Autism Spectrum Disorders.
September 5, 2013
Hosted by Surita Rao, M.D.
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders in the Unites States. Autism spectrum disorders vary significantly in their severity. The level of functionality can range from severely disabled , as in children who lose almost all speech and ability to interact socially with others , all the way to patients with Asperger disorder where they may have a successful career in a field of scientific research but still be restricted in terms of interpersonal relationships. What exactly are autism spectrum disorder. Do we know why the incidence is increasing: is it better diagnosis, more children becoming afflicted with it or both? To help answer many of these questions as well as discuss what treatment modalities are available, Dr. Irfan Munawar, a child psychiatrist who also treats adult patients will be our guest on the show this Thursday.
Mental Health with Dr. Surita Rao
Thursday at 6 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Mental Health with Dr. Surita Rao is an interactive show focusing on everyday behavioral health issues. The program’s focus is on common behavioral health conditions, including depression, drug and alcohol problems, anger management, stress and other emotional challenges we face in our day-to-day lives. In addition, behavioral health conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and ADHD will be discussed.
You are invited to participate in the discussion of mental health, relationships and rehabilitation, and share your experiences. Our Topics are general in nature and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
Surita Rao, M.D.
Surita Rao, M.D. is the physician leader of the Behavioral Health Services at Saint Francis Care. She completed medical school at Bankura Sammilani Medical College in India and did her psychiatry residency training at St.Vincent’s Hospital in Staten Island, New York and the Yale University School of Medicine. She did her addiction psychiatry fellowship at the Yale University School of Medicine. She has been on the faculty at both Yale and Emory Universities. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
Her clinical work has focused on addiction psychiatry, including both substance use disorders and dual diagnosis issues. She has worked with impaired physicians and other health care professionals.
Upon completing her fellowship training, she worked as the Medical Director of the methadone maintenance clinics at Yale University School of Medicine. She has been the Chair of Behavioral Health at Saint Francis since 2002 and is the President of the Saint Francis Behavioral Health Group.
Dr. Rao is on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is co-chair of their national membership committee. She is also on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Chapter.
Dr. Rao is chair of the physicians’ health committee at Saint Francis. She also serves on the Board of the Saint Francis Foundation and has been appointed as a Corporator for Saint Francis Care.
