Source: Seattle PI
In most cases, nobody can say what causes the disorder, sometimes better defined as a spectrum of related disorders, or whether the increasing number of diagnosed cases represents an actual increase or just improved recognition of the disease. Autism. It is still largely a medical mystery. More than 900 scientists, physicians, activists and parents from all around the world are gathering in Seattle this week to collaborate on solving that mystery. The sixth International Meeting for Autism Research, which runs Thursday through Saturday, is being held at Seattle Sheraton Hotel. It is not open to the public.

“We’re certainly identifying more children with autism,” said Geraldine Dawson, co-chairwoman of the conference and director of the University of Washington’s Autism Center. This disorder, largely diagnosed by behavioral patterns and generally described as a developmental disability impairing an individual’s ability to communicate or fully engage in social activities, is now thought to occur in one of every 150 births. [more]