April is Autism Awareness

Autism is what every parent of an autistic child says it is. It also is what doctors and scientists say it is. Parents, people with autism and doctors agree on many aspects of the brain disorder. They disagree on a number of issues as well. There are contradictions and controversies and perhaps, above all else, moving and emotional stories to be told about autism and its impact on individuals and the people who love them.

There is so much to autism that CNN has begun special coverage we're calling "Autism - Unraveling the Mystery." This broad, deep examination of autism is being featured online and on CNN, CNN International and Headline News.

Today you can learn more about autism here at CNN.com. Visit often, because many articles and videos will be added between now and Thursday. Also, check out Empowered Patient here. Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen offers guidance for parents who think they may have a child with autism.

Beginning Monday you will see additional stories on autism on "American Morning"
and throughout the day. Gupta will examine the mysteries and myths of autism. We'll spotlight insurance and therapy issues and take a close look at aging with autism.

On Wednesday, the first U.N. World Autism Awareness Day, our coverage continues with more online material and an hourlong special simulcast on CNN and CNNI. "We Have Autism" focuses on the experiences of families living with autism around the world. The program airs at 12 p.m. ET/4 p.m. GMT.

On Wednesday night, be sure to watch a special hour of "Anderson Cooper 360" reported by Gupta. "Finding Amanda" tells the story of one woman's atypical life with autism. We see the way she interacts and communicates with the world and how she inspires a young man named D.J. "Finding Amanda" airs at 11 p.m. ET.

CNN's reporting on the global impact, latest science and controversies related to autism is designed to raise awareness of this brain disorder and provide useful information and insight. I hope it will inspire you. Check out our Impact Your World Web site here for ways you can help people with autism.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at NICHCY.org  also gives a list of state resources available to you.

This is the direct link to the website I got this info from http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/autism/

You can go to this CNN site and there are many related stories.  You can also go to House Calls page and read a transcript of the program or download a podcast.