Life can be stressful for both children with autism and their families. That's why experts say it's important for parents to be informed about the latest treatments.

On Saturday, they had a chance to speak to professionals about that most recent research.

"Autism is something that is part of my life everyday. It isn't something I do from eight in the morning until three as a school practitioner. It's something that I am living and breathing all the time," said Melissa Parrish.

Melissa Parrish's 12-year-old son has autism. When he was diagnosed at the age of three, Melissa moved her family from New York City to Rochester; an area filled with services that fit the needs of her family. On Saturday, she attended a research focused conference held by the University of Rochester and Golisano Children's Hospital.

"The initial studies looking at autism were really looking at the causes, the genetics, the biology of autism and those continue, but more and more studies are starting to look at the common health conditions faced by children with autism as well as some treatment strategies," said Lynn Cole, Director of Kirch Developmental Center at University of Rochester.

Although there is no cure, Cole says they are always working on ways to treat and diagnose autism spectrum disorders. Saturday's conference highlighted some of the latest methods.

"Different medications, behavioral treatments that might be helpful, investigating how children with autism spectrum disorders use gestures, use their arms, hands, facial expressions," said Cole.

"Coming to a conference like this, I am able to find out what is going on in the realm of research, what are the areas that I can get involved in to help improve the quality of life for my child," said Parrish.

Parrish says the conference gives her a chance to meet other families who are dealing with autism. It's also an opportunity to meet doctors who actively work on strategies that help her son.

"I definitely live in fear, but at the same time, I am always being proactive and always thinking about what are the things that I can do that can prevent potential danger for him and coming to conferences like this help me address my fear," said Parrish.

Read more:
Autism Research Conference