Asperger's Articles
- Diagnosing autism isn't always easy
While there is no age at which healthcare experts agree autism needs to be caught, most agree that an earlier diagnosis presents more opportunities for treatment. However, an early diagnosis is not always guaranteed. more...
- Autistic teen pens book on befriending kids with the disorder
Daniel Stefanski is also autistic, and recently the teen published a book about the ways in which people without the disorder can make friends with and get along with people who have autism. more...
- 3D computer program may have applications in autism treatment
Researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton, recently reported taking the first successful steps toward creating a computer program that can recognize human emotions through facial expression analysis. more...
- Video game supplements traditional autism therapies
One of the most common deficits caused by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is the inability to recognize or parse the facial expressions of others. more...
- Teens with autism often have short-term memory impairment
A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychiatry declared that autistic teens and adults have greater difficulty recalling verbal sequences than their unaffected peers. more...
- Independent film centers on teen with autism
Filmmaker Janet Grillo recently wrote, produced and directed a full-length feature about a woman and her profoundly autistic teenage daughter. more...
- Experts say videos may help autistic youth avoid being kidnapped
Behavioral scientists at Anadolu University, Turkey, tested an educational system that mixed video-based learning with instruction from teachers and community members. more...
- With help, autistic teens may become functioning adults
The aim of therapeutic boarding schools and special education programs is to give teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) as many opportunities for self-sufficiency as possible. more...
- Study: Autistic brains process eye contact differently
A study published in the journal NeuroImage recently found that teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) use different and fewer areas of the brain to process eye contact, compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. more...
- Autistic teen rapper will perform at fundraising event
A 17-year-old autistic rapper named 50 Tyson was recently signed to a recording contract by NBA player and record producer Troy Hudson, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. more...
- Researchers find hundreds of genetic commonalities among people with autism
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia say they have recently made progress in discovering which genes autistic children and teens have in common. more...
- Lit review determines that cure for autism is still not in sight
Even though new studies on the origins of autism appear seemingly every day, many individuals may feel that little progress has been made in locating the true cause the disorder, or a cure for it. more...
- Letting autistic teens pick free-time activities may help them open up
A report published in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders states that giving people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) a little latitude to pick their leisure activities may boost their communication and social skills. more...
- Kentucky professor constructs video game for people with autism
A psychology expert at Western Kentucky University has recently created a video game intended to teach youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) how to behave in specific social situations, according to the school's newspaper, the Herald. more...
- Norwegian scientists say the autism rate is high but likely fixed
Just a few decades ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that one in 300 children had autism. A recent analysis conducted in Norway has addressed this seeming increase in occurrence. more...
- Immune pathway may be location of autistic brains' developmental abnormalities, researchers say
The basic neural changes that lead to autism appear to be to the amount of connections between the brain's nerves, according to researchers at UC Davis. Now, their findings may indicate just where and when these changes are likely to take place. more...
- Kids with autism may have better-than-average mental mapping skills
While autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often take their toll on a child's social and academic life, that doesn't mean autism is totally without benefits. more...
- Researchers look into role serotonin plays in mitigating autistic behavior
In a recent report, a group of researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio said that serotonin may play a big role in alleviating autism's social symptoms. more...
- Teens, young adults with autism can learn independence through hands-on practice
While it can be hard to find a more effective autistic learning program than a therapeutic boarding school, publicly schooled teens with autism often find small ways to learn and assert some independence. more...
- TV show makes 'Asperger's' a popular search term
Sometimes popular movies or television shows popularize a particular medical condition, encouraging thousands of Americans to learn more about it. Recently, the dramatic TV comedy Parenthood did just that for the term "Asperger's." more...
- Autistic teens can progress into productive adult lives, sometimes with help
Teens with Asperger's syndrome have been known to graduate from high school and college, find profitable jobs and live independently. more...
- Review addresses debate over early intensive treatments for autism
While therapeutic boarding schools exist for autistic teens with these issues, some researchers are debating if early interventions can reduce the severity of the symptoms of autism. more...
- Autistic teen works semi-professionally as animator
Though autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often cause a range of behavioral and social deficits, that doesn't mean that teens with the condition need not succeed beyond the realm of school. more...
