According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. George Washington University experts are available to provide opinion and analysis on April’s National Autism Awareness Month.

Laurie Alderman, research scientist in the Department of Special Education, is an expert on special education, disability studies and autism. Professor Alderman has served as the coordinator of Autism Services for Arlington County Public Schools and has helped develop several programs within the school system for students with and without disabilities.

Roy Grinker, professor of anthropology, international affairs and human sciences, is an expert on autism, mental illness and psychological anthropology in children. Professor Grinker completed the first-ever epidemiological study of autism spectrum disorder in South Korea and is the author of many publications, including “Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism.”

Valerie Hu, professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine, is an expert on genomic, epigenetic, metabolomics and bioinformatics analyses of autism spectrum disorders and autism and diagnostic screening. She is the chair of the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Initiative Faculty Committee at GW.

Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, professor of pharmacology and physiology, is an expert on brain development and autism research. Professor LaMantia’s lab explores genetic and molecular mechanisms of early forebrain development.

Sara Rosenbaum, Harold and Jane Hirsh Professor of Health Law and Policy, is an expert on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and how they impact individuals and their families with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She can also speak to insurance coverage issues.

Lorri Unumb, adjunct professor in the School of Law, can speak about legislative reform and public policy related to health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. Professor Unumb is also the vice president for state and government affairs at Autism Speaks.