Airs Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Thursday, April 7, 2011
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Test your knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Take the quiz
In 2010, doctors will diagnose more children with an autism spectrum disorder than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. The public television special "Decoding Autism" looks at the devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that leaves families heartbroken, vulnerable and desperate for answers.
The documentary highlights the efforts underway in New Jersey and New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Louisville and Sacramento, where researchers hope to gain insights that may lead to prevention, new treatments and even a cure.
"Decoding Autism" includes interviews with a number of families dealing with the challenges of raising children on the autism spectrum and features visits to schools specializing in educating children with autism.