The golden spike (or, as Jill says and I wish I’d thought of this, “100 is the new 160″) has unleashed a crop of opinions in the general media on autism’s present and future impact — and, indeed, if the “real” numbers have risen at all.
“Autism is on the rise — or is it?’ wonders Newsweek (”The new data has everyone who cares about autism abuzz. But, as with so many issues connected to the disorder, no one can quite agree on what it means … “). The Los Angeles Times seems have interpreted the new numbers chiefly by averaging the …read more

The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) Project has released its Parental Depression History Questionnaire, in which parents share “their experiences of the challenges involved with raising a child on the autism spectrum.”
Part one of the report explores “stress associated with child-focused issues, such as challenging behaviors and erratic sleep habits.” Part 2 will address additional issues, such as the impact on finances or marital relationships.
I haven’t read the report — I’d like to, in the same way traumatized Vietnam vets wanted to see Platoon — but I have a feeling it reads like a template for a lot of lives.
“For many …read more