Phil Axtell
Dr. Phil Axtell, a Knoxville psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, will discuss Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome diagnoses and interventions for both children and adults on Saturday, June 20, at Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge. The church is located at 131 West Gettysburg Avenue.
The presentation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church fellowship hall. The event is free and open to the public, and child care will be provided.
Children are increasingly being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s Syndrome according to recent research. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported that 1 in 68 children were identified with ASD in their study covering 8-year-olds in 11 U.S communities over the years 2000-2010, a press release said.
The report further reported that Autism Spectrum Disorders occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. However, the study reported that the number of children identified with ASD varied widely by community, and that almost half had above-average intellectual ability (IQ above 85). Among other findings: ASD is almost five times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).
Other data estimated the increasing prevalence of ASD over the study year. The 2010 estimates are roughly 30 percent higher than those for 2008; roughly 60 percent higher than those for 2006; and roughly 120 percent higher than those for 2002 and 2000. The cause for the increased prevalence is unknown.
Axtell received his doctorate from the University of Tennessee, graduating in 2006. He is a National Certified School Psychologist, a recognition conferred by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Axtell has been in private practice for six years, the press release said. He specializes in psychological evaluations for children as young as six months to adolescents, young adults, and adults in a variety of clinical and educational difficulties. These may include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual abilities, learning disabilities, and other behavioral and educational concerns.
Prior to beginning private practice, he performed special education evaluations for the Morristown School System.
For more information, call Stacey Garrick at (865) 294-5385.
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