Author: Autism Today News.
Breadcrumb Trail LinksLocal NewsPoliticsFor families across the country who are managing autism, the slogan “Alberta is Calling” has taken on special meaning with plenty of anecdotal evidence that Canadians are flocking to a new Alberta Advantage — a relative ease of getting financial help for their high-needs childrenPublished Sep 26, 2024 • Last updated 3 days ago • 10 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Jen Addison hugs her seven-year-old son Joshua in Calgary on August 30, 2024. The family moved to Alberta from Ontario to receive better funding…
A petri dish with bacteria from a stool sample. The researchers found a number of bacteria, fungi and viruses in fecal samples from children that were altered in children with autism. Christiane Oelrich / picture alliance via Getty Images A new study has found a link between certain gut microbes and autism in children. The findings suggest that analyzing the gut microbiome could one day aid in diagnosing autism, potentially making the process much quicker and more straightforward, researchers reported Monday in the journal Nature Microbiology. “Usually, it takes three to four years to make a confirmed diagnosis for suspected…
Listen to this story: Your browser doesn’t support the audio element Back 15 seconds Forward 15 seconds 0:00 / For Spectrum 10K, the time from launch to limbo was less than three weeks: An online outcry from autistic self-advocates forced the researchers behind the effort — the largest autism genetics study to date in the United Kingdom — to pause their project indefinitely in September. This month, a second study — on an early intervention to lessen autism traits — faced a similar backlash after publication, with a group of autistic self-advocates attacking the paper online and petitioning the study’s…
Kylie Kelce and Ryan Hammond, executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, joined TODAY on the plaza to kick off Autism Awareness Month and Autism Acceptance Month. The following organizations are dedicated to raising funds, connecting communities, families and individuals to education and resources and raising awareness about autism with the goal of promoting acceptance and inclusion. Jason Kelce takes part in the Eagles Autism Foundation Challenge. Courtesy Eagles Autism ChallengeThe Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and care programs. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, the organization is…
Accusations like these are a kick in the guts to every autistic person desperately trying to get help with the mounting costs of their medical and social care, especially when we know who the real villains are.LoadingJust last weekend, sitting with a friend, she happened to tell me about her brother-in-law. As he is non-verbal and unable to walk, his mother had recently bought him a new shower chair through the NDIS. The third-party NDIS-provider charged him $300. Looking online, my friend found that the chair retails for less than $50. It happens all the time, she told me.But sure,…
Students use biomotion cameras in the IU Columbus Social Neuroscience Lab. Credit: Indiana University A collaborative research study, led by IU Columbus Associate Professor of Psychology Mark Jaime, is getting attention in the neuroscience field for its innovative study of physical movement and autistic traits. Published in Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, the article “Level of autistic traits in neurotypical adults predicts kinematic idiosyncrasies in their biological movements” is part of a special issue on autism and movement. Jaime serves as the lead investigator and senior author, yet the paper and research involves multiple IU campuses and divisions. Gregory Lewis and…
The It Takes All Kinds of Minds Conference (ITAKOM) was held in Edinburgh in March 2023 and was the first conference of its kind in celebrating neurodiversity whilst sharing cutting-edge research, ideas, and best practices. Drawing on our experiences, we hope to shed light on organising an accessible conference and provide inspiration for those organising events or conferences in the future. The Neurodiversity Squad From the outset of ITAKOM, we had a neurodiversity advisory committee – the ‘The Neurodiversity Squad’ – of seven neurodivergent adults, who advised the co-chairs. They met seven times leading up to ITAKOM, facilitated by two…
Photo: Philadelphia City Council Over 400 people gathered at Smith Memorial Playground for the 7th annual Autism Playdate, a day of fun, resources, acceptance, and support for families touched by autism. The festivities included a magic performance, a cooking demonstration, a first aid/CPR training, refreshments, guest speakers, and resources for families. “I worked for years with young people with disabilities and their families, and I know how difficult it can be to find resources, support, and community,” said Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large). “I’m proud to be carrying on the tradition of the Autism Playdate, so that families can connect with…
In short: Former judge Jennifer Boland found the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission failed to take action to close a program that was unlawfully restraining children with disabilities.The review was set up in September last year after Four Corners aired footage of a teenager being held face down on the floor by six workers.What’s next? An investigation by the commission into Irabina remains open and could result in further action being taken against it.A damning review has found the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission failed to close a controversial program that put children with disabilities at risk of death despite…
A pre-budget protest to demand an end to the underfunding of autism and disability services is to be held in Cork today.The sensory-friendly protest is titled ‘End State Neglect Of Autism and Disability Services’ and will be held at 3pm on the Grand Parade.Invited speakers include representatives of St Killian’s Parents Unite, Families United For Support and Solidarity (FUSS), and disability rights campaigner Luna Fleming.The protest organisers are calling for a number of measures in Budget 2025, including that assessment of need be carried out within six months for all age groups from the date of an application, more therapists…