-Mumps-Rubella shot has been largely refuted by the medical establishment. But some doctors, along with many parents of autistic children, remain convinced of a connection. This program sifts through both sides of the issue, fully explaining both the link theory and the epidemiological research that vindicates the MMR. Interviews with Dr. Andrew Wakefield-the gastroenterologist who first asserted that the vaccine can cause intestinal infections and lead to brain damage-accompany moving testimony from families affected by autism, as well as extensive commentary from skeptical physicians. A BBCW Production. (50 minutes)

Autism, a complex developmental disability, is generally believed to be a genetic disorder. But Dr. William Walsh, a senior scientist at the Pfeiffer Institute, believes he has isolated a biochemical cause, based on analysis of blood, urine, and hair samples from 503 autistic children. His pioneering research attributes autism to the inability of a protein-metallothionein-to balance the body's metal metabolism. In this program, Dr. Walsh discusses his controversial findings bolstered by parents whose children have shown dramatic results from dietary supplements that counteract metal imbalance. (12 minutes)