Top 5 Autism News for the Week That Was: 27th July, 2015

Progress in the fields of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD is consistent. New research findings are being published, projects are being launched, and treatments are being designed to empower individuals to develop their strengths and become independent.

Below are the top 5 news and opinions in the field of autism and ADHD from across the globe.

1. 15 year old boy with ADHD launches a Kickstarter campaign to help affected kids, their parents and teachers

   15-year-old Jeff Rasmussen is the founder of an online community called ADHDKidsRock.com. He has launched this Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for creating resources that will help the parents, teachers and affected children themselves. Do contribute if you can.

2. Autism rates in Australia may be double of what is expected

   The trial of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in South Australia witnessed almost double the turnout of what was expected. Almost 10,000 children turned up versus the expected figure of 5,085. The trend may the same across the country, experts say.

3. ‘Miniature Brains’ reveal a secret about Autism

   In an attempt to uncover the causes of autism, scientists at Yale School of Medicine have grown a pack of miniature proto-brains in the lab. They have discovered that the developing brain of a child who will get affected by autism has an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This could be one reason that leads to different brain wiring in individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder.

4. Young girl with autism defies doctors due to her love for art

   In Albany, Indiana, 10-year-old Kassidy Royal has shown dramatic improvement in her condition. She was diagnosed with ‘low-functioning autism’ at the age of 2 and doctors advised her parents to keep her at home. However, the parents resorted to proper behavior training, speech therapy, changes to the diet and more. The child developed a passion for art creating 3-D sculptures and even taught herself how to play the piano. She now attends the Cornerstone Center for the Arts for Piano lessons.

5. Incorrectly prescribed drugs are hurting more than 30,000 people with autism and learning disabilities in the UK

   Last week, The Telegraph reported that more than 30,000 people diagnosed with autism and other learning disabilities are being prescribed anti-psychotic and anti-depressive medication which acts as ‘chemical cosh’ and can shorten their lives without proper diagnosis.

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