Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders in the Unites States. Autism spectrum disorders vary significantly in their severity. The level of functionality can range from severely disabled , as in children who lose almost all speech and ability to interact socially with others , all the way to patients with Asperger disorder where they may have a successful career in a field of scientific research but still be restricted in terms of interpersonal relationships. What exactly are autism spectrum disorder. Do we know why the incidence is increasing: is it better diagnosis, more children becoming afflicted with it or both? To help answer many of these questions as well as discuss what treatment modalities are available, Dr. Irfan Munawar, a child psychiatrist who also treats adult patients will be our guest on the show this Thursday.