autism1.JPG

Sometimes twins are more likely to have autism spectrum disorder.

(ANDREAS FUHRMANN/The Associated Press)

Autism spectrum disorder, identified in about 1 in 68 U.S. children, is a hot topic and news about it likely will fill the Web throughout April, Autism Awareness Month.

At 3 p.m. Thursday, April 3, Darryn Sikora, a pediatric psychologist with Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children, will join us for a live chat about the disorder. We hope you will, too.

Sikora has diagnosed and treated autism for 25 years. In 2003, she developed the autism program at Oregon Health & Science University, and she has bee instrumental in developing the Providence program. She has contributed to research in identifying genetic conditions associated with autism, common health problems among those with autism, and quality of life issues for those with the disorder, and for their families.



During our live chat, Sikora will explain what autism spectrum disorder is, discuss diagnosis, treatment and challenges faced by those with autism and by their families.

Bring your questions and your curiosity and join the conversation.

If you're interested in reading about autism spectrum disorder before the chat begins (or afterward), check out the links below to some new research and older coverage of the topic.

VACCINE LINK? Despite studies clarifying that vaccines are not linked to autism in children, 33 percent of parents of children younger than 18 and 29 percent of all adults continue to believe that vaccines can cause autism, according to a survey of 1,756 U.S. adults conducted online by Harris Poll, in conjunction with the National Consumers League.

WHEN DOES IT BEGIN? A new study shows autism begins during pregnancy. (Science Daily)

WHY THE JUMP? A rising awareness of autism may have increased the rate of diagnosis. (Science Daily)

DRUG RESEARCH: Research in mice shows low doses of antianxiety drugs help rebalance the autistic brain, though clinical trials would be required to see whether the findings might be relevant for humans. (Science Daily)

MORE VACCINES: A child's risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder is not increased by receiving "too many vaccines too soon," according to a new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

ALL OF US? Looking further back, a 2012 story in New York magazine asks whether everyone is on the autism spectrum.

PARENTS' VIEWS: Parents share 68 things to know about children with autism (Huffington Post)

-- Katy Muldoon