autism
Coverage of autism in the Nexus archive.
- Nominee for key federal health role has a history of questioning vaccines
Sean Kaufman, nominated for Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, has questioned the use of the hepatitis B vaccine in infants and referenced the disproven link between vaccines and autism. The article notes a pattern of vaccine skepticism among some high-ranking officials in the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite White House efforts to avoid vaccine-related discussions.
- NC’s childcare crisis disproportionately affects disabled kids. A lawmaker says it’s time for change
Families of disabled children in North Carolina face significant challenges in finding affordable and accessible childcare, leading to long waitlists, high costs, and untrained staff. State lawmaker Zack Hawkins, a father of two children with autism, advocates for policy changes, including recent budget allocations for higher pay for direct-support professionals and increased Medicaid funding for disability resources.
- Who cares for Singapore’s carers? Recent deaths highlight urgent need to tackle burnout
Karasi Chandramogan, a freelance behavioral therapist, became the sole carer for her brother with autism and mother after her father's death four years ago. The article highlights her struggles, including an incident in April when her brother suffered seizures during lunch, underscoring the challenges faced by caregivers in Singapore.
- Murfreesboro sergeant behind viral Target bodycam video shares what happened during the call
Murfreesboro police Sgt. Travis Henderson's bodycam video of him buying toys for a non-verbal autistic boy who wandered into a Target store went viral. Henderson used crisis intervention training to de-escalate the situation and credited a bystander, Target employees, and his daughter for helping reunite the boy with his mother.
- Judge calls it illegal. It’s time for Tennesseans to call it immoral.
A Tennessee judge has deemed a state policy illegal, which forces 400 families with children having severe medical needs to choose between losing healthcare or facing immigration enforcement. The policy, linked to HB1710, has drawn criticism for its inhumane impact, particularly on families enrolled in Children’s Special Services.
- Fort Lauderdale police release video of culprit who they say attacked mother, 12-year-old son
Fort Lauderdale police released surveillance video of a suspect wanted for attacking a mother and her 12-year-old son, who has autism and is nonverbal. The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday near a school bus stop, leaving both injured but hospitalized. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
- Keeping kids with autism safer
Sheletta Brundidge, a local mom and community activist, is organizing efforts in the Twin Cities to provide safety tools for families of children with autism after a non-verbal teen went missing from his St. Paul home and was found safe in Bloomington. The initiative includes a donation event and collaboration with Benny Roberts, executive director of the Hallie Q Brown Community Center.
- Murfreesboro officer buys nonverbal child with autism toys before returning him to family after he ran away, police say
A Murfreesboro police officer helped a nonverbal child with autism who had run away by purchasing toys for him at a Target store and reuniting him with his mother. The department highlighted the officer's compassionate and patient approach during the incident.
- Missing 13-year-old with autism last seen at Los Angeles beach
The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help to find Ian Williams, a 13-year-old boy with autism who went missing near Dockweiler State Beach. He was last seen at the beach near Tower 42 at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Monday.
- Families learn about autism resources, safety precautions at Al-Hidaya Center
Families gathered at Al-Hidaya Center for an informational session on autism resources and safety precautions following the tragic death of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi. The event aimed to educate the community on keeping neurodivergent loved ones safe.
- 43-year-old autistic woman missing out of Richmond
A 43-year-old autistic woman is missing from Richmond on Sunday morning, according to officials. The incident involves a missing person and autism-related considerations.
- Pioneer of ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism now says phrase unhelpful
Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, who developed the 'extreme male brain' theory of autism, now considers the term unhelpful due to misunderstandings. He maintains the underlying science remains valid but regrets the phrase's impact on public perception.
- Ofsted drops ‘clumsy’ and ‘offensive’ guidance linking autism and extremism
Ofsted, the education safeguarding body in England, removed guidance linking autism and extremism after criticism from celebrity campaigners including Chris Packham. An updated training document no longer references children with autism, as confirmed by an education minister.
