Media fellowship on autism available at Vanderbilt University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University encourages active journalists
to apply to attend its Council for the Advancement and Support of
Education media fellowship, “Autism: Rates, Causes and Treatment,”
April 10-13, 2005, in Nashville, Tenn.

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 the understanding
of the potential causes, nature and prognosis of autism.

The media fellowship will bring together 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.

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 Feb. 25, 2005. For more information and to download an application form, go to www.vanderbilt.edu/news/autism.

Contact Melanie Catania at 615-322-7970 or melanie.moran@vanderbilt.edu, or Clinton Colmenares at 615-322-4747 or clinton.colmenares@vanderbilt.edu with any questions.

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