Recent research suggests that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by disruption in normal brain development while in utero. Parts of the brain believed to be most affected are those areas responsible for reasoning, communication, and social interaction. As a result, individuals with autism often experience difficulty in these three core areas of functioning. For example, individuals with autism often have difficulty interpreting social cues, avoid eye contact and touching, and prefer to interact with objects instead of people. In the area of communication, individuals who have autism may echo what others say, reverse the pronouns you and I, have difficulty interpreting figurative language or humor, and tend not to follow customary rules of social conversation.
Autism is a heterogeneous disorder, with some individuals being more severely affected than others.
The Friends of the Waisman Center's third annual benefit concert will feature Ben Sidran, Madison's own internationally acclaimed jazz composer and musician. Sidran, along with Jeff Eckels, will present original compositions, reminiscences, and interpretations of great standards. He also will share stories behind the music. A number of benefactors are hosting this event. The Friends donate proceeds from this event to a wide variety of Waisman Center programs, according to board member Sally Lorenz, who is chair of the concert committee.