Autism Info

Gluten-Free Amaretti with Honey and Orange Blossom

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 9:58am

Similar in texture to a macaroon, these amaretti use almond meal and are a hit with children and adults alike. While these are time-consuming to make because there's lots of chilling for 2 hours involved, they aren't difficult at all. And if you and your kids can roll a play-dough rope, then together you can roll the dough out as you make these delicious treats.

Gluten Free Brown Rice Tortilla and Caramelized Onion Cheddar Quesadilla

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 9:34am

Here's a quick, easy snack or mini-meal that's both gluten-free, and delicious. It's my family's "go to" in a pinch when we are short on time, big on hunger or just craving some comfort food beyond the usual realm of mac n cheese. I hope you like it as well!

GFCF Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almond Flour Recipe

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 9:00pm

GFCF Chocolate Chip CookiesThe jury is basically out to lunch when it comes to the positive effects of a gluten-free/casein-free diet and autism with the peer reviewed Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reporting research from double blind trials in 2015 saying its ineffective, and hundreds of other studies and anecdotal research supporting the positive effects of a gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet, leaving families to...Read More

Keep the Change: New Rom-Com Changes the Autism Conversation

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Wed, 04/04/2018 - 3:05pm

The conversation that romantic comedy, Keep the Change sparks is wide-ranging as it explores autism along the spectrum with three different autistic people cast in the roles of autistic people, each with their own quirks - quirks which aren't necessarily the stereotypical extraordinary ones that the media generally depicts with autism. In other words, not everyone on the spectrum is a...Read More

Considering a Connection Between Sudden Genius and Autistic Savant Syndrome

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Wed, 04/04/2018 - 2:37pm

Researchers have found that when the brain is injured, dead and dying cells leak serotonin into the surrounding tissue, an effect similar to how LSD affects the brain. Physically, this seems to encourage new connections between brain regions - new connections that researchers have seen clearly when imaging brains post-injury. And when these new connections between brain regions are forged, researchers have found that other brain regions that had been more dominant prior to the injury can become less dominant, thus allowing... Read More

Tantrums vs Meltdowns: What You Need To Know in Terms of ACL-17-95

Michelle Collins's picture
Submitted by Michelle Collins on Wed, 04/04/2018 - 1:25pm

According to ACL-17-95, a minor's or adult's behavior is assessed for PS-Eligibility "based upon the willfulness of that behavior", taking into account the recipient's age and specific behavior with the key point that the behavior is "nonself-directing, due to the mental impairment/illness." The adjective "willfulness" corresponds to one key difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, specifically: A tantrum is goal-oriented behavior looking for ... Read More

Autism: Don't Try to Make Sense. Make a Difference!

Submitted by TimWhetsel on Fri, 08/23/2013 - 6:48pm

Read excerpts from Autism Therapist Haim Ore's book, "Autism: Don't Try to Make Sense. Make a Difference!". Learn techniques and strategies for dealing with the behavior of autistic children. Haim shares his unique ability of simplifying the science of behavior modification and presents strategies in layman's terms.

Antibody May Be Clue to Autism in Children

Submitted by TimWhetsel on Sun, 07/21/2013 - 6:34pm

Study finds that 23 percent of mothers whose children have autism have autoantibodies to certain proteins that are necessary for healthy neuron development.

In Vitro Fertilization Raises Autism Risk

Submitted by TimWhetsel on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 7:59pm

Research shows that intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a particular type of in vitro fertilization, is associated with a higher risk of autism and mental disability in children.

Air Pollution May be Linked to Autism

Submitted by TimWhetsel on Fri, 06/21/2013 - 7:23pm

Studies show in utero and early-life exposure to pollutants like diesel particulates, mercury and lead, may contribute to a higher risk of autism.

Serotonin & Bacteria in the Bowels Linked to Behavior Problems

Submitted by TimWhetsel on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 5:00pm

Research is showing that a common cause of autistic children acting out is simply because they're constipated -- which, from there, can mean they stop sleeping and eating well. They may become aggressive and frustrated because they have no other way of saying that their stomachs hurt.

Normal Peer Models for Autistic Children

Larry Rosen's picture
Submitted by Larry Rosen on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 8:26pm

Present research and legislation regarding mainstreaming autistic children into normal classrooms have raised the importance of studying...