An article today on ABCNews.com features a story on autism, and the affects it has on the family. Relationships are tested between couples and siblings. The article delves into the story of many parents, including Judith Ursitti and her experience with her son Jack.

In last week's Business Week appears the story of Bram Cohen and the accomplishments achieved in the world of file sharing that has led him to be creator and founder of his own company Bit Torrent.

An all too familiar story: families going broke to pay for the cost of therapies and services to help overcome the diagnosis of autism. Even then there is no guarantee. Many families have opted to go deep into debt, often taking out additional mortgages on their homes to fund the many services needed for their children.

In what you may have witnessed last week in the third debate between Presidential candidates Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama, the topic of autism was briefly addressed by Senator McCain while discussing education reform. The comments for some were welcome, in that autism was being addressed nationally. For others, the comments seems oddly out of place and an attempt to pander for votes.

Social settings thru school can be a great asset and assist in teaching social skills. In Friday's New York Times, the following article was published detailing the success the The Community School.

Senator McCain's choice of running mate Sarah Palin has her share of supporters. Many feel that her experience with special needs will add value, and put a spotlight on the holes and lack of funding in our country's special education systems. Others that are not in her corner feel that her past record on special education is at best, mixed.

A study utilizing eye tracking technology lends credibility to the theory of why those affected by autism have challenges when imitating others. Researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute believe that the challenges are because children spend less time looking at the faces of people who are modeling new skills.

Volunteers in the UK are being sought for a study conducted by The University of Nottingham and the Social Cognition Group School of Psychology. Thru a series of tests utilizing computer tasks, puzzles, an interview and an MRI, they will be looking into the mirror neurons of the brain activity and how they effect daily activity. It is theorized that faulty mirror neurons contribute to the inability to understand and piece together social situations.