New Book Attempts to Demystify Compulsive Behaviors of All Types and Severity
Can’t. Just. Stop. An Investigation of Compulsion attempts to cover the entire spectrum of compulsive behaviors through interviews with dozens of individuals.
Music Helps Aid Pianist with Tourette Syndrome
Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome (TS) at an early age, Yusuke Osada learned how to use his musical virtuosity to his advantage; as an effective way to help combat his condition.
MIT Reveals Launch of New Autism Research Center
Lisa Yang and MIT alumnus Hock Tan are responsible for the center’s foundation, contributing a generous kick-off commitment of $20 million.
Special Olympics to be Held in the Middle East for the First Time in 2019
Just over two years from now, the world will see the Special Olympics held in a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region for the first time – Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to be exact.
New Technology Helps Researchers Communicate with “Locked-In” Syndrome Patients
Researchers in Europe have found an innovative way to communicate with individuals who suffer from “locked-in syndrome.”
South Dakota Man with Tourette’s Finds Peace Around Animals
Nick gets past his Tourette’s by harnessing his love of animals to work at a nature preserve and park in South Dakota.
Star Wars Fan with Asperger’s Copes Using The Power of “The Force”
James Kenyon was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the early age of five, and is preparing to take part in the Scaffel Pike Challenge in an effort to raise money for the National Autistic Society.
Does Caffeine Affect ADHD?
A 2012 study from the Federal University of Santa Catarina recommends that caffeine could be useful as an aid for symptoms of ADHD, normalizing levels of dopamine and improving the attentiveness of the patient- but with caution.
Illinois Man with Down Syndrome Becomes a Firefighter
Jason Eagan had one goal: become a firefighter. Since Eagan has Down syndrome, some of the firefighters weren’t sure it would work out, but Eagan was determined.
How Do We Recognize Faces? Researchers Move Closer to an Answer
No one really knows how people recognize friends and family members- but researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are trying to change that.
Martha’s Vineyard Organization Highlights Inventions by Students with Dyslexia
Non-profit organization NoticeAbility is hosted the event to highlight the unique abilities and overlooked gifts of children with dyslexia.
Professors and Students Team Up to Provide Toys for Children With Disabilities
Two professors at the University of North Florida are working to make sure children with disabilities are able to enjoy the same popular toys as all other children.
Robot Helping Children with Autism in the Middle East
An innovative humanoid robot named Milo, released last year to help children with autism, is now confronting neurodiversity in the Middle East.
Home Depot and GallopNYC Join Forces to Help Vets with PTSD
Thanks to the collaboration between GallopNYC and Home Depot, people with disabilities will continue to benefit from therapeutic horseback riding for years into the future.
12-Year Old Quarterback with Autism Leads Football Team to Winning Season
Mason Watson, quarterback of the Goose Creek Small Fry Patriots, has led his team to an 8-3 record and a berth in the playoffs despite only becoming the team’s quarterback after an 0-2 start.
Canadian Performer with OCD Uses One-Man Show to Raise Awareness
Brendan McLeod, a thirty year old Canadian with OCD, is touring Canada performing his monologue “Brain” to raise awareness about the condition.
NPR Releases New Dyslexia Series
NPR’s new series, Unlocking Dyslexia, will include a 5-part radio and blog post series that will take course over the span of two weeks.
Teenage Boy with Asperger’s Makes Debut as Author
After having published his very first novel, a 14 year old boy with Asperger's syndrome is proving he has a hidden knack for writing.
Comedy Troupe with Asperger’s Entertains Fans Around the Country
Asperger’s Are Us, a sketch comedy group based in Boston, is hitting it big. The troupe, made up entirely of performers with Asperger's syndrome is performing for crowds around the country.
Toys “R” Us Creating Sensory-Friendly Shopping for Those with Autism
When you think of Toys “R” Us, it’s unlikely that you are envisioning a relaxed atmosphere for children. However, the toy superstore is currently searching for effective new ways to ensure that those with autism can have a more stress-free shopping experience.
Restaurant Staffed by People with Down Syndrome Opens in France
In a bold and creative effort to integrate those with Down syndrome into society and the workforce, a restaurant run by people with the syndrome is about to open in Nantes, France.
Teen With Autism Shines as Mascot
Joshua Eryou, a senior at East Lawrence High School, is like many people with autism: shy, quiet and reserved. But when he becomes the school’s eagle mascot, he comes out of his shell.
Veteran With PTSD Pays Homage to Cat that Helped Him Cope
Upon his return from duty, King experienced symptoms of PTSD; however, he found comfort in a lively 6-month-old kitten known as Steven.
Possible Link Found Between Vitamin D and ADHD Risk
A study conducted by Danish researchers has shown that mothers who take Vitamin D during pregnancy may reduce the risk of ADHD in their children.
Good News on Epilepsy: Increasing Certain Fats in Brain May Reduce Risk
Research conducted by scientists at Vrije Universiteit Brussels has provided hope for those suffering from epilepsy.
Researchers Find Link Between Touch Sensation and Social Difficulties
Researchers have discovered the missing link between touch sensation and social difficulties for individuals with autism.
