What can be done to help parents of autistic adults?

The picture you probably have in your mind of autism is that of a child. But autism is almost always -- if not always -- a condition that lasts for life. We are the parents of a 22-year-old young man with autism. He barely recognizes our presence, but clearly knows ...

FDA considers ban on electric shock devices used to curb self-harm

CANTON, Mass. -- Some cut themselves. Others slam their heads against walls or desks - so hard that one girl detached both retinas and a young man triggered a stroke. Another pulled out all his teeth. Self-injury is one of the most difficult behaviors associated with autism and other developmental or ...

Robin Williams' impressive filmography made him a legend in his time

... Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin (1987) 8. Comic Relief: The Greatest ... and the Latest (2008) 9. Night of too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert for Autism Education (2010) 10. An All-Star Toast to Improv (1988) 11. Comic Relief I (1986) 12. I Love Liberty (1982) 13. Comic Relief V ...

People with disabilities denied voting rights, group says

LOS ANGELES — At a time when election officials are struggling to convince more Americans to vote, advocates for the disabled say thousands of people with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and other intellectual or developmental disabilities have been systematically denied that basic right in the nation's largest county. A ...

More than half of privately insured women get free birth control

... births far enough apart, generally 18 months to two years. Closely spaced births carry a risk of such problems as prematurity, low birth weight, even autism. And even modest copays for medical care can discourage its use. "It's one of the most concrete ways that women have seen that ...

Conn. cops train in mental health 101 for better crisis interventions

... the first day of a five-day seminar.. It touched on everything from making suicide assessments to talking to people who may fall on the autism spectrum. They also discuss forging partnerships with community mental health providers and understanding de-escalation techniques. “The characteristic of your work that sets you ...

Spiderman stages a special performance for autistic fans

... s mission is to make live theater more accessible to diverse audiences… LISA CARLING-DIRECTOR, THEATER DEVELOPMENT FUND: So we hope to raise awareness about autism and help people become more accepting and more inclusive. IVETTE FELICIANO: Here are some of the things you’ll see at an autism friendly ...

Long-term unemployed describe lack of mobility, depression in personal stories

As part of PBS NewsHour's coverage of the long-term jobless, we gathered personal stories from Americans who have lost their emergency unemployment benefits since the turn of the new year. NewsHour received hundreds of submissions from people age 23 to 68, from Aurora, Colo., to New York City.

Breaking stereotypes and sharing stories, women use cameras to take aim at hunger

Picturing hunger in America

"Hunger Through My Lens" gives digital cameras to food stamp recipients and asks them to chronicle what it's like to be hungry in America. So far, 15 women --who come from all walks of life-- have participated. Over the months, they've formed a "sisterhood" of sorts, supporting and encouraging one another. One woman is a...