In search of truce in the autism wars
The fight between those who define autism as a medical condition and those who see it as a mere difference has reached vitriolic levels. Can the two sides come together to support all autistic people?
Diagnosing autism is an evolving science but a crucial first step to understanding the disorder.
The fight between those who define autism as a medical condition and those who see it as a mere difference has reached vitriolic levels. Can the two sides come together to support all autistic people?
The prevalence of autism in 4-year-old children in the United States increased to match a previously reported rise in 8-year-old children, but children are still being evaluated later than is ideal.
Parents of children with rare autism-linked mutations are banding together for support and to join forces with scientists, accelerating the pace of research.
Australia has become the latest country to establish guidelines for diagnosing autism, but getting clinicians to comply may be difficult.
Autism doesn’t just affect boys and men, but research on the condition still predominantly focuses on them. Some scientists are finally beginning to include women and nonbinary people in their studies.
Doctors can now order a blood test that its makers say may help flag autism, but experts say the test is not appropriate for use in clinics.
Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder frequently accompany each other; Scientists are studying both to understand how they differ.
Genetic tests for people with autism are far from routine and don’t always yield results, but the information they offer can change lives.
Coaching caregivers in early-intervention strategies may be the most effective way to help young autistic children in South Africa.
Autistic children from low-income families are undercounted and underserved, a gap community leaders are working to bridge.