Arizona State University and the Southwest Autism Research Center: Partners in Helping Children with Autism and their Families

Abstract

When Maria and Nick of Phoenix discovered that their first child, Matthew, had developed autism they were devastated. Until the age of two, they were unaware that anything was wrong with his development. At that time, Matthew stopped talking, lost motor skills, and began to avoid physical contact with others. Now 4 years old, Matthew has difficulty relating to people, adapting to new environments and sleeping, has severely impaired communication skills, has limited intellectual ability, engages in repetitive movements, and often is irritable and aggressive. Maria and Nick are determined to improve their son’s prospects. Fortunately, in the Phoenix metropolitan area there is a group of physicians and university child development researchers who are collaborating to bring together services and interventions for children like Matthew and their families. Because of the collaborative efforts of these community and university professionals, Nick and Maria are participating in research investigating new treatments for the problematic symptoms of autism, are attending parent support groups, and have a resource where they can obtain information on autism, its causes, and its treatment.