Understanding Autism		Latest Autism Headlines Major Changes At School At Center Of Autism Abuse Scandal Comments Some major changes are taking place at a school where a judge says an Atlanta boy with autism was abused. \|\| Earlier Segments In Stefan's Story State Child Advocate Investigates Autism Abuse Case Play Video \| Comments Georgia's Child Advocate is getting involved after 11Alive's investigation in an autism abuse case. \|\| Earlier Parts of Stefan's Story Thousands Of Tax Dollars Spent On Autism Abuse Case Play Video \| Comments 11Alive News has been telling you about 11-year-old Stefan Ferrari. The Atlanta Public Schools have spent thousands of taxpayer dollars to defend against a lawsuit from Stefan's parents. Archives Click here for more Autism stories.

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Links and Information Autism Fact Sheet from NIMH About Autism Law Autism Education Network Autism Information from KidsHealth.org Autism Society of America Caring Technologies Council for Exceptional Children Easter Seals of North Georgia Educating Children with Autism (an online book) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) National Autistic Society (UK) National Center for Learning Disabilities Marcus Institute Organizations and Resources (Contact Info)		What is Autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that affects brain function. It normally appears during the first three years of a child?s life. Autism is characterized by difficulty with communication and social skills, as well as reasoning. The exact cause of autism is not known. Researchers have been able to determine risk factors associated with this neurological disorder such as genetics, pregnancy abnormalities and gene mutation. It is estimated that up to six children -- out of every 1,000 -- have autism. Boys are also four times more likely to have the disorder than girls. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world, increasing at a rate of 10-17 percent a year. Click here for more information.

		Georgia Walk for Autism The 2009 Georgia Walk for Autism will take place May 3, 2009, at Atlantic Station. Walk donations benefit Autism Speaks and The Marcus Institute. These organizations aim to increase awareness of autism. It is estimated that more than 10,000 children in Georgia are affected by autism. 11Alive is a proud sponsor of the Georgia Walk for Autism. For more information, go to www.walknowforautism.org/georgia.