- Autistic children often have abnormal reactions to sensory stimuli
Youths with ASDs do not just have difficulty processing day-to-day social and behavioral input. They also can have trouble dealing with more basic stimuli, like sounds, light and touch. more...
- Brain wave measurements may be able to diagnose autism in infants
Though most health authorities agree that autism is diagnosable no earlier than 18 months of age, a new medical test may be able to determine whether a child is at risk for the disorder using little more than a few electrodes placed on the scalp. more...
- Experts debate upcoming revisions to diagnostic autism criteria
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently published its proposed revisions to the definition of autism. more...
- Parents, health agencies advise avoiding generalizing about autism
Some health authorities and parents of children with the disorder recommend a conservative approach to generalizing about autism. more...
- Medication for schizophrenia, autism may reduce brain volume
Prescription medications may help youth with autism reduce their anxiety, aggression or asocial behavior. However, a recent study has determined that a class of drug that is occasionally given to autistic children may result in a smaller brain size. more...
- Pediatrician writes book on optimizing education for autistic students
A professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center recently released a book detailing the process by which the needs of children with autism can best be met at school. more...
- Employers should consider hiring more autistic people, advocates say
Temple Grandin recently said that students with autism often have technical or scientific skills that are more refined than those of their peers, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. more...
- TV show audience expresses concerns about autism
On a recent episode of the Dr. Oz Show, autism experts and audience members discussed the symptoms and potential causes of autism. more...
- iPad can help teens with severe autism communicate
While youth with Asperger's syndrome may have little difficulty verbally communicating their thoughts and feelings, teens with more profound autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often suffer from a partial or even complete inability to speak. more...
- University will use simulator to study autistic teen drivers
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded the University of Virginia $100,000 to be used to study the driving abilities of teens with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. more...
- Many teens with autism suffer from bullying
While parents rarely like to think about the prospect of their child being bullied, it is more common than many realize. An estimated 30 percent of all American teens are bullied. For teens with autism, things may be even worse. more...
- Study: Gene linked to sex hormones may be a mechanism for autism's development
Researchers at George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences have reported finding what they believe is a genetic switch that may determine the presence of autism. more...
- Daytime medical TV show will address autism
The mother of a child with an autism will appear on the Dr. Oz Show on February 17, as part of a discussion of the disorder's spectrum and its effects on youth and their parents, the Hudson Reporter said. more...
- Pediatrician says special diets do not effectively treat autism symptoms
Special diets are not proven to have any positive effect on the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, according to a Mayo Clinic pediatrician. more...
- Misunderstandings may make public school tough for autistic youth
Though children with autism can occasionally thrive in regular public school classes, their deficits may incur punishments that they do not necessarily merit. more...
- Dogs provide one more therapy for kids with autism
The families who do not opt to send their autistic teens to therapeutic boarding schools must often look for alternative treatments for their child's symptoms. One of those alternatives is therapy dogs, USA Today reports. more...
- Teens with autism may lash out aggressively
While it is not a universal symptom of autism spectrum disorders, aggression behavior may manifest itself in teens who fall on the spectrum. more...
- Autistic experience peer rejection-related stress in different way, researchers say
Neurologists and brain development experts at the University of California, Los Angeles, have reported that adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) appear to process peer rejection in a way different from those without the condition. more...
- University students raise money for autism
Students at California State University, Northridge, will be raising funds for and awareness of autism through April 20th as part of the school's Unified4Autism campus-wide challenge. more...
- West Virginia legislature approves autism funding bill
The West Virginia House of Delegates recently passed House Bill 2693, which mandates insurance coverage for youth with autism, according to the Charleston Daily Mail. more...
- iPhone app coaches autistic teens through social interactions
Now, a new iPhone application may help autistic teens socialize with the world. more...
- American Idol contestant has Asperger's syndrome
The final contestant chosen to be on the latest season of the popular reality television show American Idol has Asperger's syndrome, according to numerous news sources. more...
- Poor handwriting can be a marker of autism in teens, report says
A teen's ability to reason their way through non-verbal problems may predict their penmanship skills, particularly among autistic teens. This was the latest finding of a group of neuroscientists in Baltimore, Maryland. more...
- Testosterone blurs an individual's sense of empathy, researchers say
One theory of autistic pathology holds that excess testosterone in utero makes a child more likely to have autism. Now, an international team of scientists have further contributed to this theory by testing the effect of the hormone on empathy. more...
