News

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In the news |

The Term Neurodiversity Is Good, But Not Good Enough

Twenty-five years ago this month, the word neurodiversity appeared in print in a September 1998 article in The Atlantic. Judy Singer, an Australian social scientist, introduced the word in reference to autism. In 2000, Kassiane Asasumasu, an activist for the neurodiversity movement, coined the term neurodivergent to refer to any person whose development was nontypical. Movements …

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What’s in a Name? The History of Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S. It’s also one of the most talked about in the media and by families across the country. But where did the term autism spectrum disorder or ASD come from? To find out where it …

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Words Matter

Language is the primary tool we use to understand and relate to each other. Using inclusive language to refer to people in communities different from our own, reflects our respect for and understanding of that community. A few words can mean the difference between a compliment and an insult, sympathy and disdain, or clarity and …

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Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Getting Lost in Behavioral Health Care?

A search for “behavioral health” in The New York Times and The Washington Post turned up 3,163 results in the past year, and searches for “substance use,” “opioids” and “opioid crisis” similarly turned up thousands of results. A search for “autism?” Just 213 search results in the same time period. The fact that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is getting …

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Tips for Summer Trips

Summer is a season of change. The established routines of the school year have come to an end and new patterns take their place. For many families, summer vacations are the ultimate change in their routine. If you have a child with autism, this can be both an opportunity and a challenge. With the Covid-19 …

In the news |

Getting Ready for Summer Camp: Tips for Parents

While kids prepare and look forward to the fun of summer break, as a parent you may be feeling stressed about months of hectic schedules, impromptu events, and later bedtimes. Let’s face it, for parents, summer’s promise of fun can quickly become a difficult and stressful time. For families with autistic children or children with …

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Awareness For All

Every parent worries about their children. How will they do in school, how do I keep them healthy, how do I help ensure they have a better life? Today, 1 in 36 families will discover they also must learn about how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will affect their child’s life. And of that group, between …

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