How AI Is Being Used to Diagnose and Treat Autism 

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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

Is the Term “Special Needs” Going Out of Style? Rethinking the Terminology in Light of the Law

Q. I have three children — two on the autism spectrum and one with Down syndrome, who we adopted. One of my children with ASD is a young adult, and the other is a teenager. My friend, Cathy, also has an adult child on the autism … [Read more...]

Planning for Individuals with Disabilities So They Have a Say

Q. Our son, Charlie, is 40 and has autism and is intellectually disabled. We were a bit older when we had him, and he is our fifth and youngest adult child. He resides with us in our home, but as we are getting older and having … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: New Virginia Law Removes Age Cap on Autism Coverage

Dear Magic, Our daughter, Rachael, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since she was a toddler, we have been taking her for every early intervention therapy there is, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech, and … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

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