A Letter for Alzheimer’s Advocacy Accepted into Congressional Record
Advocate and early-onset Alzheimer's sufferer Michael Ellenbogen has written a letter to Congress that highlights both the societal and personal toll the disease can cause.
Young Man with Down Syndrome Makes History at Fashion Week
A teen out of Plano, Texas has made history as the first male with Down syndrome to model in New York Fashion Week.
Reality Series About Down Syndrome Wins an Emmy
The A&E reality series Born This Way, which follows the lives of several individuals with Down syndrome, has won an Emmy for outstanding unstructured reality program.
Kids’ Blood Results Could Predict Bipolar Disorder
A potential link between bipolar disorder and specific blood markers has been discovered in a UK-based study.
Man Canoes Across Canada for PTSD
Ranta is traveling along with his dog Spitzii to bring awareness to the issues caused by PTSD and honor the veterans of Canada.
Teen with Down Syndrome Becomes High School Placekicker
17 year old Caden Cox has become a Ohio High School football team's newest addition.
A Michael Jordan Fan With Autism Gets The Surprise of his Life
A fan of Michael Jordan received gifts and a phone call from the sports legend after his video went viral.
Charting New Territory in the Brain
In what’s being considered by many as a milestone in neuroscience, researchers have published a new map of the brain detailing close to one hundred previously unknown regions.
Woman with Down Syndrome Celebrates 75th Birthday
Cake, presents, and smiles all around, Frances Gillett celebrated her 75th birthday in a beautiful surprise party.
Can Hearing Test ID Autism?
Researchers have found that an inner ear deficiency in children with autism may affect their ability to recognize speech.
Woman with Asperger’s Cycles 100 Miles for Awareness
In an effort to raise awareness for the autism community, a 47-year-old woman with Asperger’s has cycled more than 100 miles to raise money for the National Autistic Society.
A Possible New Treatment for People with PTSD
The stories of the combat veterans unfolded in painful detail: how they cradled comrades as they died,…
A Mom’s Letter to Those That Snubbed Her Son with Down Syndrome
After her son was not invited to a class birthday party, Jennifer Engele of Langley, British Columbia, took to Facebook to address the issue.
Teenager Documents his Dad’s Struggle with PTSD
Colorado teenager's film "After War," tells the story of his father's PTSD, and the impacts it had on family life.
Neuroscientists Awarded $1m for Discovering Plasticity in the Brain
A decades-old notion about how and whether the brain can change in response to experience has been overturned by the research of three neuroscientists.
Actors with Down Syndrome Perform at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The troupe aimed to prove naysayers wrong when they took the stage at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater for a production of Twelfth Night- and they did.
Soldiers Climb Mount Everest for PTSD
The nonprofit organization U.S. Expeditions and Explorations, or USX, works to shed light on the battle veterans experiencing PTSD face each day, and has assembled a team of active duty soldiers that are about to climb Mount Everest.
A Simulated Experience of Dyslexia
Many of us have no idea what it feels like to experience the struggles of dyslexia. But one website has been created to give everyone a taste of it.
Wings for Autism: Air Travel Preparation for Children on the Spectrum
A free program called “Wings for Autism” has been created to help families with children on the autism spectrum relieve some of the stress and anxiety of air travel.
Music Helps Kids with Down Syndrome Realize Dreams
Two young people with Down Syndrome recently found their dreams coming true through love of music- one through a viral dance video, and another through a famous rock star.
New IBM Project May Help Predict Epileptic Seizures
IBM recently developed an experimental chip called TrueNorth that may help predict the onset of epileptic seizures.
Written by Matthew Ryan.
New Video Game Assists the Autistic with Learning
A Brisbane researcher has designed a videogame specifically to assist children with autism in a mainstream learning environment.
Hollywood Visual Effects Studio Embraces Artists with Autism
There is a new wave of digital effects artists making their way in the industry, as young individuals with autism are being given the opportunity to find their place with Exceptional Minds.
Circus Caters to Audiences with Autism
When you think of a circus, you think of the wild events, strange lights, and the scents of food and animals, all that comes with it—but rarely would you imagine a child with autism-related hypersensitivity being able to tolerate it.
9 Year Old With Dyslexia Writes Book on Relativity
At only nine-years-old, a bright child and author, Denim Padberg, has released a quantum physics guide, called “How Relative is Relativity? An 8-year-old’s Guide to Quantum Physics,” explaining his theories on black holes and the birth of the universe.
U.K. Man Overcomes Asperger’s Reading and Writing Issues to Publish First Novel
Although reading and writing still gave him trouble, Scott was determined to become an author.
Entrepreneur With Down Syndrome Starts New Business
Blake Pyron is about to become the youngest business owner in Sanger, Texas, and maybe even the only business owner in the state with Down Syndrome.
Israel Foreign Ministry Hosts Exhibit of Artwork Made by Autistic Adults
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting an art exhibit, entitled "Bridge to the World," and comprised entirely of artwork made by Israeli adults living on the autistic spectrum.
New Football Helmet May Reduce Concussions
To reduce the number of concussions in football, a startup company is Seattle is developing a new helmet that absorbs shock differently than a traditional football helmet.
