Author: Autism Today News.
Summary Research from Columbia University found that children born during the pandemic, including those exposed to COVID in utero, do not have a higher autism risk compared to those born before. The study reassures parents amidst concerns about pandemic-related maternal stress affecting child neurodevelopment.Key TakeawaysNearly 2,000 children screened showed no difference in autism risk between pandemic-born and pre-pandemic children.Interestingly, fewer children exposed to COVID in utero screened positive for autism, potentially due to parental assessment biases.Ongoing monitoring is essential for assessing long-term neurodevelopmental impacts on pandemic-era children.Children born during the first year of the pandemic, including those exposed to COVID in…
PROVO — Sarah Heuser was tired of events about people with autism. She wanted events “by and for” people with autism.She and her college friend Kari Bushman dreamed of a day when they could organize a convention just for adults with autism. That day finally came in 2018 when they teamed up with ScenicView Academy in Provo to host the first annual AutCon, billed as “an unconventional convention for adults with autism.”Heuser, who was diagnosed with autism at 18, hoped convention attendees felt at home with like-minded neurodivergent people.”When I was diagnosed, there were a few times I got to…
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 24-090. This bulletin announces an RFI to gather input and information concerning the administration of the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), a voluntary managed care model that delivers physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports to adults with autism spectrum disorder. The RFI can be found here. Responses must be submitted electronically to this email account, with “ODP ACAP RFI” in the email subject line. All responses to this RFI must be submitted by 12:00 pm on October 21, 2024. This article was originally published by a paproviders.org…
The peak body for Tasmania’s autistic community is closing down due to a lack of federal funding.Staff at Autism Tasmania were told by management on Tuesday they’d be losing their jobs, effective immediately.The ABC understands there are nine full-time staff and they have been “devastated by the news.”Jessica had to leave Tasmania to get help for her sonWhen Jessica was told she would have to wait 18 months to get her three-year-old autistic son into a specialist, she made the desperate decision to move states to get early intervention support.Autism Tasmania has been operating for more than 30 years, and is a…
Since then, the charity has transformed a box at Sheffield Arena into a sensory room and helped to introduce autism-friendly shopping environments.The charity received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.The charity has ambitious plans for the future and is looking to set up a similar support group in Birmingham.Next month, it is hoping to launch pop-up hubs, offering a range of activities and support, across Sheffield.Ms Dusauzay said she did not have time to reflect on the past 10 years, but instead dealt in the “here and now”“I don’t think about it. We just do,” she added. “We…
Scientists may have uncovered a link between the risk of autism in children and fatty acids in umbilical cord blood, but one Yale professor told Newsweek more work needs to be done in the area.To shed light on the possible causes of autism, researchers from the University of Fukui investigated the link between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in umbilical cord blood samples and autism scores in 200 children.They believe that this newfound knowledge could be “crucial” for understanding, diagnosing, and even preventing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).More From Newsweek Vault: What Is a Health Savings Account?The study identified one particular compound…
The full letter is available as a PDF here. July 8, 2024 Honorable Members of the House Appropriations Committee Dear Representative: We, the undersigned, engage in advocacy and education on the rights, autonomy, and wellbeing of people with disabilities. Physical and psychological harm to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are issues of great concern to us. We were consequently disturbed to learn about a rider in the subcommittee markup of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill prohibiting the FDA from banning medical devices or uses of medical devices to the extent that…
Breadcrumb Trail LinksNewsLocal NewsHarmony Resler moved her family to Regina following her son’s diagnosis so they could be closer to support services, but is still finding it hard to access certain resources for her high-needs child.Published May 08, 2024 • Last updated May 08, 2024 • 4 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.ARC executive director Angela Ricci stands for a portrait at the Autism Resource Centre on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Regina. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-PostArticle contentA Regina mother says she is struggling to…
When Carmen Li was told that her three-year-old son, Vincent Yee, had autism, she cried for a week.“The first question was, ‘Why me, why us?’” she says. “As a mother, it felt like at that particular moment, it all lay on me, as if it was my fault.”Overwhelmed, Li wasn’t sure what to do next. She spent the next few months scouring resources related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – a group of neurological and developmental disorders that affect how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave.She also researched therapy and appropriate schools for Vincent, all the time doubting…
Carers have been given a first-hand experience of having autism or dementia through a new 4D reality experience.It’s hoped it’ll give those working in the care sector a better understanding of the patients they care for.Kirsty Davies wanted to try out the Autism Reality Experience to see first-hand what it’s like to live with the spectrum disorder.Her 18-year-old son, Keegan, is autistic and until now she’s never been able to fully understand what daily life is like for him.Kirsty told STV News: “I don’t really understand how the sensory overload can affect the brain and that’s quite helpful to know…