- Protein malfunction may affect brain development in kids with autism, other neural conditions
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute believe they have found a protein dysfunction that may contribute to autism and other neural deficits. more...
- Experts believe autism is treatable but may never be curable
Multiple health authorities warn that thinking of autism in terms of "cures" may be unproductive. more...
- Poorly connected neurons may be to blame for autism, other disorders, experts say
A brain unable to break poor neural connections after they have been made may be at risk of autism or other mental disorders, researchers said. more...
- Autism expert recommends options for aggressive teens with the disorder
How are parents to handle aggression in autistic children? Experts often point to intensive treatment programs, like therapeutic boarding school. more...
- Researchers propose strategy for helping autistic teens rein in aggression
Recently, an international group of child psychologists and health experts reported the creation of a novel method of re-focusing autistic youth away from aggressive behavior. more...
- Specialists meet to discuss rise in Asperger's rates
Members of the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe will meet for four days in February to discuss the apparently increasing prevalence of Asperger's syndrome, a high-functions autism spectrum disorder. more...
- Awareness may reduce bullying directed at teens with autism, professor says
An expert on mental disorders recently told the eastern Courier that educating youth about autism spectrum disorders may reduce the incidence of bullying of teens with the conditions. more...
- Many teens with autism receive no services after graduating high school, survey finds
Social workers at the University of Washington, St. Louis, have determined that fewer than half of high school students with autism later receive health or living assistance. more...
- Experts are divided over whether oxygen therapy improves symptoms of autism
Some parents and health experts say a relatively new, contentiously debated treatment for autism confers behavioral benefits, while others warn that it does little or nothing, Fox news reports. more...
- Students with autism may be denied entrance to schools
The variation in symptomatic severity means that youth with ASDs are occasionally denied school placements or services. more...
- Advocacy group creates guidelines for raising teens with autism
The national advocacy organization Autism Speaks recently released its "Transition Tool Kit," a document that teaches parents how to handle the challenges of raising teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Medicating teens with autism may have mixed results, experts say
While no single medication can treat autism itself, certain prescriptions may ease some of these symptoms. However, parents should not expect problem behaviors to simply disappear, The Republican reports. more...
- Virginia mandates coverage for children with autism
After nearly 11 years navigating the Virginia General Assembly, a bill that mandates insurance coverage for children with autism has finally been approved by the state senate, making it a law, the Washington Post reports. more...
- Testosterone may be to blame for autism in teen girls, study finds
Research in Perth, Australia, has associated autism among teen girls with changes in menstruation timing. more...
- Autism may be caused by a sensitivity to the 'intense world,' report says
Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne, Switzerland, believe that autism may consist of little more than a genetic sensitivity to the environment, according to recently published report. more...
- Researchers say autism comes from a cloud of genetic variations
Psychologists and neuroscientists recently told Stanford Magazine that the spectrum of disorders known as "autism" may be caused by a vast complex of genetic variations. more...
- Teen with autism disorder releases single
As a young girl, Charlotte Fieldson's parents were told that she would be non-verbal all her life. Today, the 15-year-old autistic teen has released a single, according to BBC News. more...
- Criteria for autism diagnosis may soon receive an overhaul
The American Psychiatric Association has proposed revising autism terminology to more clearly reflect the spectrum. more...
- Experts list challenges of raising a child with autism
To address how difficult handling these deficits can be, Laura Schumaker, a writer and mother of an autistic child, recently created a list of the challenges parents face when raising a son or daughter with an ASD. more...
- Autistic individuals understand outcome, not intent, scientists say
A group of neuroscientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported that individuals with high-functioning autism appear to be unable to understand whether or not accidents caused by others are deliberate. more...
- Governor of Virginia proposes spending cuts that may affect children with autism
Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell recently told the state's Board of County Supervisors that cuts may soon be made in funds currently set aside for children and teens with mental health issues like autism or depression, the Washington Post reported. more...
- Former Dolphins quarterback leads thousands in walk for autism
Sports commentator and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino recently held the first annual WalkAbout Autism, an event organized by his charitable foundation to benefit children and teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Neurons growing under microscope may affect field of autism research
Neuroscientists at the Scripps Research Institute have reportedly revised the standard idea of the process of neural growth, potentially opening up new areas of research into autism and other developmental conditions. more...
