Autism

'NeuroTribes' Examines The History — And Myths — Of The Autism Spectrum

4:35pm September 04, 2015

Steve Silberman talks about how Nazi extermination plans and a discredited scientific paper about childhood vaccines shaped our current understanding of autism.

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Politics & Government

Autism Coverage Mandate Heading To NC House Floor

8:01pm June 30, 2015

by Michael Burke

Health insurance that covers autism diagnosis and treatment in North Carolina is a big step closer to being required.

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Children born to older moms and dads tend to have higher rates of autism, but researchers aren't sure why.

More Evidence That Parents' Ages Could Influence Autism Risk

12:04pm June 11, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

A large, international study found that kids born to older parents had higher rates of autism. Having a teen mom or parents with a large gap between their ages also increased the autism odds.

Credit: NPR; Source: National Longitudinal Transition Study

Young Adults With Autism More Likely To Be Unemployed, Isolated

8:12am April 22, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

More than half of young people with autism have neither a job nor educational plans in the first two years after high school, a study finds.

Some doctors aren't up to date on how to assess autism symptoms in very young children.

Some Doctors Still Dismiss Parents' Concerns About Autism

8:54am April 16, 2015

by Poncie Rutsch

Most children don't get diagnosed with autism until they start school, a study finds, though the signs may be visible much earlier. Earlier diagnosis means more time to get therapy.

Jonathan Keleher talks with a colleague, Rafael Wainhaus, at work. Keleher was born without a cerebellum, but his brain has developed work-arounds for solving problems of balance and abstract thought.

Clues To Autism, Schizophrenia Emerge From Cerebellum Research

4:27pm March 17, 2015

by Jon Hamilton

The brain's cerebellum helps shape thinking and emotion, as well as physical coordination, research shows. Could stimulating that part of the brain help ease some aspects of autism and schizophrenia?

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Katie Clapp shares a laugh with her son Andy Tranfaglia, 25, at their home in West Newbury, Mass. Andy has a rare genetic condition called fragile X syndrome.

Health & Safety

A Family's Long Search For Fragile X Drug Finds Frustration, Hope

3:36pm February 06, 2015

by Jon Hamilton

There is no effective treatment for the rare genetic disorder fragile X syndrome, so two parents created a foundation to fund research. But they found there's no easy road to a cure.

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One Saturday each month, the Pacific Science Center of Seattle opens early for people with autism spectrum disorders.

By Dimming Its Lights, Museum Opens Doors For Kids With Autism

8:18am January 26, 2015

by Jennifer Wing

Loud noises, bright lights and crowded spaces can be painful for children with autism. That often means missing out on museums. Some, like Seattle's Pacific Science Center, are addressing the problem.

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Scientists are getting a clearer idea of how genetic mutations cause autism.

Scientists Implicate More Than 100 Genes In Causing Autism

6:51pm October 30, 2014

by Nancy Shute

Spontaneous gene mutations, not ones inherited from parents, increase a child's risk of autism, scientists say. By comparing genes within families they've identified more than 100 suspects.

Chris Akubuilo meets members of the Culver City, Calif., police department. Akubuilo has autism, and his mother is worried about his safety when he interacts with police.

National

For Parents Of Young Black Men With Autism, Extra Fear About Police

4:54pm August 24, 2014

by Rebecca Hersher

People with autism often have trouble communicating with police, which can be dangerous — and scary for parents who also worry about racial profiling. Now, some cities are trying to mitigate the risk.

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