The Intuitive Parent

The art and science of child development.

Unintended Consequences of the Expanding Autism Spectrum

Is it unethical to teach autistic children to communicate?

Should Children With Autism (ASD) Be Taught Social Skills?

Children with disabilities have basic rights that must always be respected including opportunities to participate in society and to receive an education.

Challenges for Students Returning to School In-Person

After more than a year away from school, it will take time for all students to reacclimatize to in-person teaching. Students with disabilities will need even more support.

The Man Who Made Faces

Our faces are a ubiquitous part of identity that we take for granted, until something happens that alters our appearance.

What Does “Science Say” When the “Science” Is Rescinded?

Lessons from hydroxychloroquine (HCQ): Proclaiming what "the science says" can be difficult, misleading, and subject to revision—or even retraction.

Enlightening Lessons from Miguel Servato and Steven Pinker

The free exchange of ideas, debate, and scientific discovery are the foundation of civil society, regardless of political or religious views. The alternative is darkness.

Charter Schools: What Does the Science Say?

Charter schools are controversial, but are they better than public schools in unbiased comparisons?

Supporting Children With Disabilities in Challenging Times

Ensuring that people with disabilities do not unnecessarily become victims of the COVID-19 pandemic: moral and ethical considerations,

Breakthroughs in Language and Literacy in Children Born Deaf

New discoveries in hearing science and surgical techniques restore hearing and accelerate development in children born with severe to profound hearing loss.

Distinguishing Social Activism and Healthy Scientific Debate

Impassioned scientific debate and criticism are essential for discovery. Social activism aimed at bullying scientists into abandoning research is antithetical to discovery.

The Dark Side of Social Media Activism in Science

Will clinical-translational discovery be derailed when targeted by social activism?

Public Policy, Chromosomes, Genes, and Societal “Cures”

Public policy on the use of genetic testing must include protection for all people.

Follow-up to Vaccines Cause Autism: The Lie that Never Dies

In science, as in life, being "old" is not necessarily a vice.

Vaccines Cause Autism: The Lie That Never Dies

Why does the "vaccines cause autism" myth persist even in the face of overwhelming evidence that vaccines do not cause autism?

(Intellectual) Death by Worksheets in Today's Schools

Kindergarten children's latent love of learning is being destroyed by attempts to "teach to the test" and prepare for a lifetime of worksheet drudgery.

The Ongoing Rise in Autism: What in the World Is Going On?

Why do the reported rates of autism keep rising? And, will they keep rising despite new programs designed to detect and treat it?

Iceland "Cures" Down Syndrome: Should America Do the Same?

Iceland and other countries are "curing" Down Syndrome using prenatal screening, genetic counseling, and, ultimately, pregnancy termination.

Only in America: 33 Percent Is a "Passing" Grade in Math!

The need for honesty and accountability in our schools

The Emerging Crisis in Critical Thinking

What can parents and teachers do to improve thinking ability?

Lessons from Down Syndrome: Learning from Herbie

Be sure to say "hello" to people with Down Syndrome. Their day, and yours, will definitely be brighter if you do.

My Child Has Been Referred for Special Ed Testing: Now What?

Special education testing can be a bewildering process. Here's what you can do to help your child.

US Schools and the Astounding Rise in ADHD

Teachers—and schools—should not be diagnosing ADHD or pushing medication. In fact, US teaching approaches may be causing ADHD "symptoms" in young children.