- Decemberists frontman talks about son's autism
In a recent interview with Uncut Magazine, the lead singer and songwriter of folk band The Decemberists discussed his son, who has some deficits and some special talents. more...
- Virginia bill may soon require employers to cover autism treatments
A bill passed by the Virginia House of Delegates' Commerce and Labor Committee will, if passed, mandate autism treatment coverage for many families with autistic children, the Associated Press reports. more...
- Neurons of teens with autism may process calcium differently, experts say
Neurologists at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute have announced a discovery that may impact the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Poker tournament raises money for autism awareness
A poker tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada raised nearly $10,000 to benefit children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families. more...
- Art show will benefit students with autism
An art competition and fundraiser held in Naples, Florida will raise money for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to the Naples Daily News. more...
- UK spending cuts affect individuals with autism
The Bournemouth Daily Echo has reported that the families of individuals with autism are petitioning the government to re-open day care centers for people with the disorder. more...
- DECA members raise money for autism advocacy
Students at Lincoln High School in Columbus, Ohio have committed to raising $1,000 for the advocacy organization Autism Speaks, according to Columbus Local News. more...
- MRIs help researchers understand how autistic brains function
Research conducted at the University of Missouri Brain Imaging Center (BIC) has determined that people with certain brain dysfunctions, like autism or schizophrenia, may have underdeveloped working memory centers. more...
- Court case will determine military coverage of autism therapy
While some children with autism in civilian families can benefit from therapeutic boarding school, those covered by military care plans are largely denied any insurance coverage for common therapies like applied behavioral analysis (ABA). more...
- Of teens with autism, psychologist says communication skills can be improved
A child psychologist at the University of Missouri recently reported that children and teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may get more social over the years, according to the Columbia Missourian. more...
- Babies understand language before they can speak, experts find
When an infant is unresponsive to speech, he or she may need to be observed for other symptoms of autism. This principle was upheld by recent research showing that babies can understand adult speech before they say their first word. more...
- Scientists create diagnostic test for gene linked to autism
Geneticists have announced the creation of a partially quantitative diagnostic test for phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which is a gene that creates tumor-suppressing proteins but, when mutated, has also been linked to disorders like autism. more...
- Wrestlers appear at event benefiting kids with autism
Professional wrestler Ryan McBride will appear at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees Township, New Jersey at an event to benefit youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to the New Jersey Courier-Post. more...
- Autism organization, chocolate company seek nominations for 'unsung heroes'
Lindt USA, manufacturer of chocolates and other confections, has teamed up with Autism Speaks to announce that it is seeking nominees for its yearly Unsung Heroes of Autism Contest. more...
- Teen with autism has a future in classical music, teacher says
In Rochester, New York, a teen with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has inspired his teachers and classmates with his skills as a classical musician, according to the city's newspaper, the Democrat and Herald. more...
- Minnesotans participate in study of child health outcomes
The University of Minnesota is currently recruiting hundreds of families to participate in research that will investigate the causes of autism, according to the Associated Press. more...
- Non-profit trains EMTs, firefighters to interact with autistic teens
An autism advocacy organization in Long Island, New York has begun to offer classes about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to local first responders, according to Fire Chief Magazine. more...
- UK program introduces autistic teens to sports
A youth project organized by UK autism advocates plans to offer a number of sports and physical activities to teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to BBC News. more...
- Autism service holds youth art competition
The Eden Autism Services in Naples, Florida will hold its annual Invitational Art Fest for autistic youth between the ages of 5 and 18. more...
- Poll finds slim majority of Americans think MMR does not cause autism
Even though a scientific paper linking the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism has been retracted and labeled fraudulent, Americans who agree that MMR vaccination does not cause the disorder constitute a slim majority. more...
- Fly courtship indicates that genes affect socializing, scientists say
Researchers at Texas A&M University have reported linking the insects' social behavior to specific genes, which may have consequences for research into the causes of autism and other developmental disorders. more...
- Parents, advocates speak out about autism coverage in West Virginia
In West Virginia, a crowd of people gathered together in downtown Charleston to speak about the need for better insurance coverage for kids with autism, the city's WSAZ News reported. more...
- Teen autism appears as major plot point in new TV show
A television show still in development may feature as its protagonist a teen with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). more...
