Health Link 2008-07
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Original Air Date:  Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 7:30pm ET

Passions about autism are running higher than ever, and for good reason.  Autism spectrum disorders affect one in 150 kids from all walks of life - that's a tenfold jump in the past decade.  On the next Health Link we will examine the theories behind the dramatic increase, the latest on treatments and how families cope when the diagnosis is autism. 

Guests:
Mary Ann D. Allen, Esq.
Mary Ann Allen became the executive director and chief executive officer of Wildwood Programs, Inc. on January 1, 2002.  She is also the mother of a 21 year old son with Autism.  Wildwood annually provides a broad range of community-based supports and services to over 1,000 individuals of all ages who have complex learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities.  Ms. Allen currently serves on the Boards of Trustees of The Learning Disabilities Association of New York State and the Academy of the Holy Names.  She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Albany County Bar Association, the Capital District Women's Bar Association and the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America.  

Wildwood Programs enables and empowers children and adults with learning disabilities, autism and other neurologically based developmental disabilities to lead independent, productive and fulfilling lives. Wildwood serves individuals and families throughout the greater Capital Region.  Wildwood's programs and services include a day school for approximately 200 students aged 3 to 21, and adult residential, employment, recreation, education, family support  and day programs.  For up to date information about available services, eligibility for services and assistance with the "process" to obtain services please contact Intake Coordinator at (518) 640-3356.
http://www.wildwood.edu/index.html

Kristin V. Christodulu, PhD
Dr. Christodulu has extensive clinical and research experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. As director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), she oversees research, education, and training on topics associated with autism spectrum disorders, sleep disturbances, challenging behavior, parenting, and inclusion. CARD is also home base for the Regional Center for Autism, a program created to address the limited availability and rising costs of specialized services related to the education of children with autism. This community-based agency provides program development, training, and support for families, professionals, and peers of people with autism and related disabilities. She received her bachelor's, master's and doctorate all in psychology from the University at Albany, where she serves as a member of the clinical faculty.

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University at Albany (CARD - Albany) is a university - affiliated resource center that brings research and practice together in community settings. CARD - Albany provides evidence based training and support to families and professionals, and through on-going research contributes knowledge to the field of autism spectrum disorders.
http://www.albany.edu/psy/autism/autism.html

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
University at Albany
1535 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
phone: (518) 442-2574
toll free: (866) 442-2574

Gina Cosgrove, PsyD
Dr. Gina Cosgrove is a Doctor of Psychology in practice with Cambell House Psychological Assoicates located in Schenectady, NY.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Child Development from the University of Maine and her Doctorate from the University at Albany.  She specializes in conducting evaluations for children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum and is a Consultant for local school districts.  Dr. Cosgrove conducts trainings for educators and families regarding how to meet the educational and social needs of individuals on the Autism Spectrum.  She is also a consultant at the College of Saint Rose and teaches a graduate course in Development at the University at Albany.

Campbell House Psychological Associates is a group private practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of developmental problems of children and adolescents. They have a comprehensive program for the evaluation and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and related neurodevelopmental problems. Their services for individual clients include comprehensive assessment services, social skill groups, parent training groups and a variety of other groups for children and adolescents. For schools and agencies they offer consultation services, and customized trainings to meet the needs of the individual organization.
http://www.campbellhousepsych.com/index.html

Campbell House Psychological Associates LLP
101 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Phone:  (518) 346-0762

Rhonda Fein, PhD
Dr. Rhonda Fein is the mother of three boys. The oldest, Jonathan has Autism. He is 22 years old. Dr. Fein is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Saratoga Springs. Dr. Fein helps to facilitate a support group for caregivers of those with autism, sponsored by the Autism Society of America and Saratoga Bridges. She also participates on a task force on Autism at Saratoga Bridges. 

Cindy Herman
Cindy Herman is the marketing chair for the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America and former board member. She is the mother of a wonderful 13 year old high functioning autistic boy. He is in seventh grade at the New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School.

The Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America serves people living with Autism in the greater Capital District and their families. Their mission is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families so they can be fully participating, included members of their communities. They do this through advocacy, public awareness, education, compassionate support and research related to autism. Our primary focus is on public awareness, education and compassionate support.  For more information call (518) 355-2191.
http://www.albanyautism.org/