Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

On a rainy October evening in 2022, Simone Dufresne, a graduate student at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, was looking with dismay at the data from her survey of autistic adults. There were telltale signs of fraud, including in the answers to the open-ended questions. “Some of them were phrased kind of strangely,” she says,…

I want to tell you how proud I am of you. When some people think of progress and success, they think of big, huge things. Like winning an award or crossing a finish line first. But as I stood behind you taking this photo, watching you sit calmly staring at the water, I see all…

As an Autism mom and daughter of a retired first responder, I knew there was a disconnect between the special needs community and those individuals meant to provide support and care in an emergency situations. Just over a year ago, my son experienced frightening medical concerns. Being that an ambulance would have been too overstimulating…

Recently, the focus on legality and health has turned sharply towards a contentious subject—the Tylenol autism lawsuits. This article will explore the complexities surrounding these lawsuits, aiming to offer a comprehensive understanding of the claims, concerns, and developments embedded in this intricate landscape. As you delve into this topic, it becomes evident that the spotlight…

An autism diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty. One of the first things families learn is that it is a spectrum, hence autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But did you know there are different autism levels?  Besides being on a spectrum (low to high-functioning autism), not many parents know that the 5th edition of the…

Being a parent is hard. Every stage comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s switching from two naps a day to one, transitioning your big kid into kindergarten, or coaching your teen through friendship troubles. As parents, we’re always searching for ways to support our kids and connect with them while giving them…

Summary: Autism, an inherently unique and multi-faceted condition, lacks a standardized diagnostic approach, making treatment and research challenges. A new study highlights the potential of mouse models in autism research, offering insights into molecular and physiological mechanisms. Researchers emphasize the role of the insular cortex and introduces the innovative “mouse metaverse” – a VR tool…

The moment your child’s optometrist suggests that your little one needs glasses, a whirlwind of emotions might engulf you. Elation that you’ve identified a way to improve their visual experience, but also apprehension about how your autistic child will adapt to this new change. When your daily life already involves various strategies to ensure your…

by Brian Shilhavy Editor, Health Impact News Tens of thousands of mothers are suing the makers of Tylenol for using the popular over-the-counter pain reliever during pregnancy, which resulted in them giving birth to babies diagnosed with autism. Tens of thousands of mothers are suing the makers of Tylenol in a class-action lawsuit that claims…