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Girls, genes and autism… , at the University of Washington, in Seattle. I want to start by saying "thank you" to the Autism Speaks community for its support of my research. My Weatherstone Fellowship launched my scientific career by helping fund my first big study – into … and I wanted to use a relatively new gene-sequencing technique – called exome sequencing – to sequence  all  the genes in a group of girls and women on the autism spectrum.  [Editor’s note: Standard genetic testing involves the sequencing of only a … disrupted the normal formation of synapses – the vital connections that link brain cells with each other. This finding supported earlier evidence that problems with brain connectivity are a root cause of autism. In addition, we found many …

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers… states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups. Through these waivers, states can provide services that wouldn’t usually be covered by Medicaid. For instance, … states, there are substantial waiting lists to receive those waiver services. Medicaid HCBS fund the majority of lifelong supports that people with autism and their families rely on throughout their life spans to live, remain safe and participate … services individuals need to live in the community. This may include case management, transportation, home care or direct support, respite, adult day services, employment supports, assistive technology, respite, and therapies (speech, …

Meet Azeem K.… For the first 10 months of his life, Azeem was hitting many of the same developmental milestones as the children in his playgroups – sitting, crawling, walking – but other things didn’t come as naturally.  Although their son’s lack of “baby talk” … meaningful days. Today, Azeem is seven years old and benefiting from a variety of therapies, educational and behavioral supports, and an outpouring of encouragement from family, friends and the autism community. He still struggles with … help him to become independent one day. How has Azeem's sister, Aneesa, played a role in providing him with guidance and support through the years? Aneesa is like his right-hand man. Even though she’s just three years old, she sticks up for him …

Cheryl Chafos honors her late son, Zachary, by advocating for autism training among healthcare professionals… His younger brothers were now so scared they often locked themselves in the bathroom. Cheryl and Tim were looking into group homes but none would take him while he exhibited aggressive behavior. But they couldn’t handle him on their own … away.  For 19 years Cheryl spent countless hours advocating on Zach’s behalf with school staffs, doctors, therapists, support agencies and others-as well as driving to therapies, consultations and events. She had spent the last 59 days up … is needed to better recognize and address mental health issues in those like Zach with challenging behaviors and high support needs. Research and clinical programs supported by Autism CARES Act could help develop more personalized treatment …

Bullying Facts & Figures… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  defines it as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, that involves an observed or perceived imbalance of power, and either is or likely to be repeated. Common … and bullying. Note:  If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. It is free and confidential. …

Video: Meet Bryan B.… I’ve had throughout my life, I would never come this far. My parents and my sister sacrificed a lot for me. Without their support during every step of my journey, I would not have been able to achieve any of the things I have up to this point in … as a child in elementary school. She was at my speech and occupational therapy appointments every day – making sure I was supported. This is what helped me grow a lot closer to my sister as I got older and also helped me to better understand my … and a news piece about safe sex in sex education, among many other topics. As far as building a social life, I had a core group of friends, but I was able to get along with a lot of people. I had become much more charismatic by this time, too, so …

Travel & autism: Five tips for success with toilet issues while on the road… etc. But they may still commonly fail to use these skills at the right times. This seems to be particularly true for two groups of children: Those who have recently learned the skill of toileting but for whom it’s still not yet an established … a public restroom or otherwise following a vacation schedule. Here are some techniques for doing so: #3 Consider visual supports On your next vacation, it may be helpful to use a visual support such as a schedule board with bathroom breaks listed or “First-Then” boards (e.g., “First bathroom, then trip to the …

Members of the autism community explain how they overcame bullying to reach their full potential … felt worthless like I shouldn’t be here because I didn’t deserve to be. But with the help of my faith and the love of my supportive family and friends, I now go to an amazing school, make amazing grades, have an amazing and supportive group of friends! I’m also on the varsity cheerleading team and sing in my school’s choir!  Because of the experiences I’ve …

Reflecting on my nonspeaking autistic son's 40th birthday… home. I smile when you take selfies with me because you seem to like that. I continue to need your help, understanding, and support in many ways. Fourth.   Let go of your anger. You’ve written about how the loss of the perfect son you dreamed of … to speak, read, or write. Thanks to your love and advocacy on my behalf, I live the safest life possible for me in a group home where I can live with support out in the world.  I love our car rides and walks in the park when you visit. These days, when you come to visit, I …

ATN@Work: Personalizing hospital care for children with autism… the lead author of an Autism Treatment Network study that helped develop a model program for tailoring in-patient care to support kids with autism At Mass General Hospital for Children, Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert  discusses a patient’s … Right after that eye-opening experience, I thought there must be other hospitals that have developed ways to support children and families affected by autism when they come into the hospital. So I set out to find these programs and … would then go in the child’s hospital file for every member of their care team to see. One caveat, the clinicians in the group cautioned, was that if the document was more than, say three page, it might not get used. So we needed to create a …