Genetic factors — not environmental or maternal factors — are the primary cause of autism.Source: The Autism Site

Art of Autism artists recently participated in a project with the University of Exeter and the production company Calling the Shots as part of a larger research by University of Exeter Exploring Diagnosis. Participating artists were Angela Weddle from Texas, Eddie Callis from the U.K., J.A. Tan from…

Jack Higgins is hypersensitive to loud noises and is easily overstimulated.Source: The Autism Site

When strangers came to visit my booth, they asked, “Did you really take all of these photos?” They did not know that an autistic person could do that kind of work. They were surprised! By Malcolm Wang I am really lucky that I live in a small town that has a lot of exhibition opportunities for young …

By Christa Holmans, Neurodivergent Rebel I’m always in motion, rocking, bouncing, singing, humming, flapping, and making random sounds. I’m a stimmy human, but for almost thirty years, I had been stimming without really understanding or thinking about why. Being diagnosed autistic in my late twentie…

“…the notion of a “neurotypical savior” who brings a severely challenged and mistreated autistic individual out of their shell would be considered offensive by many viewers today due to recognition of the success in self-advocacy and professional achievement that so many individuals on t…

By Ryan Smoluk A lot has happened since we last connected, some good some not so good. Anyhow it’s the beginning of another beautiful summer here in Winnipeg, Canada. I am happy and excited to share with you my latest good news. In June, I had my art on exhibit in one of Canada’s most respected and …

Alexa Bjornson sent a note with her son to help explain his condition, but she still worried his seatmate might be annoyed by him.Source: The Autism Site

By Megan Amodeo Who has the biggest house? The best car? The most intelligent children? The most athletic children? Sometimes it seems that we spend the majority of our days comparing ourselves with other people and their children. I’m sure we’ve all been compared with others at least once in our li…

“I want to see a world where people with disabilities achieving things is a norm rather than an exception. It isn’t a surprise when you see a person with autism practicing law or doing something amazing in the world.” By Ron Sandison This last June I met Haley Moss at the Milestone Autism Conferenc…

By Ikea “Syance” Wilson I would like to say something about the R-word. Not only do I think it is offensive, I also believe this word could tear people down inside mentally and emotionally. We often use this word in order to express frustration to one another. However, this is not an ac…

By Gretchen Leary These last couple months started off as anything but calm. I tried on a bikini for first time since middle school despite not being at my ideal weight. I drove a big truck I never thought I would ever drive. I was honestly terrified the entire time and yet so proud of myself. That …

The Art of Autism interviews Gail Alvares, PhD, about her team’s research which was recently published in the journal Autism. The researchers reviewed data for 2,225 children and young people (aged 1-18) diagnosed with autism, about half of whom had intellectual disability, and half of whom di…

"The presence of an autistic adult in the world who doesn't make the newspaper is not a statement of failure."Source: The Autism Site