In May, the Department of Education released a “question-and-answer” document providing guidance to help students, families, schools, and the public understand the rights students have that ensure their access to education as schools reopen this fall. As noted on JD Supra, a website for lawyers, the information, while not “groundbreaking,” does clearly explain what schools…
A study published in the journal Autism at the end of March asserts that federal funding for autism research has not followed recommendations made by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). In 2017, the IACC in its advisory role recommended allocating more funding to research studies focusing on treatments/interventions, evidence-based services, and lifespan issues. Based…
April has a lot to offer when it comes to autism awareness and acceptance. In case you missed some of these special PBS shows, never fear! They are still available for you and your family to watch via streaming. So pop a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Max “Daniel Tiger’s…
The pandemic continues to drive both education and related legislation. In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and federal Department of Education released documents intended to provide guidance for reopening schools safely, noting evidence that shows it is possible to do so with precautions. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into…
The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) became law at the beginning of 2021. What does this mean for military families and, more specifically, for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)? The most important takeaway is that the Act standardizes the EFMP. This means that EFMP families should find it easier to get services after…
As school closures and other public health measures due to the pandemic continue across the country, so too do the effects on special education. A ParentTogether Action survey found that in the spring, more than half (59%) of students with disabilities were receiving only some or none of the services to which they were entitled,…
A routine hearing test administered to newborns around the world may also be able to alert doctors and parents to autism, according to a study, “Prolonged Auditory Brainstem Response in Universal Hearing Screening of Newborns with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” published in the journal Autism Research in October. As noted in an article on the Spectrum…
Three recent studies highlighted in the news have focused on healthcare and autism, with implications for autistic adults, young adults, and children. Chronic Physical Health Conditions A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, found that adults with autism are more likely than others to have chronic physical health conditions that…
This school year has created many challenges for parents. Should I send my kids to school? Or let them learn at home virtually? In many cases, families don’t even have choices. For families that include autistic children, the challenges are multiplied. Recent news stories have highlighted one of those challenges: wearing face masks. As noted…
In this unprecedented situation that COVID-19 and the associated lockdown have brought about, autistic people and their families are disproportionately affected. Increased Responsibilities and a Lack of Resources As noted in an article on the Disability Scoop website, a recent report done by the National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support at…
