I thought this new study was interesting because it reveals that the instruments (“tests”) used to evaluate individuals for autism differ in quality. Some work reasonably well, while others should either be revised or abandoned. The instruments tested were those administered by caregivers, not researchers or clinicians. That means these…
Category: News
News reports and research publications related to autism, Neurodiversity, and issues of importance to autistics.
[2026 Note: I was proved wrong when the supporters of Donald Trump embraced anti-vax nonsense.] The following mixes and matches several quite different groups, confounding people that represent various political views — not a monolithic anti-government movement, but general skepticism: The Very Angry Tea Party By J.M. BERNSTEIN http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/the-very-angry-tea-party/ …
Scientists are seeking what makes people different, at least genetically. What is done with this information is the realm of ethics and morality, not genetics. I’m autistic or a person with autism or whatever. I don’t care what the label is. I was what I am before the label even…
I am quite open that I support genetic-based theories of autism etiology, while also open to the notion of triggers. Genetic predisposition is only that: predisposition. Many genetic conditions respond to triggers, so the two are not exclusionary. Today, there is a bit more on the genetics of autism. But…
People excuse parents and caregivers for abusing and even murdering autistics. Colorado mental-health counselor charged with murdering infant son – The Denver Post Police: Autism was motive in Colo. child’s killing BOULDER, Colo. — Police say a woman accused of killing her infant son did it because she believed the…
ABC News offers the following: Autism Genes: Better Test May Help Screen Causes – ABC News I always find myself torn with stories like this. The part of me that embraces science would prefer scientific ways to diagnose individuals and count autism rates. Yet, I also wonder what becomes of…
The Chicago Tribune has a great story on how DAN! and other organizations use valid science to justify their “treatments” for autism. The sad fact that parents trust these quacks worries me. It’s also why I am not going to continue down the autism research path after I complete the…
Time magazine has two stories on autism diagnostic rates. One report is on a careful census of adults, trying to determine if there is a real difference between generations. The second report is on a telephone survey that shows a sudden spike in rates based on poorly worded questions. I…
I’ve written many times that the diagnostic rate for any condition is not the same as the actual prevalence. Examples of sudden “explosions” in diagnoses, abound, from various cancers to mental health conditions. In some cases, diagnoses were impossible. In others, conditions were clarified and reclassified by improved science. Anyway……
Is autism increasing or are the diagnoses increasing? I presume we’re getting better at diagnosing autism. Autism in California increases twelvefold By Sandy Kleffman Updated: 05/06/2009 08:12:02 PM PDT California saw a twelvefold increase during the past two decades in the number of autistic people who are receiving services through…