Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Early Theories to Current Insights

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disorder, impairing an individual’s ability to interact with others and behave appropriately. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a spectrum. Dr. Rebecca Landa, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, said in an interview, “If you meet one person with autism, you meet one person with autism.” Each person with …

Continue reading Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Early Theories to Current Insights

A Perspective from a Father and Scientist – A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Pelphrey

Dr. Kevin Pelphrey is a Harrison-Wood Jefferson Scholars Foundation Professor of Neurology at the University of Virginia. A leader in groundbreaking autism research, Dr. Pelphrey uses neuroscience to develop tools for detection and autism treatment and to continue helping people like his two children, who are both diagnosed with autism. His research aims to understand …

Continue reading A Perspective from a Father and Scientist – A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Pelphrey

Understanding Intrauterine Inflammation and Autism Risk

I previously mentioned that maternal diabetes during pregnancy has been related to an increased risk of autism. This is an idea that has been shown in my family; my Mom has Type 1 Diabetes and my brother is diagnosed with ASD Level 1. The role of inflammation in diabetes pathophysiology may be the underlying role …

Continue reading Understanding Intrauterine Inflammation and Autism Risk

Vaccine Safety: Fact vs. Fiction in Autism Research

In 1998, Andrew Wakefield published a paper, claiming that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine caused symptoms including intestinal inflammation, among other things that led to the consequent development of autism. This paper was scientifically flawed and even fraudulent due to data misrepresentation. Wakefield claimed that autism arose as a result of intestinal inflammation …

Continue reading Vaccine Safety: Fact vs. Fiction in Autism Research