November Digest

Welcome to our All Autism News series! Whether you’re a parent, advocate, professional in the field or individual with autism, All Autism News is here to give you a summary of this past month’s biggest news stories affecting the autism community.

National News

Greta Thunberg’s Activism Helps Other Autistic Women See Themselves
Bustle – “Please save your praise,” Greta Thunberg told Congress when lawmakers applauded her climate activism at a Senate climate change task force meeting in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17.

Research

New gene linked to autism, neuron development
Spectrum – Mutations in the gene CSDE1 lead to a constellation of developmental delays and conditions, including autism, according to a new study.

Analysis finds little evidence to support dietary interventions for autism
Spectrum – Special diets that eliminate certain foods or contain added supplements have minimal impact on autism traits, according to a review of data from 27 clinical trials.

Autistic children disproportionately affected by chronic pain
Spectrum – Children with autism are about twice as likely as their typical peers to experience chronic or repeated pain, according to a large study. Those with co-occurring developmental conditions, such as epilepsy or intellectual disability, are even more likely to have chronic pain.

Technology

UofL research on robots and autistic children expands
UofL News – One University of Louisville study has found that robots can help autistic children with their emotions and behavior in the classroom. A new study aims to take that research several steps further.

Teens & Adults

How to Have a Social Life While Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum
Yahoo Lifestyle – Having a social life is so important. Lack of one can impact mental health causing feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression. Yet many parents of children with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, struggle to connect with others socially.

Student hosts concert with “Music for Autism”
Yale Daily News – Over the weekend, Jake Gluckman ’21 held a concert for autistic individuals and their families with an organization called Music for Autism in New York City.

Philly artist with autism whose work sells for $25,000 has a Center City show. A year ago, he was unknown.
The Philadelphia Inquirer – For years, Lonnie Smith would gather the artwork made by his son, Kambel, and set up small shows at senior centers, libraries, and YMCAs across the Philadelphia region. Lonnie knew his son had a gift, but he couldn’t get anybody else to see it.

Mom’s post about her lonely autistic son goes viral after he asks heartbreaking question, ‘would someone like me?’
Dailymail – A mother’s tweet about her autistic son being lonely and asking if ‘someone would like’ him provoked a heartwarming response online