Autism Controversy

Today is day 271. This represents the number of days Ayn Van Dyk has been held by Canadian authorities and kept away from her family. It also represents how long one British Columbia father has suffered indescribable pain. We've covered…

A disturbing story has emerged from Deer Park, Texas, where a teacher has been accused of verbally mocking, taunting and in some cases, abusing children with autism and other special needs. Allegations surfaced back in December at a Deer…

In a follow up to our most recent update on Ayn Van Dyk, there have been more disturbing details brought to our attention that are worth passing along. Apparently, this is not the first time the Ministry of Children and Family Development…

Among the many autism-related stories I have read, written and edited over the years, there are some that have left a profound and lasting impact on me. Stories involving wandering-related deaths involving children with autism are always…

An article published today by the New Jersey Star-Ledger entitled "Questions, risks surround hyperbaric chamber treatments for autistic children" is an interesting story addressing the pros and cons of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy…

The Indiana Court of Appeals dropped charges against a special education teacher in connection with her restraint of 12-year-old boy with autism. When the student began striking himself in the classroom, she and her aide taped socks over…

A shocking story out of Texas reminds us of the need for a federal law banning the use of aversive measures in educational settings. Children with autism at Exley Elementary School in Katy had cotton balls soaked in vinegar put in their…

Stafford, Virginia brings us a ridiculous story of a fourteen-year-old boy with autism who was taken away in handcuffs after attempting to win the hearts of classmates by dressing up in a banana suit and running across the field during…

Joshua Robb, an eight year old child with autism has been successfully rescued after running away from his elementary school and being lost in the San Bernardino National Forest for over 24-hours. "Thank you … you saved me," were the…

A tragic situation we previously reported on involving a police encounter with a teen on the autism spectrum deserves immediate attention. On the morning of May 24, 2010, 19 year-old Reginald “Neli” Latson sat in the grass outside the…