PORTLAND, Ore. - April is Autism Awareness Month and Oregon has one of the highest rates of autism diagnoses in the United States.

According to the Oregon Department of Education, one out of every 98 students across the state is affected by autism. Compare that to the numbers from the Centers for Disease Control, which show that one out of 150 people has the disease across the country.

Now there is a new technique to treat autism that has kids tapping into the power of superheros.

Author Michelle Winner, a nationally renowned expert in autism research, shared the strategy in Portland on Thursday.

She has developed a Superflex superhero who helps kids with autism overcome social barriers. By identifying with the comic book hero, kids who have trouble understanding how others think can learn social strategies.

Superflex defeats a cast of criminals, including Rock Brain - a villain that gets stuck on one idea, which is a common problem for kids with Asperger's Syndrome.

Autism specialists in Portland have used the comic book at several schools and they say it appears to be making a difference.

Winner's workshop in Portland will also run on Friday, April 18.  Advanced registration is closed but walk-in registration is available.  Click here for details.