The definition of ASD is evolving as we speak! With the incidence rate of 1 in 88 students with ASD, researchers are continually fine-tuning the diagnostic criteria to increase early identification and knowledge. Dr. Urbano provides an update of the evolving diagnosis of ASD surrounding the current controversy over changes in the diagnostic criteria. The webcast will introduce new information on genetic findings for those identified with ASD.

Dr. Maria Urbano, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist and fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She is currently an associate professor of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In February 2010, Dr. Urbano and Dr. Deutsch, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, began the Autism Spectrum Disorders Program for Older Adolescents and Young Adults which has a clinical, research and educational division. Dr. Urbano has seen over 150 ASD patients since the beginning of the program. She is the principal investigator of three research projects including two promising drug trials of new medications for ASD. In conjunction with the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Children's Hospital, the ASD Program sponsors an annual conference entitled Insights into Autism which features regional and national speakers who present new neuroscience and clinical data.