- Autism remains widely misunderstood in parts of Africa. A mother in Guinea fights for her child
Kadiatou Diallo, a mother in Guinea, advocates for her autistic son Kazaliou Balde, who faced stigma and limited resources. Autism in Guinea lacks government support, with misconceptions attributing it to evil spirits and few affordable schools for affected children.
- Autism remains widely misunderstood in parts of Africa. A mother in Guinea fights for her child
A family in Guinea first sought help from a traditional healer when their son showed signs of autism as a child. A mother in Guinea is fighting for her child amid widespread misunderstanding of autism in parts of Africa.
- Baby girl murdered at California daycare after being left unsupervised with boy, 17, who has autism
A baby girl was murdered at a California daycare after being left unsupervised with a 17-year-old boy who has autism. The incident occurred at a daycare facility in California.
- Missing child found dead in neighbor’s pool, police say
A 7-year-old autistic boy named Harbe Nagi was found dead in a neighbor's pool after going missing from a graduation party. Police stated he had limited familiarity with the area and a tendency to wander, particularly toward water and outdoor exploration.
- California library shooter’s dad reveals accused killer’s final hours before rampage — and his chilling alibi lie
The father of alleged Chico library shooter Bradley Sayer disclosed his son's movements before the June 22 rampage, stating they were last together around 3 pm, approximately two hours and 15 minutes prior to the incident. The shooting resulted in two deaths and involved weapons obtained by the accused.
- Trump's actions signal a move toward institutionalizing people with disabilities, advocates warn
The Trump administration's actions, including shifting special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and lowering barriers to institutionalizing people with disabilities, have raised concerns among advocates about a regression toward marginalizing disabled individuals. Critics argue these moves align with a 'medical model' of disability, contradicting decades of progress toward inclusive education and community living.
- Missing nonverbal 7-year-old Harbe Nagi, nephew of Hamtramck mayor, found dead
Harbe Nagi, a 7-year-old nonverbal boy with autism and nephew of Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi, was found dead two days after being reported missing in Menands, upstate New York. Authorities used search tactics including an ice cream truck to locate him, but the circumstances of his death remain unclear.
- 7-year-old missing boy found dead in Menands
The 7-year-old missing boy with autism, Harbe Nagi, was found dead by police in Menands. The search for Harbe entered its third day before his body was discovered.
- RFK Jr. fires back at Sen. Bill Cassidy over broken promises claim: ‘I’ve kept them all’
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded to Senator Bill Cassidy's claims that he broke promises regarding a government health website's description of vaccines and autism and public health policy guardrails, asserting he has kept all promises.
- Rescue crews continue search for missing Menands 7-year-old
Rescue crews and community members are searching for Harbe Nagi, a 7-year-old with autism who went missing in Menands. The search, involving agencies and family, has not yet located him.
- Police search for missing nonverbal 7-year-old Harbe Nagi, nephew of Hamtramck mayor
Harbe Nagi, a 7-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, went missing in Menands, upstate New York, on June 28. He is the nephew of Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi, and authorities are using search tactics including an ice cream truck to locate him.
- 7-year-old boy reported missing in Menands
A 7-year-old boy with autism has been reported missing from the village of Menands and may require medical attention, according to authorities.
- St. Paul police searching for missing non-verbal teen Daymarieon Comer
St. Paul police are searching for Daymarieon Comer, a 15-year-old non-verbal autistic boy who was last seen on Friday afternoon.
- ‘Never give up’: Volunteer gives back to kids with disabilities at Concord nonprofit
Trevor, a volunteer at Concord nonprofit Amazing Grace Advocacy, supports children with intellectual disabilities through his work as a board secretary and youth camp volunteer. Despite lifelong medical challenges and autism, he is set to graduate college and advocates for perseverance, inspiring others with his resilience.
