What makes a successful autism treatment depends on whom you ask. A researcher may judge a treatment based on the results of a clinical trial or on the outcome measure chosen. For an autistic person, the best measure of success might be an improvement in quality of life. To others, no ‘treatment’ ma…

“People with autism are asking for two reasonable things – acceptance of their difference and respect for their difference,” Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen, March 31, 2017 There are an estimated 70 million people on the planet who are on the autism spectrum. Last Friday the United Nations…

Interview by Jenny BristolIllustration by Rebecca Burgess Anthony Ryan Schmidt is a 12-year-old boy who is passionate about cars—especially model cars—and shares that passion with the world through his compelling photography. In many of his photos, due to forced perspective, the cars look life-si…

When disability is cool and collectible, it may seem like recognition, but there is too much room for marginalization. By Angela Weddle After reading The Art of Autism’s facebook post on the Creative Growth Studios, I was left with some realizations and questions both about the art world, in genera…

As a journalist and author, I’ve spent most of my life writing stories. But now, as an entrepreneur, I find myself in an office building in Harvard Square where my team is writing code. Along with 100 or so pilot users, we are testing a new device to help reach and communicate with children who have…

At first glance, the Rowheels Revolution 1.0 wheelchair looks like just another wheelchair, albeit a little slick. However, what its looks don’t tell you is that it is designed from scratch to provide greater comfort, extended mobility, and  reduces problems from shoulder, elbow, wrist injurie…

Interview with Julia Bascom by Haley Moss Photograph by Conner Cummings Our Guest Editor, Haley Moss, interviews Julia Bascom, the Executive Director for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). They are a national disability rights organization run by and for autistic adults. Julia and ASAN are f…

The Art of Autism is taking nominations for your favorite informative blogs in a number of categories. Here are our nominations so far for favorite blog – autistic male perspective. To vote click on who you want to vote for and hit the vote button at the bottom. Voting ends March 15, 2017. We …

Mozart and the Whale is a film adapted from Jerry Newport and Mary Newport’s autobiographical book Mozart and the Whale: An Asperger’s Love Tale. By Nils Skudra I first watched the 2005 film Mozart and the Whale several years ago and have since viewed it numerous times. I just saw it aga…

Art, whether that art is music, theatre, or physical 3-D works, is always a mirror to our times. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker There are analogies when referring to brains that always seems to involve electricity. I mean, instead of saying the brain is “wired,” why not refer to the complex non-sensate ta…

The Pasitos program in Tijuana serves autistic children. The Art of Autism is highlighting some of the students who participated in the Finding Your Inner MozArt art contest sponsored by the Art of Autism and Mainly Mozart, a San Diego based nonprofit who connects music lovers to the genius of Mozar…

Companies invest a lot in finding top talent. Unfortunately, they often don't seem to invest as much in keeping them once they're on board. A recent Forbes article offers up the top ten reasons why large companies fail to keep their best talent. The two that struck me most (or, more accurately, the …

Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis (TSC) and Williams syndrome are rare conditions with clear genetic causes: Each springs from a mutation in a single gene — and with unusual frequency seems to simultaneously produce a more common condition: autism1. But is the ‘autism’ in a child with Williams …

By Tom Iland I received some questions this morning from a mother whose son with autism didn’t want to be called “high-functioning” and suggested she use another term. She asked me if I’ve ever felt this way – is it possible many kids feel this way and we don’t know it? and what other terms ca…