On Friday August 8th, 2014, President Obama signed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2014. Better known as the Autism CARES Act. The act was recently voted on unanimously by the Senate after passing through the House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-04) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa) authored the bill as bipartisan legislature in the House. Smith stated, “This is a critical investment that is working to determine the cause of ASD, identify autistic children as early as possible to begin treatment, and producing better awareness, new therapies and effective services. The quality of life of many children is at stake, as it is with young adults who age out of the support services in educational systems.”

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One of the many hurdles that parents of students who are on the autism spectrum have to overcome, is dealing with the myths that surround the disorder. As a teacher, learning that you’ll be teaching students with autism in your classroom, you’ll want to ensure the highest quality of care and consideration for these children. The following are the 5 most common myths and misconceptions about teaching students with autism.

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By By: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Certified Autism Specialist

Today’s modern classroom for the typical child is well-lit with natural sunlight and grouped in a linear fashion with one classroom set directly across from another to create organized architecture with relatively structured seating within the classroom depending upon the population’s age. Newer schools are being developed with bright and vivacious colors and whimsical patterns. The results are structures that stimulate and excite.

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Consumers should beware of false, misleading claims, says agency, which has issued warnings to makers.

By HealthDay News

Companies that make false or misleading claims that their products and therapies can treat or even cure autism face possible legal action if they continue, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned them. As part of National Autism Awareness Month in April, the FDA wanted to inform consumers about bogus autism therapies.

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Outdoor Activities for Kids with ADHD and Autism – Physical Activity for a Balanced Brain

Contributed by Dr. Robert Melillo

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11 percent of school-age children have received a medical diagnosis of ADHD and one in every 44 kids has an autism spectrum disorder.

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By Emily Schienvar

Halfway through National Autism Awareness Month, Washington University’s The Night Off Program sponsored a panel discussion on Tuesday that focused on inclusion for students on the autism spectrum.

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By Ilyse Levine-Kanji, Guest contributor

April is autism awareness month. Awareness is great. But what really frustrates me and other parents of children with autism isn’t a lack of awareness but rather how little is actually known about the disorder.

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