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Reports from the world of severe autism.

Autism
Autism App Targets the "Holy Grail" of Communication

Amy S.F. Lutz on February 23, 2024

Syntax is especially difficult for many autistic people with severe language impairment. Researchers just released the first tool to use AI to teach more complex communication.

Syntax is especially difficult for many autistic people with severe language impairment. Researchers just released the first tool to use AI to teach more complex communication.

Autism
TikTok Videos on Autism Largely Inaccurate

Amy S.F. Lutz on August 11, 2023

More than 70% of autism information on TikTok is inaccurate, according to a new study. Here's why that's dangerous IRL.

More than 70% of autism information on TikTok is inaccurate, according to a new study. Here's why that's dangerous IRL.

Autism
Fighting Censorship in Autism Discourse

Amy S.F. Lutz on January 10, 2023

Severely autistic people struggle with life-limiting or even life-threatening symptoms. Yet some neurodiversity advocates make it hard for researchers to talk about them.

Severely autistic people struggle with life-limiting or even life-threatening symptoms. Yet some neurodiversity advocates make it hard for researchers to talk about them.

Autism
New Research May Change How We Think About the Autism Spectrum

Amy S.F. Lutz on May 16, 2022

Autism is currently considered completely different from ADHD, OCD, and other diagnoses. New research suggests we've been thinking about neurodivergence all wrong.

Autism is currently considered completely different from ADHD, OCD, and other diagnoses. New research suggests we've been thinking about neurodivergence all wrong.

Autism
Autism Action Month: Severe Autism Edition

Amy S.F. Lutz on March 21, 2022

This April, as autism success stories flood the internet, don't forget about severe autism families who may be living in a constant state of crisis. Here's what you can do to help.

This April, as autism success stories flood the internet, don't forget about severe autism families who may be living in a constant state of crisis. Here's what you can do to help.

Autism
Lancet Commission Calls for New Category: "Profound Autism"

Amy S.F. Lutz on December 7, 2021

The proposal for a more precise classification for those most disabled by autism reflects a growing realization that this population has been sidelined.

The proposal for a more precise classification for those most disabled by autism reflects a growing realization that this population has been sidelined.

Autism
The Reverse Field of Dreams Fallacy in Disability Policy

Amy S.F. Lutz on November 8, 2021

The plight of a severely autistic Pennsylvania boy stuck in a hospital for months highlights the consequences of closing intensive, disability-specific settings.

The plight of a severely autistic Pennsylvania boy stuck in a hospital for months highlights the consequences of closing intensive, disability-specific settings.

Autism
What Is an Institution?

Amy S.F. Lutz on August 16, 2021

Focusing on size over services may threaten the safety and quality of life of our most disabled.

Focusing on size over services may threaten the safety and quality of life of our most disabled.

Autism
What the Heck Is ABA, Anyway?

Amy S.F. Lutz on May 16, 2021

Recent attacks on YouTube star Mark Rober for his support of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have exposed a profound misunderstanding of this suite of technologies.

Recent attacks on YouTube star Mark Rober for his support of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have exposed a profound misunderstanding of this suite of technologies.

Caregiving
The Secret is Out: Caregiving is Hard Work

Amy S.F. Lutz on April 16, 2021

Several new memoirs illuminate a caregiving crisis. A coalition that transcends diagnoses of autism, cancer, dementia, and others could improve the situation of caregivers and care recipients alike.

Several new memoirs illuminate a caregiving crisis. A coalition that transcends diagnoses of autism, cancer, dementia, and others could improve the situation of caregivers and care recipients alike.

Autism
Weaponizing "Ableism" in the World of Autism

Amy S.F. Lutz on February 3, 2021

Some autism and disability-rights advocates dismiss the narratives of parents and providers as "ableist." Yet these stakeholders must also be heard.

Some autism and disability-rights advocates dismiss the narratives of parents and providers as "ableist." Yet these stakeholders must also be heard.

Autism
Autism Mother-Blaming, Circa 2020

Amy S.F. Lutz on December 30, 2020

As the autism community grieves the tragic deaths of Feda Almaliti and her son, others weaponize academic discourse to target parents like her.

As the autism community grieves the tragic deaths of Feda Almaliti and her son, others weaponize academic discourse to target parents like her.

Career
Mainstreaming Doesn't Work for Everybody

Amy S.F. Lutz on October 5, 2020

Proposals to scrap disability-specific classrooms and schools will only make education inaccessible for students with severe cognitive impairments.

Proposals to scrap disability-specific classrooms and schools will only make education inaccessible for students with severe cognitive impairments.

Autism
Count Backwards From 100: A New Hypothesis of Autism Emerges

Amy S.F. Lutz on July 24, 2020

Could your childhood exposures impact your future kids? New research suggests that general anesthesia may raise the risk of autism in the next generation.

Could your childhood exposures impact your future kids? New research suggests that general anesthesia may raise the risk of autism in the next generation.

Autism
When Autism Advocacy Is "Partial"

Amy S.F. Lutz on June 23, 2020

Can bioethics provide insight into the most fraught debate dividing the autism community? A new journal article says yes.

Can bioethics provide insight into the most fraught debate dividing the autism community? A new journal article says yes.