Autism
59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.’s moves as health secretary, a new poll says
A new poll shows trust in federal health policies is plummeting, and what -- or who -- people believe increasingly depends on their politics.
Amid funding cuts and public health battles, NIH issues autism research grants
Cornell University will receive $5.1 million as the Trump administration seeks to find a source and cure for autism.
Lawsuits against Tylenol’s maker get a boost after Trump’s comments
A law firm appealing a stalled case against Tylenol's maker, Kenvue, says people are calling to join the suit, alleging the painkiller caused autism in children whose mothers took it during pregnancy.
VIDEO: Top health officials are at odds with scientists. Who should Americans believe?
President Trump linked Tylenol to autism despite little medical evidence. How are Americans meant to make important decisions about their health at this confusing moment?
Leucovorin for autism? Many scientists — and parents — are skeptical
President Trump says an old drug that acts like a vitamin can reduce autism symptoms in many children. The science doesn't support that claim.
Trump admin ‘seems to care very little about autistic people,’ says advocate
In making unsupported claims about autism, the Trump administration is "pointing the finger" at parents and making them feel guilty, says autism community advocate Colin Killick.
When it comes to Tylenol, what are parents to do?
The science on Tylenol and autism isn't clear, despite President Trump's claims. Here's what parents need to know to make their own decisions about acetaminophen.
The Trump administration is expected to link autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy
President Trump and HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to tie autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and present a cancer drug as a possible treatment. There is little credible scientific evidence for either claim.
HHS responds to report about autism and acetaminophen
A report that health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has promised will come out this month will look at the causes of autism. Many worry it will have claims unsupported by science.
NIH autism study will pull from private medical records
The National Institutes of Health plans to pool information from private sources like pharmacies and smartwatches.
RFK pushes to find ‘environmental’ cause of autism, calls rising rates an ‘epidemic’
Researchers and advocates have pushed back at what they consider inaccurate and stigmatizing comments made by the health secretary, and note the causes of autism are complex.
New CDC report finds ‘significant increase’ in children diagnosed with developmental disorders
While the results showing an increase in rates may seem alarming, researchers say it could be a sign of better access to mental health services.
Program Uses ‘Horse Sense’ to Improve Communication with Police
For people who have a communicative disorder such as autism, run-ins with police can escalate quickly. To tackle the issue, a local nonprofit recently developed a training program for police and kids, using horses.
Birmingham Airport Unveils Sensory Room
The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport unveiled its new sensory room today. It’s for travelers who are easily overstimulated.
Sloss Fest Becomes Sensory Inclusive
The Sloss Music & Arts Festival is this weekend! Organizers recently announced this year's event will be certified "sensory inclusive." It's meant to attract individuals with autism and other disabilities.
Autism Bill May Fall Short in Legislature
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says if bill requiring insurers cover a particular type of autism therapy receives final passage, it would be a miracle.
Regions Bank Takes Steps To Be Autism-Friendly
Regions Bank recently announced efforts to make its 1,500 branches autism-friendly. It's something many businesses across the country are doing. But there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.
House Approves Autism Therapy Coverage, Monitors Church Day Cares
Members of the state House of Representatives on Thursday passed these two bills many parents across Alabama were watching. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal talks with WBHM’s Gigi Douban about them.
Advocates Push for Autism Therapy Coverage
The Alabama House of Representatives will vote April 20 on a bill that would require insurance companies cover autism therapy. Alabama is one of just five states that doesn’t offer health care coverage for autism.
Gov. Ivey Briefs Reporters and Lawmakers Advance Autism Bill
The legislature this week tried to get on with business as usual following the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley on Monday. As Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol […]
For Parents of Children with Disabilities, A Question of How Much Is Enough
The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a decision on whether public schools are doing enough to educate students with special needs. Under federal law, students with disabilities are entitled to a “free appropriate education.” At issue, however, is what constitutes “appropriate”. In Alabama, there are more than 83,000 children with special needs. And for the parents and educators of those children, meeting educational needs is often a struggle.
Sensory-Friendly Performances Open Theater World to People with Autism
People with autism often get uncomfortable in situations like live theater. Sudden loud noises and bright lights can cause distress. With one in 68 children being diagnosed with the condition, lots of Alabama families don’t see musicals or plays. One theater in Birmingham wants to change that by offering one of Alabama’s first “sensory-friendly” performances.
Brunos Fallout: the Glenwood Pecans
The poor economy has dealt a serious blow to some Alabama nonprofit organizations. One group that serves children with autism and severe emotional disabilities is feeling the pain even more, thanks to the bankruptcy of Brunos supermarket.
Autism & Diet
The numbers continue to astonish. More than a half million Americans are diagnosed with some form of Autism. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 166 children have the disorder. Some say special diets can help a child recover, even lead to a reversal of diagnosis. Donna Francavilla explores this controversial issue.
Autism: Diagnosis
More children are being diagnosed with autism than ever before. Recent journal studies show rates three to four time higher than 30 years ago. As researchers ponder reasons for the trend - some say it's greater awareness, others blame environmental factors - parents and doctors are learning to pick up the early signs of autism... and debating when it's appropriate to make the diagnosis. Karen Brown reports.
Autism Rates
NPR News and Classical Music for North Central Alabama
