From ScienceDaily - "An examination of the birth records of the more than 7 million children born in the state of California during the 1990s and early 2000s has found a clear link between the month in which a child is conceived and the risk of that child later receiving a diagnosis of autism."

The researchers suggest that this study is viewed as a starting point for further inquiry to determine exactly why children conceived in December, January and February are at a greater risk of developing "full syndrome" autism than children conceived during non-winter seasons.

Using a new 24-item checklist, researchers at the University of California in San Diego were able to detect Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental issues/concerns at 12-month well-baby checkups (with Pediatricians) for a large percentage of study participants. The new study was published in The Journal of Pediatrics on April 29, 2011.

AutismSpot Featured Blogger Dr. Amber Brooks was recently interviewed on KDAF Channel 33 in Dallas to share information about treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Brooks' message is clear - Autism IS Treatable!

Many of us have used melatonin to try and capture that elusive good night sleep. Often, our sleep pattern has been interrupted because of carrying for our child who can not sleep through a single night. Many parents find over the counter melatonin to be a welcome solution to help their child go to sleep. However, when you doctors and friends have recommended melatonin as a solution and it doesn't work you start to ask yourself why. The following article sheds light on this challenge.

What happens when children living with autism turn 21 and the services they've been receiving for the last two decades disappear? This is the question that consumes the minds of the millions of families whose lives have been affected by autism. Are there programs available to help adults living with autism successfully transition into the workforce? "Who Will Care for Dana" is a very informative and heart-wrenching piece written by Parade Magazine's Joanne Chen.