Conference seeks clues on autism increase
McCLATCHY TRIBUNE
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.02.2008
Fearing that a hospital birth might increase her son's chances of developing autism, WyattsMom decided to have her baby at home. For the same reason, she skipped vaccinations commonly given to newborns. Despite those preventive measures, her son, Wyatt, now 4 1/2, was diagnosed with autism.
"He's happy and energetic," WyattsMom said. "He's really smart." Taking care of Wyatt is a full-time job, his mother said, pointing out that 40 hours of therapy is recommended each week to help treat the neurological disorder that the California Department of Developmental Services says nearly doubled in diagnosed cases between 1998 and 2002.

WyattsMom, who lives in Carlsbad, Calif., was one of several hundred parents, researchers, teachers, doctors and psychologists who attended a sold-out autism conference at Stanford University on Saturday. As many as one in 166 U.S. children has been diagnosed with the disorder, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways, said the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health. In milder cases, a child might be seem socially awkward and repeat obscure facts, while a severe case may manifest itself in a youngster who does not speak or show affection. Autism is more common among boys than girls.

Dr. Carl Feinstein is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford's Medical School and co-director of the Stanford Autism Working Group, which aims to shed light on the complex disease for which there is no cure. Feinstein said the cognitive styles of some successful Silicon Valley residents, especially those in high-tech fields, may share a few traits in common with those diagnosed with Asperger's or autism.

The conference offered data about genetic factors connected to the disorder and possible environmental elements that may play a role.