Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Suicide in youth with autism is much more likely to be reported in writing than to a doctor. A research study recently found that many 10- to 13-year-olds on the autism spectrum are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than their peers. Also, nearly 1 in 5 of these teens and pre-teens would not tell…

Although older adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have more comorbidities and lower life expectancy than younger patients, there is little research or established protocol to guide the care and treatment of this population.1 How can medical professionals meet the needs of older patients with autism and what can be learned from older patients who…

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar Dealing with the idea of raising a child that’s “different” than their peers can be scary, even heartbreaking. But in many cases, the fear surrounding autism is misplaced, and giving into it can cause serious harm. Fears of autism don’t just come out of nowhere; parents are pushed to think this way.…

Mary is wondering if her 6-year-old boy might have autism. He has trouble communicating and has repetitive behavior. Like many parents, a question at the forefront of her mind is: Who can diagnose autism? Diagnosing autism spectrum disorders is complicated; finding a reliable source can provide answers and support for the individual and their family…

Autistic children might have a different way of playing games than their peers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love playing. Playing can mean anything: tabletop games, sensory bins, fidgets, and more, regardless of whether the child has autism. However, keeping autistic children engaged is easier said than done. You need games created explicitly for…

Professor Masato Yoshizawa conducting research. Photo Courtesy: UH Stereotypic repetitive behaviors are common in people with autism. They include body rocking, toe tapping, hand flapping, spinning objects and more, and are generally observed when people are under stress and/or having carbohydrate-rich meals, according to the latest research. A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa public-impact…

When I meet recently diagnosed autistic people—either those who have been formally diagnosed or those who have chosen to self-diagnose—they often ask me: How should I share my diagnosis? Many autistic people feel validated by a diagnosis because they finally have an explanation for the difficulties they’ve faced throughout their lives. They’re ready to move…

When it comes to Halloween and autism….whew, there is a lot of advice out there. And have you noticed a lot of it is really intense? Like almost intimidating. A lot of it makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong as a parent. Blue buckets. Signs. Saying trick-or-treat. Everyone should get candy. Do this.…

Introduction: Navigating Parenthood’s Joyful Challenges Ah, the joys of parenthood! A journey filled with smiles, sleepless nights, diaper adventures, and the sweet sound of baby gurgles and cries. If you’re a parent, you’re undoubtedly familiar with this rollercoaster ride, and if you’re a new parent, welcome to the enchanting world of babyhood. Amidst the precious…

ALL GHOULS GALA 2023 for Autism Care Today was on Saturday, October 28, 2023. We had a spooktacular evening with frights, fun, and fabulous costumes at our haunted gathering. Embed from Getty Images Lending Your Voice Honorees: Dr. Temple Grandin, Joe Mantegna and Areva Martin, Esq. The All Ghouls Gala honored special guests with the…