Up-to-the-minute, the definitive causes of autism haven’t been identified yet. However, two main reasons used to be greatly suspected: 1- Environmental (toxins and exposure to heavy metals) reasons 2- Genetic reasons 3- A combination of the above, since they are related Now, a new combined environmental and genetic suspect has emerged, supported by series of

It has been an eternally debated topic, that the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine causes or increases the risk of developing autism. Parents, especially those who already have children with ASD, are less and less encouraged to vaccinate their newly born babies. In a recent research the JAMA (the Journal of American Medical Association) came

Here is one more example of a gifted and talented teenager on the autism spectrum. I don’t believe it is just a coincidence, that individuals with ASD enjoy artistic brilliance and skills! Mikey, a 16 year old teenager, was nonverbal until the age of 10, then gradually started talking. At school age, he couldn’t attend

One of the most common problems parents face on a regular basis is taking their child with autism to the doctor or dentist office. Even if the environment was friendly and the doctor/dentist and team are patient, children with autism don’t like to be closely approached, or touched, let alone having any intrusion to their

Once again, children with autism continue to surprise us every day with their incredible artistic talents! Iris Grace Halmshaw is a five year old girl from England U.K. diagnosed with autism at an early age. She has very poor speech and social skills. Her talent was discovered when her parents used painting to help her

Anecdote I was shadowing a student with autism from a Special Day Class (SDC) in a mainstream class for Math subject. The student looked around scanning the faces of all the students surrounding her. With confused and lost eyes the student looked at me and asked: “Am I a special ed student?” She was loud enough

The American Psychiatric Association voted this weekend to remove the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome from the so-called bible of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders. People with Asperger’s will now more likely be diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. The APA says the change will lead to more accurate diagnoses for people with

There is no doubt about it that parents are the best child’s advocates. The IEP (Individualized Education Program) team also has for mission to help the child get the best learning opportunities. The team can see the bigger picture, while the parents are focused on one single idea. The team is bound by a limited

In the proposed Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) scheduled for publication in May 2013 (American Psychatric Association), Autism Spectrum Disorder has 2 core symptoms: social communication issues and fixated interests/repetitive behavior. This would make ASD an umbrella term that covers several different type of symptoms. Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) will be removed and

This is a great idea that can help take spectrum children out of their isolation and train them to decode human facial experession and social cues. Bandit, the robot, can be used as a transition for autistic children to interact and better understand the off-spectrum individuals. This is a very interesting article. Read more here: