Autism
According to the CDC, 1 in 88 kids in America now have autism. Learn how to recognize the signs of autism, what it means to have a child who is on the spectrum, and more.
The ABCs of Asperger's Syndrome: An A-to-Z Guide to Understanding the Symptoms of Asperger's
One woman and her grandson use the alphabet to explain personal perspectives on this mild form of autism.
How One Mom Started an Autism School--and How You Can, Too
Tricia Hasbrook founded Victory Academy to give her son AJ, who has autism, a better, more integrated learning experience. Here, she offers tips for others who want to start their own school for students on the spectrum.
'Sesame Street' Masterfully Tackles the Subject of Autism in First Episode With New Character Julia
Julia is different, and wonderful, and so much more in her first appearance on Sesame Street.
The History of Autism
Doctors have come a long way since 1908, when the word autism was first used. Here's a look at the history of autism spectrum disorder.
Early Signs of Autism
This video from the Kennedy Krieger Institute, in Baltimore, features three children who show early signs of autism spectrum disorder playing with toys and interacting and communicating with others. It compares the footage on each of these children to that of typical children in the same situations. aIt helps parents to articulate to their pediatrician any behaviors that concern them,ay says Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders.
A Day in the Life: Raising a Child with Autism
One mother offers an intimate and personal look into her day-to-day life of raising a son with autism.
Autism Signs: Your Month-by-Month Guide
Researchers now believe you can pick up signs of autism in a baby just under 4 months of age. Here are some signs that may indicate your baby should have a developmental evaluation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health Update: More Proof That Vaccines Don't Cause Autism
Concerns that vaccines may cause autism have been worrying parents since some research first introduced the theory in the late 1990s -- even amid mounting evidence that continues to prove otherwise. In light of more new studies disputing the autism-vaccines link, here are some relieving answers to your most pressing questions.
Understanding Autism
With a rise in diagnosed cases and a sea of conflicting information, autism is a condition that leaves many parents terrified. Yet affected families have every reason to be hopeful about the future.
We May Be Able to Diagnose Autism Before Age 1
Researchers say a new test may be able to predict an autism diagnosis before a child's first birthday.
Travel Tips for Children With Autism
Kids with autism thrive on set schedules, and vacations in new places far from home can cause discomfort and disrupt routines. With proper planning and organizing, you can help your child adjust so everyone in the family can travel together.
A Test for Autism Risk: Head Lag
A simple test developed by the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore may be able to help determine whether a child will develop autism and other forms of developmental delays. The pull-to-sit test, done in infants as young as six months old, monitors whether or not a child has head lag, or trouble controlling his neck and head. While the test is not a diagnosis, children with head lag have a higher risk of autism or other social or communication delays.
What Autism Looks Like: Amazing Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Raising children with autism is a challenging but incredible journey. And those along the spectrum are diverse in many ways -- including whether they're verbal or noverbal. Here, parents raising kids with autism share personal photos and descriptions of their kids to show what makes them truly beautiful and amazing.
8 Facts About the 'Autism Diet'
One of the most popular alternative treatments for autism is the gluten-free casein-free diet (GFCF). It has not been proven to work, and many doctors are cautious about it, but if you're wondering if it could help your child, read the facts below.
Mom's Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy May Affect Autism Risk
Taking vitamin D supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy may prevent autism traits in newborns, according to a new study conducted on mice.
What Happened to Asperger's?
Recognized since 1944 as a form of high-functioning autism, Asperger's Syndrome disappeared from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013. Why?
10 Best Apps for Kids With Autism
A mom who has a son with autism tells about the mobile apps that have helped him and other children with autism.
The Real Link Between Herpes During Pregnancy and Autism
Here's what you really need to understand about the link between herpes during pregnancy and a potential autism diagnosis in children.
Myths About Autism
Experts set the record straight on four of the most common myths about autism spectrum disorder.
Staying Friends Through Autism
My best friend and I had so much in common -- until my son was diagnosed.
Want to Know What It's Like to Have Autism? Watch This Video
This powerful video shows what it's like for a child with autism to navigate a crowded mall.
6 Facts You Need to Know About Autism
There are lots of frightening rumors about what causes this mysterious brain disorder in children. We asked leading experts across the country for the very latest news.
How to Handle Your Child's Autism Diagnosis
When your child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, what should you do? How should you cope? Here are resources to help you become your child's strongest advocate.
The Importance of Early Detection
If a child is diagnosed with autism, there's a lot parents and therapists can do -- if it's caught early.