Edmond family finds hope in autism care

Dr. Bryan Jepson

of The Thoughtful House Center for Autism in Austin, Texas, discusses autism.

How can parents best filter through the magnitude, and often conflicting, information about autism and autism treatment?

Unfortunately, it is often required that parents do their own homework. Many physicians are still undereducated about autism and how to treat it. Much of what they have heard or read is not up-to-date or entirely factual. ... The most important thing is to find a medical doctor who has had experience treating autism.

Can autism truly be cured?

A cure would suggest that the issue has resolved completely and no longer requires any treatment intervention. There are some children who had autism that would meet this definition. But, I think it is a small group. A larger group is children who are functionally recovered, meaning that they will lead a functional ... life even if they may still need ongoing maintenance treatment with medications, diets, supplements, social support, etc.

What is a common misconception about autism?

The biggest misconception is that autism is a rare genetic developmental disorder. (It) is no longer rare. ... It is a metabolic disorder that affects that brain but also affects other organ systems including the immune system.

Defeat Autism Now conference

When: This weekend

Where: Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, 2501 Conference Drive, in Norman

Contact: For a schedule or to register, go to www.

regonline.com/

ari-oklahoma.

Cost: $49 to $145.