Study Looks at Boys and Girls with Autism Who Falsely Screen Negative at an Early Age

A study in 2018 issue of Pediatrics looks at why some children receive negative results on early autism screenings, but then go on to later receive a diagnosis of autism. Authors of “Clinical Features of Children with Autism Who Passed 18-Month Screening” examined the developmental and temperamental profiles of more than 68,000 18-month-old Norwegian infants, all of whom received a negative result on a parent-directed questionnaire designed to screen for autism. The authors found that […]

Myths & Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder

There are a lot of misconceptions circulating about individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In order to fully meet the needs of students with ASD and support them in inclusive classrooms, it is important to have accurate information about their strengths and challenges. This post clarifies some common myths about autism spectrum disorder and offers resources for further information. MYTH: Everyone with autism is either non-verbal or a savant. FACT: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder […]

Autism Mutations Make the Brain Less Flexible

Summary: Study sheds light on how SETD5, a gene associated with ASD, alters behavior and may lead to less flexibility in the brain. Source: Institute of Science and Technology Austria. About 1% of patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability have a mutation in a gene called SETD5. Scientists have now discovered what happens on a molecular level when the gene is mutated in mice, and how this changes the mice’s behavior. This […]

Play and friendship for children with disability

Making friends, playing and getting along with other children are good for all children, including your child with disability. You can support your child as he learns how to play and have friendships. Why friendship and play are good for your child with disability Play and friendships help your child with disability learn all kinds of skills and abilities. After all, children are fantastic teachers of other children. And playing with other children is great […]

We are calling on the world to take action for inclusion

Inclusion International is the global network of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. For people with intellectual disabilities and their families the reality is that we are still being left behind and excluded from all areas of society. We work together to make inclusion happen. Today is International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This year the focus is on empowering persons with disabilities to make sure inclusion and equality are real. Today we ask […]