Backing autism fight
Rachel Weber - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Metro
A little rain and threats of tornadoes didn't stop the attendees of the first-ever Iowa Cares fundraiser for the Autism Society of Iowa from having a good time Thursday night. More than 120 guests at Old Brick, 26 E. Market St., enjoyed food and activities including live music, a silent auction, and a documentary about a family living with autism.
"We've had to deal with the bad weather, but it's been going really well," said Lea Davis, the chairwoman of the Iowa Cares committee.
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 3,800 children under 21 years of age in Iowa, said Sue Baker of the Autism Society of Iowa.
People with autism usually have difficulty in three areas, Davis said: language, social interactions, and a restricted range of interests or repetitive behaviors. It is sometimes coupled with severe mental retardation or with exceptional savant abilities. Other times people with autism develop within a normal intelligence range.
Davis and the other three members of the Iowa Cares committee research autism genetics under UI psychiatry Associate Professor Thomas Wassink. Last year, the group held a spaghetti dinner, to share information about autism research with the community. This year, the committee decided to put together something a little bigger.
"We wanted to create a community, especially for people with spectrum disorders," Davis said. The committee hoped to raise $10,000 for the Autism Society of Iowa at the fundraiser, as well as increase awareness of autism in the Iowa City area and create a place for families and autism researchers to connect.
Autism researchers at the fundraiser provided information to families about their various studies with the disorder. Dr. Molly Losh from the University of North Carolina is studying the early language abilities of autism family members to find possible genetic links to the disorder.
As guests mingled between tables festively decorated with flowers, puzzle pieces, and facts about autism, two local bands provided live music to enjoy.
"We've had to deal with the bad weather, but it's been going really well," said Lea Davis, the chairwoman of the Iowa Cares committee.
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 3,800 children under 21 years of age in Iowa, said Sue Baker of the Autism Society of Iowa.
People with autism usually have difficulty in three areas, Davis said: language, social interactions, and a restricted range of interests or repetitive behaviors. It is sometimes coupled with severe mental retardation or with exceptional savant abilities. Other times people with autism develop within a normal intelligence range.
Davis and the other three members of the Iowa Cares committee research autism genetics under UI psychiatry Associate Professor Thomas Wassink. Last year, the group held a spaghetti dinner, to share information about autism research with the community. This year, the committee decided to put together something a little bigger.
"We wanted to create a community, especially for people with spectrum disorders," Davis said. The committee hoped to raise $10,000 for the Autism Society of Iowa at the fundraiser, as well as increase awareness of autism in the Iowa City area and create a place for families and autism researchers to connect.
Autism researchers at the fundraiser provided information to families about their various studies with the disorder. Dr. Molly Losh from the University of North Carolina is studying the early language abilities of autism family members to find possible genetic links to the disorder.
As guests mingled between tables festively decorated with flowers, puzzle pieces, and facts about autism, two local bands provided live music to enjoy.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Leslie
posted 4/11/08 @ 6:38 PM CST
It is great to have these social events. It would also be great if Dr. Wassink told the people that older paternal age, past 33, is a potent risk factor for having an autistic child, or one with schizophrenia or who will development cancers, Alzheimer's etc. (Continued…)
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