Tonight on Nightline - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Guest guest]



Tonight on Nightline - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2008

GIRLS WITH AUTISM ON "NIGHTLINE" WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23rd

On Wednesday, Nightline continues its series on autism by exploring the relatively rare occurrence of girls with autism. In the U.S., far more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. That fact alone has consequences: it tends to focus most of the research, effort, and money on boys. But in a surprising twist, correspondent Donvan and producer Caren Zucker talk to several researchers and psychologists who believe there are actually more girls with autism in the U.S. than diagnosed. Not only may there be many under-diagnosed girls, according to these experts, but some girls with autism may be assigned some other diagnosis. In fact these girls are often being under-diagnosed or diagnosed with something else. The researchers believe that many of the symptoms are being missed, or that they are just more subtle in girls. Nightline takes an in-depth look at how girls and boys are brought up culturally, and how these differences could contribute to a misdiagnosis in girls, resulting in the harsh reality that we just don't know how many cases of girls with autism really exist.

, a psychologist, suggests girls with autism can fake "normal," because girls in general get more lessons than boys in how to behave. tells Nightline, "They are told not to get angry, to be nice, they are told to share, all of those behaviors." She goes on to say, "It's more appropriate if you will for a boy to have a tantrum and major meltdown than a girl."

Donvan talked to 14-year old Roma, about the differences between girls and boys with autism:

Donvan: Do you think it is more challenging for a girl with autism than a boy?

Roma: "It's really harder to hook up with friends, especially the neighborhood kids."

Donvan: Harder for girls than boys?

Roma: "Yeah."

Donvan: Why would that be?

Roma: "Because girls are concerned about how the world thinks of them, less than boys."

Donvan: What are the things that are challenging for you?

Roma: "I feel like I'm thinking but I'm not thinking at all. And also, it's a challenge for me to be aware of everything; am I flapping? Was that a joke I just heard? Should I be laughing? Should I not be laughing? Should I be serious at this time? Can I be a little silly at this time? You know..."

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Nightline's in-depth report on girls with autism airs on ABC News World News with Gibson at 6:30pm (ET) and then on Nightline, Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 11:35pm (ET/PT).

For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3317576 & page=1

Nightline is anchored by McFadden, Terry Moran, and Bashir. Donvan and Vicki Mabrey are correspondents. Goldston is the executive producer. "Nightline airs at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) weeknights on the ABC Television Network.

- ABC -

Hi, here.I've been getting so many calls and emails about this new marvelous book.

Asperger's and Girls by Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, Faherty, Sheila Wagner, Wrobel, Bolick and many more! What can I say about this wonderful book? Because the majority of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders are boys and men, the voices of girls on the spectrum have been practically inaudible--until now. At long last, here is a book that provides women on the autism spectrum the opportunity to tell the world about their experiences, good and bad. Their candid reflections will warm your heart while giving you a backstage pass to another realm. Leading professionals in the field punctuate this masterpiece with fascinating articles that offer insightful advice. Finally, autism literature isn't just a "man's world."Issues that girls and women face everyday. About the Authors: Dr. Tony Attwood is the world authority on the subject of Asperger's Syndrome, having written a book by that name that sold over 300,000 copies, and a videotape, Asperger's Syndrome: Diagnosis and Assessment, that won the iParenting Media Award for excellence. Dr. Temple Grandin is the New York Times' best-selling author of Animals in Translation and, most recently, recipient of the ForeWord Book of the Year Silver Medalist (category: family & relationships) for Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships (with co-authors Barron and Zysk). Authors/speakers Faherty, Sheila Wagner, Wrobel, and Bolick are also renowned in the Asperger's/autism field, all having authored successful books on related subjects. Iland, who has a brother with autism and multiple friends on the spectrum, offers social advice. McIlwee Myers and Ruth Snyder have Asperger's Syndrome and share their intriguing stories in hopes to make others' lives better.

There is certainly no shortage of books about Asperger's disorder, but this wonderful new volume fills a special need for girls which has been largely unaddressed. World renowned Doctors Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin set the table and speak from a wealth of experience and research. Seasoned professionals in the field provide further insight and guidance into the complex and often baffling social landscape for girls who have been diagnosed with Asperger's. The heart and soul of the book are the contributions by McIlwee both of whom have Asperger's and Iland who has a brother and several friends on the spectrum. These women help us understand so many of the unwritten rules of social encounters so vital for girls growing up on the spectrum--as well as "typical" girls. Laughter, tears, hope, and skills for coping flow each and every contributor. This book can inform and enlighten not just girls growing up with Asperger's but also the rest of us--male and female--as we go about our lives on the human spectrum. -- A. Naseef, Ph.D., author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum.

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Or call 1-866-9AUTISM (1-) to get your copy today!Autism Todayâ„¢sales@...Please e-mail or phone us if we can be of assistance.Autism Today1425 Broadway#444Seattle, WA98122USIf you no longer wish to receive communication from us:CancelTo update your contact information:Update