Alterations in resting state connectivity along the autism trait continuum: a twin study

Alterations in resting state connectivity along the autism trait continuum: a twin study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been found to be associated with alterations in resting state (RS) functional connectivity, including areas forming the default mode network (DMN) and salience network (SN). However, insufficient control for confounding genetic and environmental influences and other methodological issues limit the generalizability of previous findings. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that ASD might be marked by early hyper-c…

Neurodiversity Is a Strawman

Adear friend had a beautiful, healthy, engaged baby boy. After his first round of childhood vaccinations he went blind, non-verbal, started head banging, having seizures, lost all engagement, and fell into the abyss of autism. Today that child is 40. He is incontinent, cannot speak or feed himself, and is totally dependent upon his father to survive.  Another friend had a son and a daughter. The daughter, following her first round of childhood s…

How Increased Autism Diagnoses Are Changing the Way We Think About Neurodiversity

We look into who is underdiagnosed and why — and how our conceptions of autism and neurodivergence are changing.

Does it sound familiar to you to move your leg, humming without realizing it or to play with a pen in moments of nervousness, concentration or joy? That’s stimming. Although its best-known association is with autism, the reality is that we all perform these repetitive behaviors at some point to calm down, have fun or reconnect with our senses. And, thanks to TikTok, this concept is in everyone’s mouth, showing us that it is more common than we t…

Neurodiversity Celebration Month: A Mother-Daughter Conversation About Learning With ADHD

My daughter, Amina, has always been a strong student. In her Montessori elementary school, she enjoyed learning and could often stay focused on tasks for long, uninterrupted periods of time. She got good grades in middle and high school and pursued lots of extracurricular interests — including her passion, acting. Sometimes, she had trouble moving […]

Boston Fleet Visits Melmark New England in Honor of Autism Acceptance Month

Andover, MA, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Members of the Boston Fleet, an original six team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), recently visited Melmark New England. The visit was particularly significant as it coincides with Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and honoring the experiences and identities of individuals with autism. During their visit, players and staff from the Boston Fleet toured The Canc…