Latest edition of comprehensive treatments and therapies resource offers hope to individuals affected by autism

NIXA, Mo., April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Autism Association (NAA) announced today that the publishers of Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2011—2012, Skyhorse Publishing, will be donating a portion of proceeds from sales of the book back to NAA. Compiled by Ken Siri and Tony Lyons, the book presents both traditional and emerging treatments and therapies for autism from renowned experts around the world.

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Donations from Skyhorse Publishing will assist NAA in maintaining the organization's safety and family assistance programs as well as in funding research aimed towards finding meaningful treatments for children and adults diagnosed with autism. "We are honored to be associated with this publication," said NAA Executive Director Rita Shreffler who contributed the foreword to the book. "Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism presents an unparalleled compendium of options parents can access to improve all aspects of their children's health."

According to the latest published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, autism now affects one in 110 children in this country.  With 80% of individuals diagnosed with autism still under the age of 21, NAA and other autism advocates have for years been calling upon Congress and our federal health agencies to acknowledge that autism is a national health crisis leaving hundreds of thousands of children and families in dire need of medical assistance and services.

For years, NAA has held the position that autism is not a mysterious mental illness, but a medically treatable disorder.  Autism is a broad label diagnosed simply by observation of symptoms - not medical biomarkers.  But many individuals with an autism diagnosis suffer from multiple physical ailments that when treated can significantly reduce "autistic-like symptoms."  These underlying medical issues include gastrointestinal disease, allergies, food sensitivities, auto–immune disorders, seizures, sleep disorders, chronic viral and bacterial infections, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies and more.

"With most of mainstream medicine far behind on the learning curve when it comes to treatments that are yielding positive results in so many different areas, this book is an absolute must-read for parents seeking help for their children," said Shreffler.

To learn more about autism, or to order the Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism book, visit www.nationalautism.org.

Contacts: Wendy Fournier (Portsmouth, RI) 401-835-5828
Lori McIlwain (Cary, NC) 919-741-1646

SOURCE National Autism Association