Media fellowship on autism available at Vanderbilt University

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 28 Jan 2005 - 9:00 PDT


Autism diagnoses are growing at the alarming rate of 10 to 17 percent per year, according to the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies. It is estimated that the number of Americans diagnosed with autism, 1.5 million in 2004, could reach 4 million by 2010. The spike in diagnoses, advances in genetic testing and debate regarding how best to treat autism are all changing the landscape of diagnosing, educating and understanding children and adults with autism.

Research underway at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development is leading the nation in expanding our understanding of the potential causes, nature and prognosis of autism.

To explore how this complex issue is communicated with the public, Vanderbilt University, in conjunction with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), is hosting a fellowship April 10 -13, 2005, at our campus in Nashville, Tenn., for a limited number of active journalists. The fellowship, Living with Autism: Rates, Causes and Treatment, will bring together Kennedy Center and other researchers, education experts, advocates, parents and individuals with autism to discuss with journalists the latest research, the rising incidence of autism, the debate over its causes and needed educational changes.

Through interactions with professors, tours of classrooms and laboratories and small group discussions, journalists will have the opportunity to learn more about this complex disease and hear the stories that aren't being told.

The fellowship is available to a limited number of print, broadcast and experienced freelance journalists. Vanderbilt will cover the costs of participants' lodging and some meals; the journalist's employer is responsible for travel expenses and salary during the fellowship. The application deadline is February 25, 2005.

Fellowship Contacts:
Melanie Catania, Vanderbilt News Service (615) 322-7970
Clinton Colmenares, Vanderbilt Medical Center News and Public Affairs, (615) 322-4747

Melanie Catania - melanie.catania@vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilt University

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