Part 4: Close-Up Talk Radio spotlights Dr. Ivy Fisher Weiner

Daly City, CA – According to recent estimates by the Center for Disease Control, about one in every 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder, an increase of 400 percent in the last decade. With more and more families coping with and caring for special needs children, the need for quality early intervention and treatment has become all the more essential.

Dr. Ivy Fisher Weiner is a pediatrician specializing in the early intervention and treatment of behavioral disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and learning disabilities. For over 25 years, Dr. Weiner’s pioneering work has positioned her on the vanguard of autism treatment.

“This is a lifelong disorder: we don’t know how much improvement a child will make, but we do know it’s not a deteriorating disease.” says Dr. Weiner. “Parents are often overwhelmed by the diagnosis, so it’s critical that they have hope when they walk out the door. There are things they can do to ensure their child is working on the positive end of the spectrum.”

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Children on the autism spectrum typically experience delays in the development of one or more of “The Three S’s:” speech, socializing and sensory integration. As they get older, these children begin to experience more frustration and anxiety in certain social settings, which can lead to compulsions and even depression. The earlier you can identify the disorder and begin treatment, the better the outcome.

“My greatest enjoyment comes from watching families grow,” says Dr. Weiner. “It’s been so gratifying to see so many families moving forward, being enabled with tools to use toward a disease with no cure, no clear cause.”