"Today," "Nightly News with Brian Williams," CNBC, MSNBC, NBC Owned Stations, Telemundo and MSNBC.com to Spend the Week of February 21 Looking at Autism from all Angles

NEW YORK -- February 9, 2005 -- The statistics are alarming: the Centers for Disease Control is reporting that as many as one in 166 children in the United States will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A decade ago, the figure was 1 in 2,500. The CDC is announcing today that autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States. Currently, it is estimated that 1.77 million Americans are affected by autism.

During the week of February 21, the networks of NBC News will devote special coverage to autism, with extensive reporting on "Today" and "Nightly News with Brian Williams," CNBC, MSNBC, NBC's owned-and-operated stations, Telemundo and online at MSNBC.com.

Some experts are calling autism an epidemic. Others say the dramatic increase in incidence may be due to increased recognition and an expansion of the definition of the disorder. And while it is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with no known cure, autism is very responsive to early intervention. Awareness of its symptoms is vital information for parents, and can literally change the lives of the children and families affected by autism.

"Autism: The Hidden Epidemic?" will consist of the following programming across the networks of NBC News:

TODAY

"Today" will spend the week of February 21 educating the public on the signs and causes of autism, how it is diagnosed, what educational programs exist, how it affects families, and how parents of autistic children can better advocate for their children.

On Friday, February 25, the weeklong series will conclude with NBC Universal Chairman and CEO Bob Wright and his wife, Suzanne, appearing on "Today" to launch Autism Speaks, a new foundation created to raise awareness of and find a cure for autism. The Wrights will discuss how autism has touched their family since their eldest grandson was diagnosed a year ago at age two; and how they've been inspired by the determination of the autism community.

Additionally, the series will include a number of interviews with families, including NFL legend Dan Marino (founder of the Dan Marino Foundation and the Dan Marino Center at Miami Children's Hospital), his wife, Claire, and son Michael, who was diagnosed with autism when he was a baby.

For more information about the "Today" show series, log on to "Today's" website at www.today.msnbc.com.

NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS

"NBC Nightly News" examines the science of autism: How much more we know about it today and what has changed in the past 50 years in diagnostics and treatments. NBC's chief Health and Science correspondent Robert Bazell revisits a family he profiled five years ago, and reports on how a daughter's autism has affected the entire family; and "Nightly News" goes to Yale, to take a look at cutting-edge experiments aimed at figuring out the mysterious components of autism, how autistic people experience everyday life and why.

CNBC

CNBC will air a five-part series on "Power Lunch," beginning Tuesday, February 22, entitled: "Autism: The Hidden Epidemic? Paying the Price." CNBC's series will focus on the economic aspects of autism, including the enormous financial burden on families, funding and research, the rising demand for services, and job training for autistic teenagers. Hosted by "Power Lunch" co-anchor Sue Herera, the series will also discuss autism in the workplace, featuring a profile of a well-known person in business.

MSNBC

MSNBC will air segments on autism throughout its news broadcasts all week long. Each day MSNBC will follow up on the reporting broadcast on "Today," including interviews with medical professionals and families dealing with autism.

MSNBC.COM

MSNBC.com will offer a series of original articles, including an introduction to autism, the latest theories about what has caused the dramatic increase in the disorder, what treatments are available and how families can cope with a diagnosis. In addition, MSNBC.com offers multiple interactive features, ranging from a comparison of the different treatment options to what signs and symptoms parents should watch for in their children. NBC's Robert Bazell will discuss the latest news in autism research in an audio Q&A available on line. All of MSNBC.com's coverage and the scripts and interviews from the "Today" show and "Nightly News" will all be available at http://www.autism.msnbc.com.

NBC's OWNED AND OPERATED STATIONS

The 14 NBC stations on the NBC Universal Television Stations group will focus on the rising autism epidemic in a one-hour special airing the weekend of February 19 & 20 (7-8 p.m.). (Viewers should check their local program listings for individual airdates). Produced by KNBC in Los Angeles and hosted by anchor Michele Ruiz, the program will help educate viewers about the disorder and provide important information on possible causes, warning signs, treatments and therapies. The show also examines the enormous impact autism has on the entire family and documents one family's personal struggles, frustrations and triumphs as they care for their autistic son.

In addition, many NBC affiliates will join this effort by producing local reports on aspects of autism in their own communities and running additional stories on this topic produced by NBC News.

TELEMUNDO

Telemundo will present "Autismo: Epidemia Silenciosa?" on February 26 (7-8 p.m.). Produced for the network by KVEA, the Telemundo station in Los Angeles, the show will provide viewers with important information on the disorder and explain how families can seek treatment for their autistic children. KVEA anchor Lucia Navarro will serve as host of the program, which will also explore how the Hispanic community deals with autism and the social stigma that is often associated with mental illness.

Additional information about programming and when viewers can tune in for specific information can be found at http://www.autism.msnbc.com.

During the week of February 21, a national campaign led by the CDC and partner organizations will be launched called "Learn the Signs: Act Early." It aims to educate parents of young children about developmental milestones, signs of developmental delays such as autism and the need to discuss concerns with their child's doctor or nurse.