Category: Autism

Scientists just beginning to understand the unique health needs of adults with autism

In the 1990s, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children rose sharply. These children are now entering adulthood, yet physicians and scientists know very little about the health outcomes they might face. Most studies of health have focused on children and adolescents.

New CDC report finds increasing prevalence of autism in school-age children

An estimated 1 in 59 school-aged children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The latest estimate is higher than the prevalence in the CDC’s 2016 report (1 in 68 children).

Study led by Waisman investigator Maureen Durkin selected as one of the top advances in autism research in 2017

A multi-institution study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) led by Maureen Durkin, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Waisman Center, has been selected as one of the top advances in 2017 ASD research by the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Among the study’s findings was that children living in neighborhoods where incomes are low and fewer …

Moving forward in the search for genetic clues to understand autism

There’s a saying in the autism community: If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. That’s because “as the name implies, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exists on a spectrum with a wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of severity with which it impacts a person’s daily life,” …

Examining mid-life social outcomes for individuals with autism

Newly published research led by Waisman Center clinician Megan Farley examines the experiences and mid-life social circumstances of 169 adults with autism spectrum disorder in Utah, including their employment status, relationships, community participation, and residential situations.

After decades of service, Waisman clinician Tina Iyama-Kurtycz retires in December

Iyama-Kurtycz’s journey from an 8-year-old with a dream to a skilled clinician took her to medical school at the University of Michigan and a residency at the University of Kansas. “While at Kansas, I met a pediatrician who was taking care of children with disabilities and I realized that’s what I wanted to do,” says Iyama-Kurtycz.

Waisman Center director search advances as interim leadership is named

“Dr. Messing has been an outstanding director of this center since his appointment in 2015. He is both a superb scientist and has been a strong leader across this center’s multifaceted mission,” says Norman Drinkwater, UW–Madison associate vice chancellor for research in biological sciences.

Video game improves balance in youth with autism

“We think this video game-based training could be a unique way to help individuals with ASD who have challenges with their balance address these issues,” says Travers, an investigator at UW–Madison’s Waisman Center and an assistant professor of kinesiology.

Autism prevalence and socioeconomic status: What’s the connection?

Children living in neighborhoods where incomes are low and fewer adults have bachelor’s degrees are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder compared to kids from more affluent neighborhoods. The finding is part of a new multi-institution study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), led by Maureen Durkin of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Waisman …

WSJ: With autism diagnoses on the rise, parents sort through treatment options

As rates of autism diagnoses rise across the country, children with autism and their parents also have increasing options for therapy and treatments. The Wisconsin State Journal highlights the Waisman Center Autism Treatment Programs, and other options, for children and families with autism. To read the story, please click here.