Articles on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Experts from a variety of fields share their knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the articles that follow. Discover!
A Girl's-Eye View: Detecting and Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders in Females
What do we really know about girls with ASD? Are they really as similar to boys with ASD as traditionally believed, or are they overlooked? Explore gender and ASD in this exclusive article for IAN, written by licensed clinical psychologist and autism researcher Shana Nichols.
Rules of the Road: Driving and ASD
Many young people with ASD look forward to learning how to drive. But some are likely to need support to overcome visual-processing and other issues associated with ASD. How can we help them as they reach for their goal?
IAN Interview: Dr. Walter Kaufmann on the Importance of Twins in Autism Research
Studies suggest a strong genetic link for ASD in some families, but the details remain elusive. Researchers are investigating twins, seeking clues to some of the most puzzling questions about autism. Learn more about twin research in this interview with Dr. Walter Kaufmann.
Problem Behavior in Autism
The struggle of many children with ASD to communicate their needs, desires, and preferences, and to understand what is going on in the social world around them, may predispose them to develop problem behaviors. How can parents and teachers take an active role in strengthening the positive -- rather than inadvertently strengthening the negative -- behaviors?
The 'C' Word: Common Cause in Spite of Conflicting Perspectives
For some in the autism community, the word "cure" is associated with hope and alleviation of suffering. For others, the notion of "cure" is negative, full of condemnation. How can we find common cause despite our different views on the topic?
Adults with ASDs: The Spectrum
Autism is lifelong, but research shows that symptoms can improve in adolescence and adulthood. What factors determine the degree of improvement and the quality of life for these individuals? How can we maximize each individual's potential in the real world?
Learning Word Meanings
A speech delay is a key sign of autism. Researchers at the University of Iowa are investigating the processes involved in how a child makes the leap from expression of a word to a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Back to School with Autism: Reading, Writing, and...Inclusion
For many parents, back to school means monitoring their child's "inclusive education" program. Find out more about inclusive education and the evidence on whether it works for students with ASD.
Adults with ASDs: My Brother's (Sister's) Keeper
Like most human relationships, the sibling bond is complex. What happens to this tie when siblings head off in different life directions? How does this bond differ, if at all, from that of typically developing siblings? What is the strength of this relationship over time? Read on to find out more about this key relationship that is drawing attention from researchers.
Adults with ASDs: Where Are They Now?
Living at home is hardly unusual for young adults. But in the case of adults on the autism spectrum, are they presented with lack of choice due to inadequate support services?
Adult Employment: Strangers in a Strange Land
Today's 20-somethings with autism often feel like strangers among their own species. Teresa J. Foden, Assistant Editor for the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), explores how adults with autism spectrum disorders view their experiences and what researchers have learned from them about the transition to adulthood.
Sibling Studies: The Good, the Bad, and the Contradictory
How does the sibling bond affect the development of the child with ASD and his or her sibling? Teresa J. Foden, Assistant Editor for the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), explores how researchers are delving into the elusive bond between siblings to learn more about where this relationship fits in the puzzle of ASDs. |
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Relieving Parental Stress and Depression: How Helping Parents Helps Children
Connie Anderson, Online Community Facilitator for the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), discusses how stress and depression are related, the impact they can have on a family with a child on the autism spectrum, and how helping parents in distress often helps the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Spectrum Diagnoses
Catherine Lord, Director of the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, answers some of parents' most urgent questions about Autism Spectrum diagnoses.
Speech and Language Problems
Barry Gordon, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University as well as the parent of a child "on the spectrum," explores the varied issues surrounding speech and language experienced by individuals with ASDs.
Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues, all at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, discuss the "lost generation" --those with Asperger's who grew up before the diagnosis existed. They describe a unique program designed to help diagnose and assist these adults, helping them to understand themselves as well as to access services and support.
Fragile X Syndrome: A Genetic Model for Autism with Targeted Treatments
Randi Hagerman, Medical Director of the U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, explains the important links between Fragile X and autism, and how our new understanding of these may lead to effective new autism treatments.