- One of the first movie depictions of autism starred Elvis, Mary Tyler Moore
Entertainments news sources say that autism has become the new "'it' disorder" in movies, books and television shows. more...
- State governor proposes more autism-specific schools
For teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), more therapeutic boarding schools may soon be available in New Jersey. The state's governor, Chris Christie, has proposed creating more dedicated schools for youth with autism, the New York Times reports. more...
- Study connects eating less during pregnancy with autism risk
A recent investigation has shown that a reduction of food consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy may affect fetal brain development. more...
- Advocates, government groups will investigate Somali-American autism rate
The autism advocacy group Autism Speaks has announced that it will partner with two U.S. government agencies in order to study the reportedly high rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among Somali-American youth in Minneapolis. more...
- Claire Danes is latest Hollywood star to earn acclaim for autism role
For her role in the HBO biopic titled Temple Grandin, actress Claire Danes recently received a 2010 Golden Globe for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, according to Yahoo News. more...
- Public service department offers autism training for police officers
When that situation involves police officers, autism-related training for law enforcement may help, according to the Association for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE). more...
- Youth, adults with autism face systemic challenges
In addition to their own unique deficits, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often have trouble simply finding help and receiving public health services, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Autistic Society Cymru. more...
- Kids with autism are susceptible to holiday stress, experts say
The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), as well as for their families, experts have said. more...
- Governor promises continued funding for autism programs
Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey, has announced that funding for autism programs will not take a hit in 2012, according to Patch Paramus. more...
- Mixing youth with autism with their peers may help them overcome deficits
Allowing children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to receive education and therapy in classes that also include their non-autistic peers may benefit both groups, 10 News San Diego reports. more...
- Therapy center offers training for parents with autistic children
A national autism therapy center has offered affordable training for parents of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Autism advocacy group, nonprofit host interactive concert series
A national non-profit organization and an autism public awareness group have teamed up to create a series of concerts that provide interactive entertainment for youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- New drug may treat autism-like genetic disorder
A medication created by prescription-drug maker Novartis may treat the underlying cause of Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that manifests with autism-like symptoms. more...
- Deficient neural connections may form early, researchers say
An international team of neuroscientists has determined that neurons link to one another very early in human development. Individuals with autism and other brain disorders may exhibit slower connectivity during this period, they said. more...
- Students with autism are active in community, data says
A study conducted by SRI International, a non-profit research institute, has determined that students with disabilities like autism or mental retardation are participating in their communities and attending post-secondary school more than ever. more...
- Temple Grandin speaks of benefits of autism
Autism advocate and animal scientist Temple Grandin recently spoke at Calvin College about the special aptitudes of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to Michigan Live. more...
- Contrary to prior theory, scientists say nerve stem cells thrive on free radicals
Oxygen-containing molecules previously thought to damage neural stem cells may actually help them thrive, according to recent research. more...
- Teen with PDD-NOS writes about life with autism
A college senior with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PPD-NOS) recently described life as a young man with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for the San Francisco Chronicle. more...
- Massage may be ineffective in treating autism symptoms, study finds
After a wide-reaching survey of medical studies, medical experts have said that the efficacy of massage therapy for autism appears to be insignificant. more...
- Journal finds wealth of falsified data in study linking vaccines, autism
An article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has addressed the fraudulent claims of a UK doctor that vaccinations cause autism in otherwise healthy children. more...
- BPA harms human eggs, may contribute to birth defects, researchers find
The presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in a woman's bloodstream may decrease the quality of her eggs or lead to birth defects, including autism according to recent scientific inquiry. more...
- Movie theater chain partners with autism advocacy group
AMC Theatres, a national cinema chain, has teamed up with the Autism Society of America (ASA) to bring sensory-friendly movies to youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) around the country. more...
- Advocates debate over who should act as spokesperson for people with autism
There has been much debate in recent month about the role autistic individuals should play in advocacy. more...
- Support, therapeutic intervention may boost outcomes for youth with autism
Therapeutic programs for autism, like boarding schools, may have a positive effect on the adult lives of youth with the disorder. more...
- Doctor, companies preyed on fear of vaccine-autism link to make profit, investigator says
An ongoing series of investigative reporting in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has determined that Andrew Wakefield, a former UK physician and researcher, falsified medical data on vaccines and autism in order to make a profit. more...
