Language development is a truly remarkable phenomenon. But for a small number of kids, the words don’t come so easily.
Most children acquire their first words around 12 months of age, start to string…
Most children with autism want friends but social graces don't come naturally.
Flickr/mikebaird
As knowledge and awareness of autism grows in the community, so do the myths.
Autism is currently diagnosed according to behaviours which fit into three broad areas: social difficulties, communication…
Reading oversimplified science stories is stressful business.
Michael Clesle
There’s this gene that about half of all people carry. It’s a pretty nasty gene – it massively increases the risk of the carrier being a murderer or a murder victim, going to jail or dying in an accident…
In the absence of clear biological markers for autism, the DSM will remain a hugely influential book well into the 21st century.
Richard Masoner/Wikimedia Commons
The DSM giveth, and the DSM taketh away – this is the less-than-complimentary sentiment of many people within the autism community as the clock ticks down to the publication of the most eagerly-anticipated…
Differences in the brains of autistic infants emerge well before behavioural signs.
Awen Photography
For parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the diagnostic process can be a long and stressful journey. Behavioural signs of ASD can appear around the child’s first birthday when he fails…
AVN spokesperson Meryl Dorey's message contradicts the position of several Woodford Folk Festival sponsors.
AAP
This year’s bill of speakers at the Woodford Folk Festival features anti-vaccine lobbyist Meryl Dorey, spokesperson for the Northern New South Wales-based Australian Vaccination Network (AVN), and purveyor…
Studies seem to outdo each other with ever-higher autism prevalence figures.
hepingting
“273% Increase in Autism and We Don’t Know Why!” Thursday, April 15, 1999, Los Angeles Times.
The rising prevalence of autism is a story destined to achieve headlines, take up column inches and even…
Case closed: the MMR vaccine has no relationship with autism.
Few medical myths have spread as feverishly and contributed to so much preventable illness than the theory that the triple measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine might be linked to autism.
The tale…
Better understanding of sibling risk will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Flickr/kmakice
A study published overnight in the journal Paediatrics shows the siblings of autistic children have a much higher risk of autism than previously thought. Nicole Rinehart, clinical psychologist and Associate…
A DNA test can detect fragile X syndrome with 99% accuracy.
AAP
Most people are not aware of fragile X syndrome but they may well be affected by it or know someone who is. Commonly under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed the condition is often mistaken for Attention Deficit…
