Researchers are currently exploring the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to diagnose and treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An ASD diagnosis can be tricky, and for some it can take years. Now a new app developed at Duke University may be able to spot the disorder in 10 minutes while children play […]
What Temple Grandin Thinks You Should Know About Autism
Dear Angel, My son was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and I understand that April is Autism Acceptance Month. I don’t know much about ASD. Is there anything you can share to help my family. Thanks! Dawn Nomuch — Dear Dawn, About one in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Centers […]
Should All Children Be Tested for Autism?
Q. I heard that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become even more prevalent than before. Why is this happening? With ASD being as common as it is, should all children be tested for it, as they are for other things? Also, with all of the new research and developments out there, are there ways to […]
The Autism Cliff: Transition Planning for Young Adults with ASD
April used to be known as Autism Awareness Month. In 2021, the Autism Society of America changed the name to Autism Acceptance Month, in order to more accurately reflect what the month is all about. “Awareness is knowing that somebody has autism. Acceptance is when you include [a person with autism] in your activities, help […]
Does My Infant Grandson Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Q. My daughter and son-in-law both work full-time, and I watch my 9-month old grandson, Caden, every day during the week. My daughter takes me with her to his doctor’s appointments, where they provide us with CDC guidelines for where he should be at his age. He seems to not be reaching his developmental milestones. […]
Are Cats a Good Idea for Families with Children Who Have Autism? And Is It Good for the Cat?
Dear Angel, My son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we are thinking of getting a family pet. I read somewhere that adding a cat to the family might be good for a child with autism. This is making us think of adopting a cat from our local animal shelter. Do you have any information […]
Where Do High Functioning Adults With Autism Live?
Some young adults in the US have their first taste of independent living after leaving high school. They may move out of their parent’s home and begin living in a college dorm with a roommate or on their own. It may happen when a young adult goes to college or gets a job too far […]
FDA Approves an Accurate Test for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Q. I am in my mid 50’s and sometimes I think I am on the Autism Spectrum, though I was never formally diagnosed. I experience anxiety in social situations, avoid eye contact whenever I can, and am fixated on certain things. I remember seeing Elon Musk on Saturday Night Live not long ago when he […]
How Having a Special Needs Loved One Affects Estate Planning and Retirement Planning
Q. Our daughter, Sophie, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is verbal, but needs lots of help academically and with her social skills. She may not be able to live independently when she becomes an adult. When it comes to retirement planning, it is a balancing act to try to know how much to […]
Why Special Needs Planning Is Even More Important During a Pandemic (Part 4 of a 4-part Series)
In what was originally a three-part series, I have decided to add one more essential part about special needs planning and why it’s especially important during a pandemic. In part one of this series, I discussed why estate planning is of vital importance during this global pandemic. In part two, I explored elder law and […]
Researchers Find 102 Genes Linked to Autism
Tommy and Henry Stevens are identical twins who were born slightly premature and met their milestones later than others their age. As they became toddlers, they still didn’t say a word. Doctors explained to their mother that there was nothing to worry about, that perhaps they were “late bloomers.” By the time they reached their […]
A Major Shift in Autism Research
Q. My son, Tyler, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is verbal but he prefers to be alone and he avoids social situations whenever he can. My neighbor’s son, Christopher, who is also on the spectrum, is completely non-verbal and has severe sensory issues. I heard that the president signed the Autism CARES Act this […]
What Happens to Adults with Autism Who “Age Out”?
Dear Bebe, There is a lot of funding for research about early diagnosis and early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there doesn’t seem to be much attention paid to adults with ASD. My daughter is 18 and has ASD. What information can you provide to help someone who will be “aging […]
How Could Something Used to Treat Autism Also Be Used to Treat Dementia?
Kevin’s mother, Lydia, takes him for Interactive Metronome therapy twice a week to improve his focus. She decided to give this therapy a try, with hopes that he could better sit still in class and attend to learning. Kevin has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and inattentiveness is among his most pervasive of symptoms. In […]
What Happens When a Person with Autism Becomes an Adult?
Dear Bebe, My niece, Amelia, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but is high-functioning. What happens to most children with ASD when they transition to adulthood? Thanks! Will Shebeokay — Dear Will, The US Department of Health and Human Services recently released a comprehensive report, titled “Young Adults and Transitioning Youth […]
Why the White House Glowed Blue on Monday
Clay is 13 years old and has never flown in an airplane. His mom, Jennifer, avoided taking him to the airport because he gets overly anxious when he is among big crowds and lots of noise. This year, his grandmother was celebrating her 80th birthday in Hawaii and she wanted all of her grandchildren to […]
Is Alzheimer’s a Spectrum Disease, Similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Mary, a retired college professor, was unhappy when her ophthalmologist insisted that she stop driving. It happened when Mary informed her about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Mary’s vision hadn’t changed in 10 years, and she felt perfectly capable of driving at that point in time. At an appointment with her neurologist, Mary expressed her dismay about […]
Setting up an ABLE Account and New Legislation
Q. Our son, Isaiah, has high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we are thrilled to say that he was recently accepted into trade school. I heard from a friend at work about the ABLE Act. I don’t know much about it, but I’ve heard it may be something that can help my son with his education […]
New iPhone App Could Transform How We Diagnose Autism
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I heard somewhere that a new app has been developed by Apple that can be used to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using facial expressions. Since you are attuned to what’s going on with technology, have you heard anything about this and how it works? Thanks, Di Agnosis —- Dear Di, […]
Debunking the Myths About Autism
Image from Pathfindersforautism.org Q. We recently found out that my son, Freddy, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After accepting the fact that things will be more challenging for him socially and academically (he is also learning disabled), I told my friends and family about the diagnosis. The first thing my mother mentioned was, […]