Neurodiversity is a term coined by sociologist Judy Singer to refer to natural variations in the human brain, driven by epigenetics. The neurodiversity movement rejects the idea that people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions are somehow defective. As a society we need to value and accommodate neurodiverse children…
Whether your toddler has received an autism diagnosis, or you suspect your young one is on the spectrum, there’s a host of activities you can use at home to keep your child both active and engaged. Homeschooling your autistic toddler may seem complex, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed…
With school in full swing, kids and teens are quickly becoming occupied with worksheets, quizzes, homework, and projects. It might feel like the work will never end. The amount of work and learning that takes place each week can be overwhelming for any child, let alone one that is falling…
Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect how one learns, but students with autism can still excel in school. Teachers can help their students with autism by first considering other developmental issues to best understand how the individual learns. Then, educators should offer individualized assistance to each student with…
Autism is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that hinders one’s communicative and social abilities. Depression, however, is a mood disorder, characterized by severe sadness and a lack of interest in everyday activities; and anxiety comes with fearful feelings as well as racing or unwanted thoughts. While there are…
Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that begins in childhood and affects the individual for the duration of his or her life. This disorder can have damaging effects on one’s life from hindering social skills, as well as learning abilities, and overall functioning. The good…
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life. It often impacts a person’s social abilities and interactions and can be accompanied by an assortment of learning problems (though, not always). ASD varies in its severity, and some people develop…
Today, I am a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast—I love ‘em all. But when I was a child, I was deathly afraid of them after one stole my snickerdoodle. Sure, it’s comical now, but back then it was the ultimate betrayal and I vowed to never trust another dog again. Instead of…
Max is 8 years old with a heavy interest in bugs and photography. He rarely makes eye contact when he talks to others—including his closest family members—and prefers to keep the conversation short…especially when something’s bothering him, like the bullies at school or a smashed lens on his camera. And…
The Good Doctor, modeled after the South Korean series of the same name, is a television series coming to ABC this fall about a surgeon, Shaun, with autism and savant syndrome. Shaun leaves his troubled town and childhood behind to join the pediatric unit at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital—he…