- Autistic teen up for sports scholarship
A North Texas athlete with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is in the running for the Rudy Award, a scholarship offered to exceptional football players, KDFW Dallas-Fort Worth reported. more...
- Bill mandates coverage for kids with autism
Passed by the state senate over a year ago, Nevada's Assembly Bill 162 went into effect on January 1, 2011, requiring insurance providers to cover diagnostic tests and screening for autism in children, according to the Las Vegas Sun. more...
- Diagnostic handbook revisions highlight historical status of Aspergers syndrome as mental disorder
Controversies surrounding the upcoming edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) recall those of its previous revision, according to National Public Radio. more...
- Educating children with autism can be a difficult process, experts say
Sociologists and parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) told the Illinois Daily Review Atlas that raising and teaching youth with autism can be hard work. more...
- Data analysts associate close interval between siblings with autism risk
Social scientists at Columbia University have reported that conceiving a second child less than three years after giving birth to the first entails a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Author with Asperger's will discuss memoir
The author of a memoir about growing up with Asperger's syndrome will speak at an event hosted by the Howland Public Library in Poughkeepsie, New York, according to the city newspaper, the Journal. more...
- Celebrities contribute to soundtrack for documentary of autism
A number of famous musicians and actors have created songs for the soundtrack of Wretches and Jabberers, a documentary that follows the lives of two men with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Autism center offers support meetings for families of kids with ASDs
An autism advocacy center in Edmonton, Canada is offering group support meetings for families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the Calgary Herald has reported. more...
- Social interventions improve communication in toddlers with ASDs, study finds
Recent research has indicated that social therapy given to toddlers with autism may improve their socialization and communication skills. more...
- Golfer raises funds for autism treatment center
Professional golfer Ernie Els has announced an extensive tournament series that will raise money for a planned autism treatment facility, according to CBC Sports. more...
- Fast food chain owner donates millions to autism research
The CEO of White Castle, the popular burger chain, has recently committed to donating $10 million to research into autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- High-resolution microscope finds no sign of brain damage in those with autism
Microscopy technology developed by scientists and physicists at the University of California, Los Angeles has allowed researchers to watch - in 3D, no less - autistic individuals' neurons firing. more...
- Company announces new autism drug trial sites
An ongoing phase III trial of a proprietary drug will determine if enzyme replacement therapy can improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- School unveils training programs for autism educators
Crowder College is now offering two programs designed to train educators of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to the Neosho Daily News. more...
- Initiative collects iPads for students with autism
The 18 iPads in 18 Days initiative aims to help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) learn physical dexterity and communication skills by collecting the new touch-screen devices. more...
- Advocacy organization supports bill to fund autism research
The National Autism Association (NAA) recently expressed its gratitude to Democratic Senator Chris Dodd for introducing legislation that would reauthorize the Combating Autism Act of 2006. more...
- Researchers discover how neurons link, point to process as potential cause of autism
Recent scientific findings suggest that autism may be linked to the way neurons connect to one another in the brain. more...
- Study: girls with autism less likely to be diagnosed
New research suggests that girls displaying the symptoms of autism are about three times more likely to go undiagnosed than boys. more...
- Small changes in amygdala may make big difference in autism occurrence
Findings from the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggest that autisms gender imbalance may be associated with subtle differences in brain composition. more...
- Research suggests earlier diagnoses may be in store for kids with autism
A physician with the University of Texas Childrens Memorial Hermann Hospital told KHOU Houston that progress is being made on diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) prior to their first birthday. more...
- Retired race horse helps kids with autism open up
Spot the Diplomat, a race horse retired after breaking an ankle, is now being used to help rehabilitate two children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the Los Angeles Times reports. more...
- 90-year-old drug may be repurposed to treat autism symptoms
An antispasmodic drug used to treat seizures and alcoholism may treat anxiety and social withdrawal associated with autism, TIME Magazine reports. more...
- National database releases data on thousands with autism
The National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) recently released data from studies conducted on 10,000 Americans with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Oxytocin may treat symptoms of autism, experts say
According to a number of studies, oxytocin - the so-called love hormone - may help to treat psychiatric conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism, according to Fox News. more...
- Education specialist describes how to explain death to autistic children
Pamela Downing, a special education teacher, recently related how to explain the concept of death to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in an article in the Brownsville Herald. more...
