A new method for mining sequencing data reveals single-letter swaps in the genetic code within large duplications of DNA. The method, described 2 November in BMC Genomics, may let researchers more thoroughly assess the genetic rearrangements that contribute to autism1. Many people with autism have d…

By Debra Muzikar Yesterday I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Stephen Shore some questions about his recent appointment to the Board of Directors of Autism Speaks. I hope others will find his answers illuminating. With the appointment of two board members on the autism spectrum, will this change the d…

This man undertook the challenge of making art-creation easily accessible to children with disabilities.Source: The Autism Site

Acts of kindness can touch our hearts, especially when we receive blessings from strangers. One new mother, Rebekka Garvison, found that a stranger's compassionate actions transformed a potentially negative experience for her and her baby.Source: The Autism Site

Last week I went to Washington to review autism research proposals for the Department of Defense.  Most people have no idea Defense does autism research so I’d like to take a moment to explain . . .A NIH Autism committee in session (DoD is similar)The proposals I reviewed are part of a program …

Today’s news that autists Stephen Shore and Valerie Paradiz have joined the Autism Speaks Board of Directors came as a surprise to many.  The announcement follows on the heels of other big news from that organization:Mr. Wright has stepped down as chairman and resigned from the board;Mrs. Wrigh…

I’d like to take a moment to offer some thoughts on the written public comment submitted to this November 2015 meeting of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.  Prior to this meeting we received 71 comments, which are available online at the IACC site, iacc.hhs.gov. This reflects the l…

This is copied directly from the IACC announcement.  The meeting will be open to any who wish to attend, though registration is required if you want to comment.  You can also mail in comments, and you can watch the proceedings by NIH webcast or listen on conference call:I hope to…

A drug that curbs the expression of MeCP2, a gene duplicated in people with a certain autism-linked syndrome, normalizes brain function and reverses abnormal behaviors in mice1. The findings, reported 25 November in Nature, highlight the potential of a highly specific treatment for people with MeCP2…

I’m an adult with sensory sensitivities and diagnoses of both Aspergers and selective mutism. I remember what it was like to be a child with those challenges. Low-lifes took advantage of me. Adults who knew better laughed at me. Peers waved their hand in front of my face: “Yoo hoo! Is anybody …

Acts of kindness can touch our hearts, especially when we receive blessings from strangers. One new mother, Rebekka Garvison, found that a stranger's compassionate actions transformed a potentially negative experience for her and her baby.Source: The Autism Site

Although Martin is nonverbal, he has an amazing ability to copy any song he hears. Prepare yourself for chills as you listen to him sing!Source: The Autism Site

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the appointments of new and returning members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), reauthorized under the Autism CARES Act. After an open call for nominations for members of the public to serve on the com…

The ship was the pride of Papua New Guinea’s fishing fleet – 229 feet long and 1,200 gross tons.  Big enough to work the deep water, in all conditions. Spotless, new, and glittering white.  Just one year old, Glory Pacific No. 8 was fresh out of China’s Jinglu Ship Industry yards. She…