Autism Spectrum

Host: Paul Rokuskie Autism spectrum disorder has been around for centuries, but the modern terminology of how it is defined only started in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Since then, the definition of autism has changed many times, refined into today’s current understanding of this mental disorder. But one point of constancy over this time frame has been the advocacy work of mothers and fathers to better understand the disease that impacts their children’s lives, helping educate communities around them in turn to foster greater compassion and awareness. In this episode of the Autism Spectrum, host Paul Rokuskie speaks with Eustacia Cutler, autism rights advocate and mother of Dr. Temple Grandin, who is often referred to as the first person officially diagnosed with autism in the United States.