Media interest helping to improve autism awareness
09 May 2007
 Public awareness of autism and Asperger syndrome is increasing as media focus on the conditions strengthens, the National Autistic Society (Nas) has said. The Nas, which works with government bodies to protect the interests of those with autism, believes that greater coverage of cases of autism in the media could even help earlier diagnosis."There does seem to be more about autism in the media generally and I think people are going to pick up on that," explained Laura Slade, the Nas helpline manager. "For example, from a parent's point of view, they might read something about a child that has Asperger's and relate it to their own child. That's how they can pick up on it."Ms Slade added that it also seemed doctors and health visitors were becoming more proficient at recognising signs of autism and therefore acting upon the diagnosis more rapidly.According to the Nas, 40 per cent of children with autism wait in excess of three years before receiving a clear diagnosis.But, with increased media interest and more specialists dealing with the autistic spectrum, it is hoped this situation can be improved.  © Adfero Ltd© 2008 Adfero Ltd. All rights reserved. Any views and opinions expressed in news articles are not those of Craegmoor Limited and its associated companies. News supplied by Adfero DirectNews.
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