Autism

Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Thimerosal in Vaccines: Myths vs. Medical Facts

Thimerosal is an organomercury preservative used in vaccines and other biological products, distinguished by its rapid metabolism and clearance as ethylmercury, which is not linked to neurotoxicity at clinical exposure levels. Decades of epidemiological research and regulatory reviews confirm the safety of thimerosal in vaccines, refuting claims of its association with autism and supporting its continued use in multi-dose immunization strategies.

ADHD and Asperger's

The Reward System and Autism

What is Sensory Overload?

Autism Mechanism

Asperger Syndrome Prognosis

Can Eating Behaviors Indicate Autism?

Autism Prognosis

Gut-Brain Axis and Neuropsychological Disorders

Obesity and Autism

Autism Causes

Sensory Overload vs. Sensory Seeking: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

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Autism Classification

Autism Management

What is Asperger Syndrome?

ADHD and Related Conditions

Autism Related Conditions

Evidence for Autism being a Genetic Condition

Autoantibodies and Autism

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and More

What Is Speech-Language Pathology?

Asperger Syndrome | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Support

Gut Bacteria and Autism Development

Autism and Junk DNA

Detecting Autism Early

What is Synaptic Pruning?

Picky Eating and Autism: Tips & Advice

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Allergies

Travelling with a Child Who Has Autism

ADHD and Autism

Autism Screening

What is Autism?

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Are Apraxia and Autism Related?

Asperger Syndrome Mechanism

Autism and Sleep Problems

Asperger Syndrome Causes

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism

What is Autistic Burnout?

Autism History

Latest Autism News and Research

Molecular map reveals how Down syndrome alters brain development

Scientists at UCLA have created one of the first cellular-resolution molecular maps detailing how Down syndrome alters human brain development before birth - a resource that resolves longstanding contradictions in the field and could lay the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies.

25 Apr 2026

Negative parenting behaviors linked to gaming disorder in children with ADHD

A new Children's Hospital of Philadelphia study examines the relationship between parenting factors and gaming disorder in young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting, taking place April 24-27 in Boston.

24 Apr 2026

Study explores early autism detection using wearable movement sensors

UCLA Health researchers are seeking to develop a new wearable technology to catch one of the earliest but often overlooked signs of autism and other developmental conditions in infants.

23 Apr 2026

Study links ADHD-related traits to increased chronic pain severity

A new study, led by researchers from the University of Tokyo, involving nearly 1,000 patients in Japan suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related traits may be associated with and may contribute to chronic pain.

23 Apr 2026

Long COVID in children doubles risk of poor grades

Findings indicate long-COVID leads to academic and social difficulties in children, highlighting the importance of addressing their unique educational needs.

23 Apr 2026

Study reveals genetic factors influencing SYNGAP1 encephalopathy disease severity

SYNGAP1 encephalopathy is a rare genetic disorder for which there is no treatment, causing epilepsy, intellectual disability, psychomotor delay and, frequently, autism.

22 Apr 2026

Autism risk rises with multiple medications taken during pregnancy

A study links maternal use of cholesterol-inhibiting medications during pregnancy to increased autism risk in children, urging caution in prescribing practices.

22 Apr 2026

Researchers identify ADHD and social traits in preschoolers with heart defects

Congenital heart disease (CHD) which is a problem with how the heart forms before birth -- occurs in approximately 1 % of newborns.

22 Apr 2026

Calcium signals in microglia drive anxiety and compulsive behaviors

Researchers had previously discovered a population of immune cells within the brain that can act as accelerators and brakes for anxiety in mice. N

21 Apr 2026

Certain prenatal medications linked to increased risk of autism

A landmark study led by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a significant association between prenatal prescription of commonly utilized medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

20 Apr 2026

Research shows AI discourages social interaction for autistic users

When people ask ChatGPT and other AI models for advice, they often share deeply personal details in hopes of getting better answers: their age, their gender, their mental health history, even medical diagnoses like autism.

20 Apr 2026

What the Health? From KFF Health News: A new CDC nominee, again

President Donald Trump this week nominated a former deputy surgeon general who has expressed support for vaccines to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

17 Apr 2026

New atlas maps how the vascular network of mouse's brain grows after birth

Scientists have made a major advance in developmental neuroscience, creating the very first detailed atlas of how the vascular network of a mouse's brain grows after birth. Their study is published in Cell.

17 Apr 2026

US Medicaid data finds buprenorphine safe for long-term child development

Children born to mothers who used buprenorphine for opioid addiction during pregnancy do not have a greater risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism, compared with children whose mothers took methadone, finds a large US study published by The BMJ today.

17 Apr 2026