Insights & The World Around Us

When you go to the website for The Art of Autism, you’re greeted with a message that makes it clear what the project’s agenda is: “2015 is Autism Acceptance Year.”   For any of you who read our coverage of Autism Awareness month or feel that every day should be Autism Awareness Day, this statement…

As we reach the beginning of June and with summer vacation right around the corner, this week we’re going to take a look back at some of the major autism-related news that might have slipped under your radar this past month.   First up, a new study was released by researchers at Purdue University providing…

In our continued coverage of the trends, breaking news, and the forefront of autism research, we often tend to come back to a similar pool of topics, reporting on the advancements in genetic, neurological, and environmental research. In addition, this year in particular has seen a couple of studies released that urged researchers in the…

Recently a new website/online resource popped up called Spectrum, which bills itself as “the leading source of news and expert opinion on autism research.” The site is a fantastic resource for keeping up on the bleeding-edge of autism research and treatment, but it also has published several attention-getting pieces that look at greater trends in…

In taking a look at some of the national stories related to autism in the past week, Dr. Harvey Karp puts forth his thoughts on the role of environmental factors in the development of autism and Australia reports an alarming rise in diagnoses of autism. Starting things down under, it is being reported that more…

Whether you’ve seen it described in in-depth articles in such publications as the New York Times, discussed in forums, or witnessed it first-hand, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the unique connection between children with autism and trains. This relationship was investigated a few years ago in an extensive Times article that profiled the…

In our surveys of the major studies and research efforts being conducted, we tend to look primarily at those efforts being held in the U.S. and in some European countries, primarily the UK. This has been for the very obvious reason that the rate of diagnosis in the highest in these countries and both governments…

In looking at the cultural impact of autism, one constant theme has been that individuals with autism display a unique relationship with creative expression. In looking at the science, it becomes clear that the autistic brain is a highly active organ, one that might be far more hypersensitive and creative than neurotypical brains. And this…

In light of a recent glut of news stories taking a closer look at the ever-increasing diagnosis rates in children with autism, this week we’re going to survey some recent news stories that reflect how towns and cities throughout the country are taking steps forward to better represent and care for individuals in their communities.…