autism

THE BOND BETWEEN a child and his dog are well-documented in literature and movies and now more and more people are realizing how working with animals can benefit people with autism. Sometimes, an animal can provide a kind of support that other people can’t.

KTD contributor Jessica Cochran met some people working with children and dogs, and learned about the benefits for both humans and canines.

Links from this story: 4 Paws for Ability Alaska, Alaska Assistance Dogs 

image via NeuroLove

THE RATES OF autism are on the rise. A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control put the prevalence rate at 1 in 88 children, up from 1 in 110 in 2006, and 1 in 150 in 2002. Some point to better screening, public education as being responsible for the increase, while others say that it's simply better record keeping.

Dr. Shubu Ghosh is an Alaskan child psychiatrist who is currently helping to redefine the diagnostic criteria for autism as a participant in the 5th revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or, DSM-5). We asked him to help us understand why this increase is occurring and what to expect when the new diagnostic criteria are released in 2013.

Dr. Ghosh spoke with KTD producer Sarah Gonzales...