The Latest Breaking News from Autism

How Masking in School Leads to Burnout in Autistic Teen Girls

Many autistic teen girls appear to thrive at school, earning good grades, maintaining friendships, and following classroom expectations. Behind that outward success, however, some spend every school day carefully hiding autistic traits to fit in with classmates and teachers. This effort, known as masking, can become mentally and emotionally exhausting…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 3

Missing New York boy with autism found dead in swimming pool, cops had searched it ‘several times’ but failed to spot him

Cops insist they thought they could see the bottom of the pool.

We Got This Covered · Jul 2

Parents fear a ‘dangerous shift’ as Trump administration rewrites disability policy

For decades, disabled people have fought for their rights to go to school and live alongside peers without disabilities — rights that some fear could be losing ground under the Trump administration

The Independent UK · Jul 1

What if the secret to beating distraction has been hidden in the brainstem all along? A new study offers hope for ADHD research

Scientists have pinpointed an ancient brain region acting as a "focus switch," crucial for filtering distractions and prioritizing information. This discovery in mice, found in a shared vertebrate brainstem area, offers new insights into selective attention. Researchers believe this could pave the way for more targeted treatments for conditions like…

The Economic Times · Jun 27

The Screen-Time Paradox: How Digital Isolation Masks Early Autism Signs

Autism spectrum disorder now affects about 1 in 31 children in the United States, making early recognition and intervention more important than ever. At the same time, digital media has become a routine part of childhood, creating new questions about how heavy screen use may influence the way parents notice—or…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 26

Think your parent is neurodivergent? Here’s what you need to know

Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 are undiagnosed. Experts offer up advice for family members on how to support this ‘neglected generation’

The Guardian - UK · Jun 26

Autistic people aren’t afraid of genetic research – they are afraid of what scientists might do with it

When my colleagues and I asked autistic people and parents of autistic children in Sweden how they feel about genetic research in autism, one response stood out: “I hope genetic research finds new ways to help us, not erase us.” It captures a tension that has shaped debates about autism…

The Conversation · Jun 26

Insurance Denials Are Rising for Key Autism Therapies

Parents seeking autism treatment for their children are facing a growing challenge that extends beyond finding qualified providers. Increasingly, insurance denials are delaying or limiting access to therapies that many healthcare professionals consider medically necessary. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other behavioral health services often require…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 24

How Autism Diagnoses Are Sometimes Downplayed in Schools

Parents often expect schools to be the first place where developmental concerns are recognized, but that does not always happen. While many educators work hard to support students with autism, some families report that concerns are minimized or attributed to behavior, anxiety, or immaturity instead. This can delay evaluations, accommodations,…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 23

2026 Wildfire Smoke Has Already Hit 12 States, and Researchers Link PM2.5 Exposure to Pregnancy and Heart Risks

2026 wildfire season burned 2.4M acres by June — double the 10-year average. Smoke linked to preterm birth, autism risk, and CVD deaths across 30+ states.

Medical Daily · Jun 23