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Autism Articles

• Study shows many autistic young adults stop receiving care after teen years

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, many of these children stop receiving care once they enter adulthood. In an effort to uncover the extent to which this occurs, researchers from Washington University collected data via phone surveys from the guardians of young adults between the ages of 19 and 23 who have an ASD. more...

• New law requires companies to cover autism treatment for children of employees

  Many parents of autistic children struggle financially to properly care for their children. However, this week, the Virginia House passed legislation that requires some employer health care plans to cover treatment for autistic children, The Associated Press reports. more...

• Rethink Autism launches free webinar for parents and teachers of children with an ASD

  According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, an estimated 637,000 children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the U.S. - or one in 91 - were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2007. This figure shows a 67 percent increase from 2002, when the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network estimated that one in 150 children were diagnosed with the disease. more...

• Research reveals autistic teens may not grow out of handwriting difficulties

  According to new research from the Kennedy Krieger Institute, children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not grow out of their struggles with handwriting. Psych Central reports that researchers studied 24 children between the ages of 12 and 16, half of which had an ASD. more...

• Autistic teen wins award for tennis

  In recent months, many autistic teens have made headlines for their impressive accomplishments. Among them is Jason Furlong of Miami, Florida, who was recently presented the Jimmy Gantt Memorial Award from the U.S. Tennis Association, the Miami Herald reports. more...

• Parents of autistic children may want to take a few steps to prepare their kids for the holidays

  Families who have children with autism can experience challenges during the holidays. This time of year often brings parties, seasonal foods and a break from routines, which can be disruptive to an autistic child. more...

• Teens with autism can find individual success

  Antonio Henderson-Davis is one of the most popular students at his high school. The teen, who has autism, has become a YouTube rap sensation, according to the Star Tribune. Henderson-Davis is also a reserve defensive tackle for his school's football team. more...

• Teen with autism overcomes shyness through football

  A teenager in Gwinnett County recently told CBS Atlanta that his love for football and his faith helped him overcome his autism. Cortland Hale was diagnosed with the condition when he was three years old. After joining the football team like his brother, Cortland says the team spirit of the game helped him overcome his communication problems and his shyness. more...

• New test uses MRI to determine ASD diagnosis

  Researchers have developed a new test that changes the way autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are diagnosed. ASDs are currently diagnosed through a symptom-based test, in which a health-care provider observes a patient for the characteristics outlined in the psychology reference book The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV, MSNBC reports. more...

• Teen with autism becomes advocate

  At two years old, Taylor Morris was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and her mother was told that her daughter might never talk, or leave home. However, fifteen years later, Morris is dispensing hope to other autistic children and their families, The Capital reports. more...

• Parent diagnosed with Asperger's after researching her children's conditions

  In late October, Dena Gassner, a 1980 graduate of Union College, returned to her alma mater to share her expertise in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the school reports. More than a dozen teachers, counselors and aids from the Knox County School System joined Gassner for a presentation on understanding the challenges that are faced by students with ASDs. more...

• Teen with Asperger's receives Cadet training award

  This past week, Canadian native Aidan Guerra received a red and green ribboned medal, which identifies him as this year's Alberta recipient of the Major-General Howard Award for achievement in academics, community service and cadet training. The achievement is prestigious; however, it holds more meaning for Guerra, the Vancouver Sun reports. more...

• Teen with Asperger's wins recognition at LA Music Awards

  This week, John and Noni Gauder, grandparents of the widely successful singer and songwriter, Sarah Lonsert, spoke to The Village Daily Sun about their granddaughter's struggle with Asperger's syndrome. more...

• Teen with Asperger's Syndrome saves grandfather's life

  This week, Joe Posavitz's life was saved by his grandson. Ryan Reed, the 16-year-old teenager who saved his grandfather, has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. more...

• Golf helps teen with autism

  Current research suggests that alternative therapies, such as wilderness programs, are beneficial in the treatment of teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Charlie Bristow, a 13-year-old with an ASD, has been taking golf lessons and practicing at the driving range, news channel WCCO reports. more...

• Autistic teen's wish comes true

  Individuals who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are often fascinated with, or interested in, one particular subject. Jake Devine of Olathe, Kansas, an autistic young adult, loves tow trucks, KansasCity.com reports. more...