Education & Research

Youth with autism are over 6 times more likely to require psychiatric hospitalization than their neurotypical peers.  For many families, the idea of psychiatric hospitalization can feel overwhelming and frightening. Understanding why some autistic children are at higher risk can help caregivers recognize warning signs earlier and advocate for the right supports before a crisis occurs. Common Reasons for Hospitalization Children and teens on the autism spectrum are most often

This is the big question, right? And the honest answer is that meltdowns can happen to any of us—not just children . At their core, meltdowns usually happen when something feels overwhelming and the person doesn’t yet have the tools to manage it . That’s true for kids and adults alike. The difference is that adults typically have more mature brains and many years of practice using coping skills. Children are still learning how to recognize their feelings, communicate their ne

Sensory processing differences are among the most common—and most impactful—experiences for autistic children. Research suggests that nearly 90% of autistic individuals experience some form of sensory processing variation , influencing how they perceive, interpret, and respond to the world around them. These differences can shape nearly every aspect of daily life, including learning, communication, emotional regulation, and participation in routines at home, school, and in th

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental variation characterized by differences in communication, sensory processing, and behavior. Autism itself is not a psychiatric illness and does not require medication. However, many autistic children and adolescents experience co-occurring mental health conditions that can significantly impact daily functioning, safety, and quality of life. Current CDC estimates indicate that approximately 1 in 31 children are identified

In 1998, Australian sociologist Judy Singer coined the term “ neurodiversity ” in her thesis documenting the emergence of a new “disability and social movement” led by and for mildly affected  autistic  individuals – such as her own mother, as well as her daughter, who had been diagnosed with  Asperger ’s syndrome. Singer modeled her new term after the word “biodiversity,” which offered a compelling analogy: “Why not propose that just as biodiversity is essential to ecosyste

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference with multiple contributing factors, rather than a single cause. Decades of research show that autism emerges from a complex interaction between genetics and environmental influences , particularly during early brain development. Importantly, autism is not something that “happens” to a child—it is a natural variation in how the brain develops and processes the world. The Genetic Contribution There is strong evi