What is Autism? What Causes it? What Treatments are Available? Robert MacNeil’s Special Report for NewsHour is a Terrifc Introduction

For many parents their first introduction to Autism comes when a mental health professionals suggests that their child’s challenging behavior is the result of the child having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a frightening and confusing thing to hear.

Robert MacNeil of PBS’s NewsHour, and grandfather of a child with Autism, did a six part video series that gives an excellent introduction to Autism. It is well worth watching whether you are a parent of a child with Autism, a clinician treating a child with Autism, a friend or relative of a family with an Autistic child, or a person who just wants to be more sensitive to the children and families who face the many struggles associated with life with an ASD child.

Here are the links:

Part I: Autism Now: Robert MacNeil Shares Grandson Nick’s Story

Part II: Autism Now: Exploring the ‘Phenomenal’ Increase in U.S. Prevalence

Part III: Autism’s Causes: How Close Are We to Solving the Puzzle?

Part IV: Autism Now: Demand for Educational Resources for Children Outstrips Supply

Part V: Autism Now: For Adults With Autism, Few Support Options Past Age 21

Part VI: Autism Now: How Should We Address Deepening ‘National Health Emergency’?