New Hope for Early Autism Diagnosis

The brains of autistic children have a distinctive topography that a team of Stanford scientists was able to capture using new imaging techniques, with the hopes of someday creating a template for the autistic brain that could be used to diagnose kids at a very early age.
Detailed, computerized analyses of MRI scans showed a pattern of organization, especially in regions of the brain dedicated to communication and self-awareness, that were particular to children with autism, according to the new research, which was published online Friday in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Cuts Could Have Lifetime Impact

For Milla Powell, a 12-year-old from Austin with cerebral palsy, the little things make all the difference. Massage therapy to ease her tightened muscles. Recreational programs, in which therapists take her into the community to help her build her social skills. Music therapy to help Milla, who cannot speak, connect without words.
But services like these are on the chopping block for thousands of Texans with disabilities — another casualty of the significant budget cuts that state lawmakers passed in May.

Special Educator on "The Amazing Race"

A special education teacher will be jetting around the world this fall on CBS’s “The Amazing Race” and she says that teaching students with disabilities has prepared her for the challenge.
Jennifer Young, 26, is among the 22 contestants announced this week who will participate on season 19 of “The Amazing Race.”
The special educator from Stone Mountain, Ga. will compete alongside her brother, Justin Young, 31, against 10 other teams to be the first to make it through a number of mental and physical challenges across four continents. The winning team gets $1 million.

Artist with Autism Breaking Down Barriers

WESTON, Fla. -- Many who view Victoria Baylac's artwork are amazed to find out she is only 11. They're even more surprised when they find out that she is autistic.
The self-taught prodigy was diagnosed before her third birthday. She picked up her first ballpoint pen a year later and hasn't stopped creating since.

10-Year-Old Defying Myths About Autism

It may be the biggest myth about autism out there: that kids on the spectrum can't form social relationships, that they don't feel for other people the way that "regular" people do. Try telling that to Christian Mast. The 10-year-old from upstate New York has tried everything from selling his toys to running a lemonade stand because he wants to help people. Now he's on a mission to sell 1 million puzzle piece placards to raise $1 million for Autism Speaks. Oh yeah, and Christian has autism.

Survey: More U.S. Children Get Vaccines

More young children are getting immunized in the United States for preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday.
Fears that vaccines might cause autism or other health problems have led some parents to skip vaccinations, despite repeated reassurances from health authorities.

Lack of Power More Than a Nuisance

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Not having electricity for days on end can be a headache for anyone.
But as Pasadena resident Judy McCorkill knows well, it can be much more than that for someone with special health needs. Her family lost power Saturday night when Hurricane Irene arrived and did not get it back until more than two days later. It was a huge source of anxiety for her 36-year-old son, who has a developmental disability.