• WATCH: RFK Jr. holds news briefing for CDC findings on the increase of autism prevalence

    WATCH: RFK Jr. holds news briefing for CDC findings on the increase of autism prevalence

    Apr 16, 2025 02:38 PM EST

    ... rigorous and the gold standard. On Wednesday, Kennedy criticized theories that the rise in autism cases can be attributed to more awareness about the disorder. Autism researchers have cited heightened awareness, as well as medical advancements and increased diagnoses of mild cases. “The reasons for increases in autism diagnosis come ...

  • WATCH: RFK Jr. orders HHS to determine the cause of autism by September

    WATCH: RFK Jr. orders HHS to determine the cause of autism by September

    Apr 10, 2025 07:45 PM EST

    Kennedy has offered no details on how his study will be different or what researchers will be involved. Leading autism organizations, such as the Autism Society of America, have not been included in discussions about the research, said ASA spokeswoman Kristyn Roth. Roth said many agree that more research is ...

  • Researchers find alarming rise in autism diagnoses among Somali American children

    Researchers find alarming rise in autism diagnoses among Somali American children

    Oct 03, 2024 10:20 PM EST

    ... and heavy demand for the long wait times. And there's another reason for delayed intervention, and it starts at home. Mahdi Warsama, Somali Parents Autism Network, There are a lot of misconceptions about autism itself within the community. Fred De Sam Lazaro: Mahdi Warsama heads the Somali Parents Autism ...

  • Donald Triplett, the 1st person diagnosed with autism, dies at 89

    Donald Triplett, the 1st person diagnosed with autism, dies at 89

    Jun 16, 2023 08:39 PM EST

    FOREST, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi man known as “Case 1,” the first person to be diagnosed with autism, has died. Donald G. Triplett was the subject of a book titled “In a Different Key,” a PBS documentary film, BBC news magazine installment and countless medical journal articles. But to employees ...

  • Why more children are being diagnosed with autism and what it means for their families

    Why more children are being diagnosed with autism and what it means for their families

    Mar 23, 2023 10:45 PM EST

    ... had. The systems really are not able to be utilized efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner. Amna Nawaz: That is Dena Gassner, adjunct professor at Towson University, and also a member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.Dana, thank you for your time. Dena Gassner: Thanks for having me.

  • New documentary 'In A Different Key' follows first person ever diagnosed with autism

    New documentary 'In A Different Key' follows first person ever diagnosed with autism

    Dec 13, 2022 11:01 PM EST

    ... have television shows of speaking savants and doctors and and people who lived independent lives and which is great that we're seeing people with autism out there speaking and talking about their lives. But what we're not hearing at all anymore are people who have more profound autism ...

  • A Brief But Spectacular take on adapting to new challenges while living with autism

    A Brief But Spectacular take on adapting to new challenges while living with autism

    Nov 04, 2022 10:25 PM EST

    ... McKay: And my name is Pierce McKay. Melissa McKay: And this is our... Pierce McKay and Melissa McKay: ... Brief But Spectacular take on living with autism. Judy Woodruff: Wow. Pierce McKay, we are so proud of you and proud of your mom, Melissa. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your ...

  • 'Thomas and Friends' introduces Bruno the Brake Car, its first character with autism

    'Thomas and Friends' introduces Bruno the Brake Car, its first character with autism

    Sep 28, 2022 10:20 PM EST

    ... when there is no changes to the schedule and timetable. Tom Purser, National Autistic Society, United Kingdom: It's a real moment, I think, for autism, because the history of autistic children and their relationship with Thomas and Thomas and friends has been massive. Nicole Ellis: Tom Purser is head ...

  • Autism diagnosis more common after improved screening, closing racial gap

    Autism diagnosis more common after improved screening, closing racial gap

    Mar 26, 2020 08:30 PM EST

    NEW YORK (AP) — Autism has grown slightly more common in the U.S., but a gap in diagnosis of white and black kids has disappeared, according to a government report released Thursday. Closure of that gap — thanks to increased screening — is the main reason autism diagnoses are up a little ...

  • How donkeys are helping kids with autism process their feelings

    How donkeys are helping kids with autism process their feelings

    Mar 13, 2019 10:25 PM EST

    Humans are accustomed to turning to dogs, cats and even horses for comfort and companionship. But now another type of livestock is becoming more popular for its therapeutic appeal: the donkey. As WGBH’s Cristina Quinn reports, equine therapy has branched out to include the smaller, less majestic relative of the horse, and it’s delivering relief...