Author: Autism Today News.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has brought out a ‘Comprehensive Resource Book on Autism Spectrum Disorder’, billed as the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country that lays down guidelines for early detection and management of the disorder that affects a large number of children.The resource book is being brought out coinciding with the launch of the State Programme for Education and Empowerment in Disabilities (SPEED). The programme comprises various training and awareness initiatives in the area of disabilities. In addition to general information on autism, the resource book explores in detail various issues related to communication, behaviour and neuro-development. It also gives…

Getting diagnosed with autism in your adult years does not often impact a person’s quality of life, according to a new study published on Wednesday. The peer-reviewed study, which was published in the academic journal Autism, found that the age that someone becomes self-aware of their autism is a more important indicator for their quality of life than an official diagnosis. The research also listed household income as a more precise indication of the person’s quality of life compared to their autism diagnosis.  “Our research more generally adds to a better understanding of neurodiversity across the lifespan,” explained Dr Punit Shah, Co-author…

The 49-year-old works across the whole of the East of England to help patients who require a power communication device for people who “no longer have the power to speak”. She said this may include people with MND, autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s or people who have been left with brain damage from road traffic accidents. “It opens up doors they thought would be closed forever. It’s lovely to see, its rewarding… if we can just put something really good in place it makes a big difference,” she said. With the technology she has been able to programme the devices to…

As the growing interest in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion expands, meeting professionals are considering how events can be more inclusive for neurodiverse attendees, including those with autism. Consider the Neu Project, launched by Google in 2022. This global community is on a mission to make the work world more welcoming and productive for neurodivergent communities. “DE&I is an essential practice,” the project’s website states. “However, neuro inclusion remains a gap in the industry, particularly in corporate events.” Neuro inclusion is not just about creating belonging in the workplace, it is about building a better business. “Research suggests that teams…

SAN ANTONIO – Tracey Saunders has three sons with autism: ages 6, 13 and 17.“All of my boys have presented so differently that I’ve had to learn new skills for all of them,” Saunders said.She said she has learned those skills from the Autism Community Network in San Antonio, which provides diagnoses, therapy and family services.The network’s therapy services now include a new program called Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy, or PACT.PACT helps the parents and caregivers identify and shine a light on the child’s strengths.“Without an approach like this, these kids can go through life thinking they’re just a big…

Khadija Gbla first found out they had autism and ADHD at the age of 34 after their five-year-old son, Sammy, was diagnosed with both conditions.Sammy’s diagnosis was a light-bulb moment for Khadija.”That afternoon I was lying down and thought to myself, ‘If Sammy is like me, am I like Sammy?'” Khadija said.Loading Instagram contentNoticing similarities between their behaviours prompted Khadija to get tested.Research has found that Khadija’s experience is not unusual, with women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities often diagnosed with autism later in life, making their treatment more difficult.To highlight Autism Acceptance Month, the ABC asked the…

Lawmakers are ironing out the next major tranche of federal funding for autism research in the United States, hoping to renew critical legislation before it expires on 30 September. The law—known as the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act—has been in effect in some form since 2006. The latest slate of updates awaiting floor votes as soon as next week in the House and Senate includes renewing—and possibly expanding—the funding mandated for autism research, training and services. The House bill increases the current amount by $279 million, totaling a more than $2.1 billion investment over the next…

Hosted by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) September 5, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.September 6, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.EPA Campus, Building C, Room C111-AB3799 Hopson Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Background The aWARE tool is a web-based project led by the Division of Extramural Research and Training (DERT) and the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT). Its purpose is to address the challenge of understanding environmental contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by creating an interactive and visual tool to explore environmental ASD studies.The aWARE tool aims to comprehensively aggregate and characterize data from published…

When Tiffany Hammond was growing up in Texas, in the nineteen-nineties, other children teased her for how she spoke: she talked too softly, she talked in a monotone, she paused too long between words, she didn’t talk enough, she talked to herself. “Something’s wrong with her head,” kids would say. She was always fidgeting with pens or Troll dolls. She tried to connect with her peers by taking on their interests as her own—the Goosebumps series of scary novels, the N.B.A.—but the attempts backfired, as when she printed out an N.B.A. schedule, laminated and color-coded it, and brought it to…

The quality and availability of autism services can vary significantly from one state to another in the United States. What makes a state “best” for autism services can be extremely subjective and depends on various factors, including access to healthcare, educational services, support networks, and resources. Below is a list of 10 states that are often considered among the best for autism services based on various indicators. Please keep in mind that conditions may change and it’s essential to research the current situation and consult with local experts for the most up-to-date information. Some states that are recognized for their…