What's going on here at ASU and around the nation:

New research reveals the social communication challenges of aging with autism

In the United States, the number of children who have been diagnosed with autism is 1 in 59. Within a decade or two, there will be a population of about 1 million adults on the spectrum. B. Blair Braden, assistant professor in the College of Health Solutions, has just published a series of studies in the scholarly journal, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, that probe the specific question of how social and verbal fluency change as individuals with autism age.

Measles outbreak: Straight answers about the vaccine

A measles outbreak that has affected 66 people in the state of Washington has drawn national attention and prompted lawmakers on Capitol Hill to hold a congressional hearing on the matter. While measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination programs, the disease is experiencing a resurgence due to declining vaccination rates. In this Q&A, Swapna Reddy and Matthew Speer from the College of Health Solutions explain the public health risks of a measles outbreak and the role of vaccines in preventing the spread of disease.

Big fat lies about obesity

Glenn Gaesser, professor in the College of Health Solutions, is challenging the long-held premise that obesity is the primary cause of many major weight-related health conditions. According to Gaesser, who has studied obesity for more than a quarter-century, “health encompasses much more than a number on a scale. We tend to get hung up on weight and that is a problem.” In this Q&A, Gaesser shares his perspective and how he fully expects that his stance will get mixed reactions.

To schedule an interview with these experts, email mediarelations@asu.edu.