Autism continues to puzzle researchers and doctors striving to discover what causes the developmental brain disorder. Estimates indicate that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined, according to Autism Speaks.

Sherry Sancibrian, M.S., CCC-SLP, program director and professor in the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Allied Health Sciences, can talk about the signs of autism and where to seek help and support in the Lubbock Area.

Sancibrian leads monthly meetings of the South Plains Autism Network (SPAN), an organization that assists families and professionals by offering educational seminars, support group meetings and information on community resources and networking.

TTUHSC School of Allied Health Sciences students supervised by Carolyn Perry, M.S., CCC-SLP, clinical instructor of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, provide childcare during the meetings.

For more information about SPAN, visit http://cms.educ.ttu.edu/research/burkhart-center/span.

CONTACT: Beth Phillips, beth.phillips@ttuhsc.edu, office: (806) 743-2143, cell: (806) 252-0055.

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