Court Throws Out FDA Ban On Shock Devices For Those With Developmental Disabilities
July 22, 2021
A federal appeals court has overturned a Food and Drug Administration ban on devices used to administer electric shocks on people with developmental disabilities, allowing the devices to continue to be used to address behavior issues.
Nature as a Salve for Children With Autism
July 20, 2021
The intense focus that some kids bring to video games can carry over to being captivated by minute details in the natural world: the sound of a single insect or the texture of a blade of grass.
Autism Society of Minnesota to offer first-of-its-kind sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccine clinic
July 15, 2021
More than three million Minnesotans have now gotten their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But it’s not always easy for everyone to get it. That’s where the Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM) is stepping in. AUSM’s St. Paul building will be transformed from office setting to sensory clinic –...
HHS Announces Appointment of New Members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
July 13, 2021
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). The IACC is a federal advisory committee composed of public stakeholders and federal officials that coordinates federal activities concerning autism spectrum disorder and provides advice to...
Secretary of State’s Office will start its process of identifying people with autism on State IDs
July 08, 2021
Starting July 1, 2021, The Michigan Dept. of State will begin its process to let people on the spectrum sign up for a classified driver’s license and classified state ID. The classification on the identification will only be allowed for access by Police, TSA, and courts.
Federal Autism Committee To Reconvene After Going Dark For 2 Years
July 06, 2021
For the first time in years, a federal panel tasked with guiding the nation’s priorities on autism is set to meet. The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee will hold a virtual meeting July 21 and 22. The panel is comprised of government officials and members of the autism community and is...
‘Less than ideal’: Online learning was a challenge for students on the autism spectrum
July 01, 2021
Online learning created many barriers for autistic students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the challenges facing parents, teachers, and autistic students during virtual learning.
Green light for diagnostic autism app raises questions, concerns
June 29, 2021
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the okay to an app designed to help clinicians diagnose autism in children, labeling it safe for use. But it’s still unclear whether the technology is effective, researchers say, raising concerns that it could actually disrupt the standard diagnosis process and, in...
Ed Department Wants Feedback On Discipline Of Students With Disabilities
June 24, 2021
Students with disabilities often face more disciplinary action at school than other kids and federal officials say they’re looking for ideas about how to put an end to the disparity. The U.S. Department of Education is seeking public comment on discipline in schools serving those in pre-K through high school....
Nonprofit Aims To Keep Adults With Autism From Falling Off ‘The Cliff’
June 22, 2021
The Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children, a nonprofit with a track record of helping youth with special needs, is launching The Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism. Located at Brookdale Community College’s Wall campus, the academy’s goal is to continue the educational experience for those with autism beyond age 21,...
Anxiety, not autism is holding many children back at school, researchers say
June 17, 2021
Queensland researchers say anxiety — not autism — is preventing many children on the spectrum from flourishing at school. The Griffith University Autism Centre of Excellence is trialling a program to reduce anxiety in pre-schoolers before they attend prep and are seeking families to take part.
FDA Approves Device To Help Detect Autism
June 16, 2021
Federal regulators authorized a first-of-its-kind device to help primary care doctors determine whether or not a child has autism, potentially allowing kids to be diagnosed far sooner by avoiding lengthy waits for specialists.
