Apr 16 Watch 5:11 ‘Good science takes time’: Researcher skeptical autism cause will be found by September By Stephanie Sy, Mary Fecteau, Frank Carlson In a news conference on the rise in autism spectrum disorder, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made no mention of vaccines and instead emphasized the government’s plans to study potential environmental factors. To help put Kennedy's pledge in context,… Continue watching
Apr 16 WATCH: RFK Jr. holds news briefing for CDC findings on the increase of autism prevalence By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press Kennedy described autism as a “preventable disease,” although researchers and scientists have identified genetic factors are associated with it. Autism is not considered a disease, but a complex disorder that impacts the brain. Continue reading
Apr 10 WATCH: RFK Jr. orders HHS to determine the cause of autism by September By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press Anti-vaccine advocates, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have for years inaccurately claimed that routine childhood shots may cause autism. Continue reading
Mar 17 Watch 9:55 Why police still lack training to effectively respond to people with disabilities By Judy Woodruff, Layla Quran, Sam Weber Despite the rise of people diagnosed with autism, explicit training for law enforcement to respond to people with developmental or intellectual disabilities is still rare. Misunderstandings between officers and people with disabilities can lead to tragic consequences. Judy Woodruff reports… Continue watching
Oct 03 Watch 8:25 Researchers find alarming rise in autism diagnoses among Somali American children By Fred de Sam Lazaro Diagnoses of autism have risen sharply in recent years across the U.S. The number of care providers has also grown, as have concerns about oversight. What's not in dispute is a public crisis around autism, acute among children of color,… Continue watching
Jun 16 Donald Triplett, the 1st person diagnosed with autism, dies at 89 By Associated Press He was the subject of a book titled "In a Different Key," a PBS documentary film, BBC news magazine installment and countless medical journal articles. Continue reading
Mar 23 Watch 7:24 Why more children are being diagnosed with autism and what it means for their families By Amna Nawaz, Courtney Norris New CDC data revealed an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. The report shows in 2020, one out of every 36 children in America was diagnosed with autism. In 2018, that figure was one in… Continue watching
Dec 13 Watch 8:22 New documentary ‘In A Different Key’ follows first person ever diagnosed with autism By Geoff Bennett, Layla Quran, Sam Weber The prevalence of autism in the United States has increased dramatically over the last few decades, and that’s coincided with a new understanding of just how broad the spectrum is. This is explored in a new film called "In A… Continue watching
Nov 04 Watch 4:09 A Brief But Spectacular take on adapting to new challenges while living with autism Pierce and Melissa McKay are a mother and son living in Brentwood, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. When the COVID pandemic began, the McKays found themselves without the vital school and community resources Pierce needed to navigate life as an… Continue watching
Sep 28 Watch 3:12 ‘Thomas and Friends’ introduces Bruno the Brake Car, its first character with autism By Nicole Ellis In recent decades, producers of movies, TV series and other forms of art have been trying not only to reach out to new audiences, but to make sure new audiences are represented in their stories. As Nicole Ellis reveals, 'Thomas… Continue watching