In a study recently conducted by the University of North Carolina on Swedish families, researchers interpreted that having a schizophrenic parent or a mother with psychiatric problems likely doubles a child's risk of being autistic. Several families, consisting of over 1,200 children, all with some relation to autism and all born between 1977 and 2003 were part of the study. They were compared against families of nearly 31,000 children, none of which had autism.

Polk County school district, if losing an upcoming appeal, will be cutting a check to the tune of $720,000 for failing to provide adequate educational services to Drew Sammons, according to Judge William F. Quattlebaum. The judge has ordered the district to pay up to $144,000.00 a year for five years at a private school for Drew Sammons. In 2006 a judge previously ruled against the district for not meeting its obligation to provide a free and appropriate education to Drew Sammons during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 school years.

A town hall meeting on Saturday May 3rd, in Sacramento, CA. has been opened to the general public. The meeting is sponsored by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. They are looking for input from paretns on what priorities should be set for research into treatments for autism. This is the first meeting of its kind conducted by the committee. Sacramento was chosen because of its proximity to UC Davis long considered a "hotbed of environmental health sciences research" and a large group of researchers specifically exploring autism therapies

"Don't 'dis the ability" 2008 featured artwork from various artists affected by autism, such as Temple Grandin, Ping Lian Yeak, Stephen Wiltshire and others. The concept was created as a means of raising awareness and at the same time showing the sometimes incredible things that the autistic mind can create and accomplish. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these artworks went toward autism research.

An informal presentation by a group of clinicians specializing in linguistics has uncovered things not known about the abilities to communicate for those that have autism. Robert Stainton, a professor at the University of Western Ontario believes that many of those with autism that have communcation issues have the largest problem with "pragmatics" or the use of metaphor, sarcasm, irony, etc. Most take a literal approach to language so often many may at times, become confused at our choices of words.

Researchers at the University of Missouri are utilizing a video game called "Space Race" to see if the brainwaves of children affected by ASD can improve areas of focus and concentration. The game assists to "retrain the brain" in showing a child what it feels like to pay attention and be more alert and regulate their own brain function. The goal of the program is to show improvements in many areas such as focus & attention span, social interaction, improved sleep, and appetite.

After a 9 year battle to get the bill heard, the Steven Geller Autism Coverage Act, named in honor of its sponsor passed a unanimous 38-0 vote in the Florida Senate. There is some concern however that a companion bill written by Rep Ari North may make it more difficult to pass the house. House Republican leaders, in typical fashion are arguing the fiscal impact to insurance companies will have a negative impact on everyone and they are leery of a state ordered mandate.

The American Heart Association recommends a thorough physical exam, including an EKG and finding out family history of heart problems, for those being prescribed many of the popular drugs used in combatting ADHD.