People with autism who avoid social interactions or have troubles with daily living skills — from using a toilet to preparing meals — are at increased risk of an early death, a new study suggests1. Autistic people are more than twice as likely as those in the general population to die prematurely. T…

Ten tips that can help parents, teachers and caregivers By Samantha Craft Thinking about three autistics, my middle son (age 17), my adult partner, and myself, the following things assist us: 1.Having things out in the open When items are out in the open and I can see them and know there is ‘enoug…

I want to see autistic characters who are Black, Latino, Asian, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, non-verbal, LGBTAQ+, and/or physically disabled By Dana Trick Recently there has been a very vocal demand for representation for diverse people of various ethnicities, religions, sexuali…

“Attention energizes and intention transforms… Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life. Whatever you take your attention away from will wither, disintegrate and disappear,” Deepak Chopra By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker We are probably all aware of what we wish our futures t…

Interview by Jenny BristolIllustration by Rebecca Burgess Hari Srinivasan is a minimally-speaking autistic advocate and college student at UC Berkeley, California. He works tirelessly as a student, research assistant, and teacher. He is a Psychology major with a minor in Disability Studies, and s…

Researchers have documented the shape and electrical activity of more than 2,000 neurons in the mouse brain, and charted the connections between them1. The effort, described 27 November in Science, details 15 distinct types of connecting neurons, or interneurons, that inhibit brain activity. It also…

PBS Kids has enhanced the accessibility of their programming by introducing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to sixty episodes across six popular children’s series – Arthur, Alma’s Way, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, Work It Out Wombats!, and Pinka…

Scientific research is replete with complications and frustrations, large and small, technical and personal. This year, we asked autism investigators to tell us about the biggest challenges they face as they tackle tough questions about autism. They described a range of difficulties, from coaxing ch…

Growing up, did your grandma ever make you handmade apparel? Karen Bowersox took this idea for her granddaughter who has Down Syndrome to the next level. She founded the clothing line, NBZ Apparel International, which stands for No Buttons/Zipperless. The company’s specialty is jeans but th…

In the past, we have seen quite a few instances where people have been able to control their prosthetics with just their thoughts. Recently, a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins used the Myo armband on an amputee to help him control his prosthetic arm with his mind. The Myo armband is a $199 band …

Neurodivergent artist Mahlia Amatina has created an exhibit about humanity, connectedness, and laundry. Exhibit opens at the Menier Gallery in London November 21 through December 2. Conceptual abstract artist Mahlia Amatina invites you to discover Around the World in 80 Washing Lines, an interactive…

Ask A BCBA is a new series where we take your questions to our favorite ABA professionals. Do you have a question for a BCBA? Email us at info@difflearn.com and you could be featured in a future post! Congratulations on passing your BACB exam!  Not only did you pass this notoriously difficu…

Elise Robinson’s newest office mates are a ficus tree, its broad variegated leaves enjoying the light from a narrow window, and a pair of small succulents perched one above the other at the edges of bookshelves. And these are just a fraction of what Robinson has in her home in Wellesley, where an ex…

From Mrs P’s Magic Library “It is our choices … that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J. K. Rowling (Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets) Bullies appear in many classic fairy tales. We all know the story of Snow White and her wicked stepmother and Cinderella and her cr…