autism

Study finds 95 ways to help autistic youth join physical activity

February 17, 2026 / Patient education / InnovateMed Author / autism

by McGill University edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Researchers investigating how to increase participation in physical activity by autistic children and teens say key strategies include creating predictable routines, involving family members and ensuring safe and sensory-friendly spaces. Those were among 95 “facilitators” […]

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Autistic people seem to feel joy differently. Here’s what it can tell us about neurodivergence

February 11, 2026 / Patient education / InnovateMed Author / autism

by Aimee Grant, The Conversation edited by Owen Ferguson, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When people talk about autism, they often think about a child who is different and may be distressed by their surroundings. Or if the conversation moves beyond childhood, the focus might be about an

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Rates of autism in girls and boys may be more equal than previously thought

February 5, 2026 / Research update / InnovateMed Author / autism

by British Medical Journal edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Autism has long been viewed as a condition that predominantly affects male individuals, but a study from Sweden published by The BMJ shows that autism may actually occur at comparable rates among male and female individuals.

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Early intervention helps most autistic children acquire spoken language

January 23, 2026 / Research update / InnovateMed Author / autism

by Drexel University edited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain After receiving evidence-based early interventions, roughly two-thirds of non-speaking kids with autism speak single words, and approximately half develop more complex language, according to a new study led by researchers at Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel

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Autistic and non-autistic faces differ in expressing anger, happiness, sadness, study shows

January 19, 2026 / Clinical Practice / InnovateMed Author / autism

by University of Birmingham edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Avatars for posed facial expressions communicating sadness, happiness and anger for autistic and non-autistic people. Credit: Connor Keating, 2026 Autistic and non-autistic people express emotions differently through their facial movements, according to a new study, which may help

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Taking a fresh look at definition of autism

January 14, 2026 / Clinical Practice / InnovateMed Author / autism

by Sy Boles, Harvard University edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A wider public conversation has arisen over whether it’s time for a shift in how we think about categories of autism, amid rising interest in the disorder across the country. For instance, some

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What is autistic burnout? And what can you do about it?

January 6, 2026 / Clinical Practice / InnovateMed Author / autism

by Sam Arnold, Julianne Maree Higgins, The Conversation edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Many autistic people face challenges in their daily life while navigating a world made for neurotypical people. Think about a trip to your local cafe. You might have patrons crammed into small spaces, bright lights, strong

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MOLECULAR DIFFERENCE IN BRAINS OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

December 29, 2025 / Research update / InnovateMed Author / autism

DECEMBER 23RD, 2025 POSTED BY YALE (Credit: Getty Images) SHARE THIS ARTICLE Facebook Twitter Reddit Email You are free to share this article under the Attribution 4.0 International license. TAGS AUTISM BRAINS UNIVERSITY YALE UNIVERSITY Scientists have discovered a molecular difference in the brains of autistic people compared to their neurotypical counterparts. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition

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AI-assisted device can improve autism care access

December 19, 2025 / Research update / InnovateMed Author / autism

Early diagnostic tool, autism education for primary care physicians can cut long wait times Peer-Reviewed Publication University of Missouri-Columbia Access to autism evaluations through specialty health care is notorious for long wait times across the United States. In Missouri, many families wait nearly a year for a diagnostic appointment. AI might be a solution to cutting the wait, according to researchers from

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Vaccines do not cause autism: WHO

December 12, 2025 / Patient education / InnovateMed Author / autism

edited by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new analysis by the World Health Organization reaffirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism—contrary to theories being propagated in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last month revised its website with language that undermines its previous, scientifically-grounded

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