Insights & The World Around Us

As any person who’s casually perused these pages before has likely found, when it comes to cutting-edge autism research, genetics are by and far away the star of the show as far as researchers are concerned. While recent studies have confirmed that one’s environment can play a minor role in whether one is born with…

For some time now, researchers have repeatedly looked to animals to help them improve their understanding of the causes and symptoms of autism that mirror those of humans with autism. For instance, a recent study found that while animals do not analyze their emotions like humans do, they do in fact experience them. This realization…

For any parent who recently had a child, establishing a natural and normal sleep cycle takes several months, but in most cases, babies generally cut back on the number of daytime naps and are able to sleep for longer periods of time at night. However, a significant number of children continue to have issues with…

While January is often a time of the year when people find themselves staying inside more, filmmakers, actors, critics, and Hollywood executives make their annual trip to Park City, Utah for the annual Sundance Film Festival, a celebration of independent films of all genres and types.   Coming-of-age films can often be a hot ticket…

In looking at the genetics of autism, a recent study has gone a great way in throwing into question a long-held belief regarding siblings with autism and the genes they share. Progress in the methodology of genetic research as it relates to autism has continued to open new horizons for better identifying both the particular…

As we’ve discussed in the past, physical activities are extremely helpful for children with autism in helping them to both improve their bodies and minds. Participating in group sports helps children learn how to work as a team and gain confidence in a skill.  But team sports often present many challenges for kids with autism…

In looking back at the first four months of 2015, it becomes clear that advances in research have been significant and plentiful this year in better understanding both the causes of autism and developing potential treatments that can assist children with autism to become high-functioning, thriving individuals.   As we’ve discussed previously, the area that…

As we’ve continually discussed in this space, research into the cause and treatment of autism often falls into two camps: genetic versus environmental factors. While researchers continue to find new connections between one’s natural environment and its effect on autism, there continues to be study after study that highlights the role that genetics play in…

As we’ve discussed in this space before, much of the research related to autism has tended to focus on young boys and men with autism. One reason for this is simple statistics: autism is four to five times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than girls. And the numbers don’t lie, with 1 in…