- Detroit judge holds parents accountable for curfew violations after fireworks show, teen takeovers
Detroit's 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico is enforcing curfew rules by issuing tickets to parents whose children violated curfew after a fireworks show and teen gatherings. Parents, including Sytaira Green, faced fines and court appearances for allowing minors to be outside past curfew, with one case involving a 6-year-old with autism found outside at 2 a.m. The judge emphasized parental responsibility for child safety.
- Specialized driver education gives those with autism more independence
Specialized driver education programs are helping individuals with autism gain greater independence. The approach focuses on tailored training to address specific needs, enabling participants to develop driving skills.
- Aging Untold: Understanding ADHD, autism and other conditions in older adults
The article discusses challenges faced by neurodiverse older adults with undiagnosed ADHD, autism, and other conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding neurodiversity to avoid misdiagnosis. It also covers cognitive baseline testing for tracking brain health, Medicare scams targeting seniors, and the art exhibit of Charles Lenny Lunn, a nonverbal autistic artist.
- Aging Untold: Understanding ADHD, autism and other conditions in older adults
The article discusses challenges faced by older adults with undiagnosed ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding these traits to avoid misdiagnosis and improve support. It also covers cognitive baseline testing for brain health tracking, Medicare phone scams targeting seniors, and a nonverbal autistic artist's gallery exhibit showcasing his work.
- Aging Untold: Understanding ADHD, autism and other conditions in older adults
The article discusses challenges faced by older adults with undiagnosed neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, emphasizing the need for understanding to avoid misdiagnosis. It highlights cognitive baseline testing for tracking brain health, Medicare phone scams targeting seniors, and a nonverbal autistic artist's gallery exhibit showcasing his work through paintings and poetry.
- Understanding ADHD, autism and other conditions in older adults
Many older adults in the U.S. have lived with undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or OCD, which can become more challenging with aging. Experts highlight the need to distinguish these lifelong traits from dementia and emphasize understanding neurodiversity to provide better support for aging individuals.
- Understanding ADHD, autism and other conditions in older adults
The article discusses challenges faced by neurodivergent older adults in the U.S., such as undiagnosed ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, as aging disrupts routines and coping strategies. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing neurodiversity from dementia and highlights generational gaps in diagnosing these conditions, which were often overlooked in older generations.
- ‘Can’t stop shaking’: Family pleads for return of missing Bedford County teen with autism
A 15-year-old girl with autism, Marissa Hentz, has been missing since Monday in Bedford County, Tennessee, prompting a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Endangered Child Alert. Authorities are using helicopters, police dogs, and drones to search for her, while her father publicly pleaded for her safe return on social media.
- CMC organises conference on autism in Vellore
CMC organised a conference on autism in Vellore. The event provided a platform for networking and collaboration.
- Osceola County deputies find missing 7-year-old girl struggling to stay afloat in neighbor’s pool
Osceola County deputies rescued a 7-year-old girl with autism who was struggling to stay afloat in a neighbor’s pool after she went missing while playing outside. The mother, Melissa Manning, alerted authorities, who used drones and search dogs to locate the girl, who was found safely and returned home.
- Caregiving Crisis: Nearly 1 in 4 US adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex needs
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex medical needs, with 63 million Americans providing unpaid care as of 2025. The National Alliance for Caregiving reports a 20 million increase in caregivers since 2015, driven by aging populations and rising chronic health conditions. Caregivers often face financial strain, averaging 27 hours of weekly care while managing personal and family responsibilities.
- Caregiving Crisis: Nearly 1 in 4 US adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex needs
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex medical needs, with 63 million Americans providing care in 2025—a 20 million increase since 2015. Family caregivers, often unpaid, spend an average of 27 hours weekly managing care for loved ones with chronic conditions, facing significant financial and emotional strain.
- Caregiving Crisis: Nearly 1 in 4 US adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex needs
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex medical needs, with 63 million Americans currently in caregiving roles. The National Alliance for Caregiving reports a 20 million increase since 2015, driven by aging populations and chronic health conditions, while caregivers face significant emotional and financial strain.