Camp Helps Teens With Autism Develop Social Skills
Camp Onward is designed to help teens with Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism develop social skills. According to co-founder Nancy Hagan, “Camp Onward is a chance for teens that have social difficulties to get together, have fun, get outdoors, be around animals, and learn a lot of different life skills.”
British Prime Minister Pledges £1 Billion Toward Mental Health Care
British Prime Minister David Cameron has launched a new £1 billion initiative which is partly designed to help mothers and teenagers suffering from mental health issues, particularly mothers suffering from postpartum depression and teenagers with anorexia, as well as addiction.
The Israeli Army Unit That Recruits Teens With Autism
Many autistic soldiers who would otherwise be exempt from military service in Israel have found a place in Unit 9900, a selective intelligence unit within the Israel Defense Force (IDF) where their heightened perceptual skills are an asset.
New studies suggest yoga may help women with PTSD
Women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are responding better to yoga as a therapy than traditional methods involving medication and cognitive behavior therapy, according to recent studies.
Depression changes gray matter in young brains
The brains of children who suffer clinical depression as preschoolers develop differently than those of preschoolers not affected by the disorder, according to a new study conducted at Washington University in St. Louis.
Hockey Player Talks About Living With Asperger’s and ADHD
People with Asperger’s syndrome are often uncomfortable enough in day-to-day social situations- let alone in the fast-paced action of an ice hockey ring.
Movie Theater Employees Give One Boy with Autism an Enjoyable “Star Wars” Experience
Thanks to a friendly movie theater crew, a boy was ensured that the force was with him during the recent Clarksville, Tenn., premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
How Shark Tank Investor Daymond John’s Dyslexia Helped Shape Him
Many people know Daymond John as one of the savvy business executives who quickly decide whether to invest their own money in business ideas proposed by budding entrepreneurs on the reality TV show Shark Tank. What many people don’t know about his is that he is dyslexic. . .
Quiet Santa Makes Christmas More Manageable for Children with Autism
This year two radio hosts in Utah who have children with autism have created an event called "Quiet Santa" which is intended to give kids with autism or sensory disorders an experience with Santa that isn’t stressful or intimidating.
New tool could help children with autism develop language skills
With the goal of creating a device to help children on the autism spectrum develop language skills, determined Purdue engineer James Gerber and his team of engineers are close to bringing this device to reality.
Photographer Turns Classic Paintings into Photos Featuring Children with Down Syndrome
A popular art exhibition in Albania which features children with Down syndrome replicating poses from famous paintings is evoking powerful emotional responses from its viewers.
Autism cop: Here’s how police should interact with those on the autism spectrum
The “autism cop.” That’s what fellow policemen call Rob Zink, a member of the St. Paul, Minn., police force for 17 years. He is the father of two sons on the spectrum, which gives him unique insight on how cops should interact with people with autism.
British soccer star Wayne Rooney surprises fan with Asperger’s
James King, a 15-year-old British boy who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, was recently given tickets to attend a Manchester United soccer match through his school, Middleton Technology...
Iowa State students design PTSD-friendly interiors for combat outposts
Students in an Iowa State University graduate studio are bringing interior design to the 21st century combat outpost in an effort to create environments that help alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and support combat soldiers’ mental health.
How one police officer helped a non-verbal young man with Autism
Sometimes frustrations in communicating their thoughts and feelings make kids with autism do things like run away from home. When a 16-year-old boy who has autism and is non-verbal ran away from home this fall for the second time, the responding police officer who helped find him decided to try to prevent it from happening again.
Young girl with Down syndrome to attend modeling convention
It took a lot of effort and a lot of time, but Kennedy Walsh, a young model with Down syndrome, has finally raised enough money to attend a modeling convention in Los Angeles in January.
College football player with Asperger’s did the ‘impossible’
Justin Hansen is a fifth-year defensive lineman for the Colorado State University Rams football team. He has 36 career tackles and hopes to play in the NFL. Doesn’t have to be the active roster, he’ll take the practice squad. Just to prove he can.
Findings may prevent early loss of synapses in Alzheimer’s
By Peter Bochner One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease is the loss of…
Global Brain Health Institute will focus on the worldwide dementia epidemic
By Peter Bochner Global Brain Health Institute will focus on the worldwide dementia epidemic…
Contrary to Popular Belief, Students’ Attention Spans Are Not Getting Shorter
By Peter Bochner Most people believe that technology is making the attention span of…
Boston University researching protein to help Alzheimer’s
By Peter Bochner Researchers at the Brain Plasticity & Neuroimaging Lab at Boston University’s College…
New York City to unveil plan for combating mental health disorders
Plans for a mental health initiative aimed at preventing and treating psychological disorders among New…
Small business celebrated for defending employee with autism
By Peter Bochner The owner of an Anchorage, Alaska, restaurant is being overwhelmed with congratulatory…
Production of The Nutcracker meets sensory needs of children with autism
By Peter Bochner Over the past few years, sensory-friendly dance performances that are specifically geared…
Rutgers announces initiative to launch center to support adults with autism
Rutgers University is launching an initiative to establish a center that will give adults with…
