You've heard of "high-functioning" autism, but it doesn't mean what you think it does.Source: The Autism Site

A new analysis challenges the idea that mutations in the sperm of older fathers account for higher rates of autism in their children1. Spontaneous, or ‘de novo,’ mutations are known to accumulate in sperm over time — leading some researchers to suggest that these mutations explain why men aged 50 or…

Pregnant women’s use of acetaminophen may increase the odds of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their children, according to an analysis of cord blood from nearly 1,000 children1. The study design has a major limitation: Cord blood provides only a short window of exposur…

Autistic children with sensory issues show more pronounced changes in heart rate in response to unpleasant sounds and brushing against rough surfaces than their non-autistic peers do, a new study shows. The result suggests that heart-rate variability may be a sensitive indicator of sensory issues in…

By Dr. Anton Shcherbakov, BCBA There are many reasons that kids can experience a delay in speech development. Sometimes it’s because of a neurodevelopment disorder, such as autism or intellectual disability. Other kids may have an oral-motor coordination or hearing problem. Regardless of the caus…

As the end of the school year approaches and students are let out on vacation, it’s important for us to consider the risks of elopement and overall neighborhood safety for children with autism. This month, we’re sharing a special feature from ASAT written by Kate Britton, EdD, BCBA and B…

With the new school year in session, it’s especially important to regulate sleep in students. In this month’s ASAT feature, Lauren Schnell, MA, BCBA, offers insight on a variety of approaches parents can take to address sleep disturbances in their kids with autism. To learn more about AS…

Citing U.S. Congress’ failure to restore federal funding of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Alabama plans to drop 7,000 children from coverage on New Year’s Day, the first step to shutting down coverage for everyone, state officials said 18 December. Those children, who are up for th…

By Christa Holmans, Neurodivergent Rebel I found out that I was autistic at the age of twenty-nine. The Psychologist who diagnosed me recommended I read the works of autistic authors and seek out other autistic adults in order to help me to better understand autism and how it related to myself. She …

By Raquel Abiahy Fashion is often seen as a dazzling world of creativity, individuality, and self-expression. But for someone like me, an autistic model and activist, it can also be a space filled with challenges, misunderstandings, and exclusion. I’ve spent much of my life navigating the intersecti…

Two new methods make it possible to delete long sections of the genome, expanding the capabilities of the gene editor CRISPR. The techniques could lead to therapies that excise large insertions or duplications tied to autism, such as the DNA repeats that underlie fragile X syndrome. To remove a segm…

I recently got a chance to talk with Francis Feoko, a C5 quadriplegic, who is a sophomore in the Bay Area in California. Francis wanted to share with Assistive Technology Blog's readers how, being a college student, he takes care of his home and school work and how technology has made him more confi…

“Hiring autistic people solves many problems. It allows their skills to be utilized and takes a burden off the system,” Steve Andrews By Debra Muzikar Last month, I had the pleasure to interview Steve Andrews, founder of Platinum Bay Technologies. Over a cup of coffee he shared his story and laid ou…

Around one and a half year ago, scientists at the Northwestern University developed a 3d printed Hyperelastic Bone that not only encourages bone regrowth but actually grows as the body grows. This is especially important when making implants in children. By 3D printing an implant the exact size and…