It's easy to think of the rise in autism spectrum disorders as a North American phenomenon. After all, we in the United States are constantly bombarded with information about American statistics, programs and treatment plans.

But one thing that makes being an About Guide so exciting is receiving mail from around the world. Today's mail included a message from Autism South Africa announcing an international autism conference in Cape Town next November. The event, featuring Australian Asperger "guru" Tony Attwood, will include speakers from four continents!

This three-day event, dubbed "Autism Safari, Exploring New Territories," is the second World Autism Congress and Exhibition. Presented in part by the World Autism Organisation , it should be an exciting opportunity to learn more about how the world as a whole thinks about autism spectrum disorders.