Tools From UNC & ARI to Support Individuals with Autism During COVID-19
With more than 90% of all Americans currently under stay at home orders due to COVID-19, families are rapidly adapting to a highly unusual way of living. Almost everyone’s schedule has been disrupted. Students are now attending classes over the internet. Parents are working from home. Gym classes and social engagements take place over Zoom. Even medical appointments are occurring remotely through telehealth and telemedicine technology.
Robots Could Improve Socialization Skills for Children with Autism
A small robot, shaped like a bird, is perched on a desk in front of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the child plays math games on a tablet, the friendly bird provides instruction and feedback–essentially coaching the child until each computer game is completed. This scenario is not a new plot line from an upcoming science fiction film.
Autism & Sleep Troubles
A Critical Concern and Least Studied Feature of the Spectrum – Ask any parent raising a child with autism about their daily challenges, a list will be produced fairly quick. Whether it is dealing with picky eating, rigid dressing and grooming routines, self-stimulatory behaviors, echolalia or all the above; managing these autism related issues takes an enormous amount of patience and dedication to remaining calm. By the end of the day, most parents are ready for peace, quiet and most of all rest. However, the respite that these parents desperately need is unlikely to easily occur.
As Coronavirus Curtails School and Therapy, Parents Can Turn to Exercise Instead
New Study Shows Therapeutic Benefits for Autism – Parents looking for therapeutic activities while their child with autism is home from school and therapists stay away due to the coronavirus outbreak can turn to exercise. A new study shows that physical activity has beneficial effects for core autism symptoms in addition to its benefits for physical health.
Autism Prevalence Still Rising per CDC
New Official Rate is 1 in 54, up 10% Since Last Report Progress Lacking in Early Diagnosis, Racial & Ethnic Disparities Found The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its latest prevalence estimates for autism. It reports 1 in 54 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The rate is an increase of […]
Socioeconomic & Racial Divide in Autism Numbers
New Study Shows Rates Escalating Among Poor but Declining for Wealthy Whites in California: A startling new study out of the University of Colorado Boulder exposed an unexpected trend. Autism rates are escalating for African American and Hispanic families as well as economically disadvantaged families, while the rates for wealthy Caucasian families have declined.
