Scientists have taken a close look at the protein-coding portion of the DNA of families in the SSC and have identified a number of genetic errors that are strong risk factors for autism. Scientists are making strides in the understanding of the biological origins of ASD in the developing brain.
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People with autism and their families often wonder how they can help speed up research on the treatment of autism. The best way people can contribute is by participating in scientific research. Learn how.
A "surprising" number of teens with autism struggle with daily living skills — hygiene, riding a bus, shopping or preparing a meal — regardless of intelligence. Experts say it's important to focus on teaching such skills as a key to independence.
The road to adulthood officially begins for many teens when they graduate. But for people with autism, leaving high school is a more monumental step, one that will transform their relationship to services and supports.
In these videos, researchers affiliated with the Simons Simplex Community discuss their autism-related research, the research process, and the importance of family involvement in autism research.
Many people take for granted that their children will participate fully in their religious communities. But the same may not be true for families affected by autism. Some wonder if their children will be included in classes and services. Will they be accepted?
A boy with autism fidgets as he struggles to stay focused and calm in class. Is his behavior due to autism alone, or does he also have ADHD? New recommendations call on doctors to consider other conditions in patients with ASD.
For some people, there is a moment when they realize what their vocation will be. For Robin Goin-Kochel, a visual reminder of that moment hangs in her office: a drawing of tangled black lines by a little boy whose differences fascinated her.
Posted:
December 10, 2013
Welcome to the re-imagined IAN Community, to your new SSC@IAN section and to the new SSC@IAN blog.
For years researchers have said children with autism are more likely to have large heads, a phenomenon they attributed to "early brain overgrowth." But now several scientists are questioning assumptions about brain overgrowth and autism, especially how common it is. Their stories spotlight the important ways science reconsiders evidence in the search for answers.