It's more common in the general population than autism but is often under-diagnosed. Source: The Autism Site

A brief, partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government ended 22 January, as the Senate and House approved legislation that would keep federal dollars flowing until 8 February, as well as fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the next six years. President Donald Trump signed the …

Nearly 20 years ago, a new strain of mice debuted in a California laboratory. The mice were missing a gene called SCN2A that helps neurons transmit electrical currents1. And the study announcing their genesis was the last word on the matter for many years. About a decade later, the mouse’s creator, …

Happy New Year!  Many people are inspired by the start of the new year to set goals for themselves.  This is also an ideal time for parents to think about their goals for their children.  In setting goals for a child with a disability, there are a few important considerations that wil…

In celebration of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I caught up with children’s author Christel Land to interview her about her children’s hero stories on autism as a ‘difference’ not a disability. The Superhero Brain and The Superhero Heart are Christel’s debut books and al…

The post Weighing up autism’s obesity crisis appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

A brief questionnaire written with guidance from people with autism is the first of its kind to assess quality of life among adults with the condition. The new assessment features nine autism-specific questions intended as an add-on to a general quality-of-life instrument. The original was developed…

There are a couple causes, ranging from understandable yet disappointing to downright awful.Source: The Autism Site

Autism scientists are well aware of the importance of translational research — work that translates basic findings in animal models into treatments for people. Unfortunately, potential autism treatments that work well in animals often do not work when tested in people. For researchers desperate to f…

Their stories range from bizarre to downright horrifying.Source: The Autism Site

Their story has won hearts everywhere.Source: The Autism Site

By Megan Amodeo I try to limit my social media use and news coverage due to the fact that it can make me feel overwhelmed and anxious. It’s hard to separate myself from everything happening good and bad in today’s society. Fortunately, or unfortunately, one particular social media campaign keeps dra…

By Emma Dalmayne In his song Wicked Ways Eminem says he has Aspergers: Ever heard of Aspergers? It’s a rare condition It’s what you’re suffering from when you simply don’t care if it’s an 80 degree day And there’s no fricken air conditioning. In another song called Legacy he raps: “I use…

How the brain’s immune cells, or microglia, develop in ‘germ-free’ mice depends on the sex of the mice, according to a new study1. If the findings hold up in people, this sex difference may help to explain why four times as many boys as girls are diagnosed with autism. The mice are raised in sterile…