- Theater plans special movie showing for children with autism
A movie theater in Layton, Utah, will be screen The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in a special showing that caters to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to the Utah Standard-Examiner. more...
- Autism advocate suggests ways to net an iPad for the holidays
Laura Shumaker of the San Francisco Chronicle recently wrote about several ways cash-strapped parents of children with autism may be able to get iPads for the holidays. more...
- New book gives practical advice for raising autistic children
A Seattle couples new book describes the happiness and hardships of raising a son with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). more...
- Memoir emphasizes optimism in caring for kids with autism
The author of a new book on raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) said that staying positive helped her and her son immensely during his journey through diagnosis and treatment for autism, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. more...
- Mother seeks special intervention for two sons with autism
Sara Salvia, mother of two autistic boys, recently told the Miami Herald that she is looking for special tools to try to overcome some of her sons deficits. more...
- Psychologist discusses challenges autistic teens face as adulthood approaches
David Holmes, a psychologist at Princeton University and the author of several books on adult autism, recently talked with the Dallas Morning News about the frustrations that await teens with autism in the adult world. more...
- Teacher lists items to avoid giving autistic kids for Christmas
Special education specialist Pam Downing recently wrote in the Brownsville Herald about what to avoid when buying Christmas gifts for a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). more...
- Survey finds special educators lauding new autism treatment manual
The National Autism Center's latest autism manual for teachers is increasing educator knowledge of autism and leading to more effective in-school treatment of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Growing number of students have autism, Ed Dept says
Hawaii has over 1,200 public school students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), more than double the levels reported 10 years ago, the Hawaii Star Advertiser reported. more...
- Online autism education program offers holiday tips
Rethink Autism (RA), an online education service for children and teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has published advice about getting kids with autism through the holidays. more...
- Study relates degenerative syndrome to autism disorder, finds treatment
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan said they have discovered a treatment for Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS), a complication of inheriting the genetic risk of Fragile X syndrome. more...
- Scented candle benefits will go to autism organization
White Castle, an American hamburger restaurant chain, has reissued its slider-scented candle and pledged the proceeds to Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy group. more...
- A new memoir recounts the institutionalization of an autistic sister
Twin: A Memoir, by Allen Shawn, relates the authors memories of his twin sister, Mary, who was permanently institutionalized at the age of eight after displaying the symptoms of what was later classified as autism. more...
- Experts say common drug may be used to treat autism-related social isolation
Researchers have determined that a common euphoria-inducing drug may be repurposed as a psychotherapeutic treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...
- Physician warns against anecdotal treatment for autism
A recent media story about a stem cell-related autism cure is largely based in personal anecdote and verbal hedging, according to a physician writing on ScienceBlogs. more...
- Research associates autism with prenatal exposure to air pollution
Living near a freeway while pregnant has been linked to an increased risk of autism by biostatisticians from the University of California school system. more...
- Support group helps fathers of children with autism
An autism group in New Jersey provides support for fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), NorthJersey.com reports. more...
- Missing gene causes autism-like behavior in mice, researchers say
The absence of a particular gene sequence affects the ability of neurons to communicate with one another in mice, according to new medical findings. more...
- Experts say brain protein may be responsible for autism, other neurological disorders
A study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience points to a naturally occurring set of cerebral proteins as the potential cause of more than 100 neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and Alzheimers disease. more...
- Autism organization will hold annual awards ceremony
Eden Autism Services, an autism advocacy organization in Princeton, New Jersey will hold its annual Eden Dreams awards gala at the local Hyatt Regency. more...
- Therapeutic travel program offers youth with autism chance to go abroad
A non-profit organization out of California allows youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to experience international travel, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. more...
- Study: Children with autism have difficulty searching for hidden objects
Contrary to previous findings, new research has determined that children with autism may have poorer visual search skills than those without the disorder. more...
- Memoir describes raising a son with autism
Author Mark Osteen described his new book, One of Us: A Familys Life with Autism, as a way to help parents of children with autism feel less isolated. more...
- Pet dogs may benefit children with autism, psychologist says
One researcher has said that, beyond trained service canines, simply having a pet dog could be therapeutic for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to the Ottawa Metro. more...
- NIMH picks Healthcare policy group to monitor autistic health outcomes
The National Institute for Mental Health recently chose the Lewin Group, a healthcare research and policy consulting firm, to study health outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). more...