Police Department in Iowa to Train First Responders to Interact with Autistic People
June 13, 2019
The police department in West Liberty, Iowa will hold a public training on understanding and interacting with people on the autism spectrum on Friday. As many people on the spectrum have especially sensitive sensory systems, first responders understanding these experiences is integral to safe and respectful interactions....
Women with Autism Often Diagnosed Later in Life
June 11, 2019
Some researchers speculate that autism appears differently in males and females, meaning that many girls on the autism spectrum aren’t diagnosed. A piece in the Washington Post details mothers with children on the spectrum who discovered their own autism only after learning about it from their children....
Altered Sense of ‘Affective Touch’ Linked to Autism, Research Suggests
June 04, 2019
Affective touch, or one’s sense of the nuanced social and emotional information that is contained in a physical touch, is a concept that was first given a name only a few decades ago. Today, some researchers believe that further investigation into neurodiverse experiences of affective touch may provide insight into early...
Virginia Autism Bill Removes Coverage Age Limit, Ensures Affordable Services
May 30, 2019
On May 28th, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill into law that will require private insurance companies to provide coverage for autism services at any age. Previously, Virginia law mandated only that treatment for autistic children up to 10 years-old be covered by insurance....
Groups Spread Dangerous, False Claim that Bleach Can “Cure” ASD
May 28, 2019
False claims that bleach can “cure” autism have been linked to at least two deaths. Social media platforms are beginning to take action to remove the misleading claims. ...
Autism Prevalence Rates Show Racial Bias
May 23, 2019
A new study suggests prevalence rates for autism are biased against non-white children, where there are significant inequalities in diagnosis and assessment. ...
Robots Used to Teach Socio-Emotional Skills
May 21, 2019
Some schools have integrated a robot named Milo into their therapy routines for youth on the autism spectrum. ...
90-Year-Old Man Skydives for Autism Fundraiser
May 16, 2019
In Gardiner, New York, about 60 people participated in “Leap for Autism,” a skydiving fundraising event. Among them was 90-year-old Paul Robitaille. ...
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Use Varies Widely
May 14, 2019
A study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that access to vocational rehabilitation services differs greatly between states. This means many on the autism spectrum are not receiving supports from a government program to which they are entitled....
The Divide Between Autism as a Medical Condition or a Difference
May 09, 2019
A piece in the Washington Post explores the divide between those who believe autism is a medical condition and those who simply believe autism is a form of human diversity....
Hiring Programs for Adults on the Spectrum
May 07, 2019
Reuters profiles several prominent hiring and support programs geared specifically towards adults on the autism spectrum....
Study Identifies Ways to Make Recess Easier for Kids with ASD
May 02, 2019
The unstructured social time of recess can be difficult for children on the spectrum, but researchers are identifying ways to make recess more enjoyable for them. ...
