Autism
“Girl Meets World” Is Being Called Out For Treating Autism Like “A Terminal Disease” After A “Toxic” Clip Resurfaced On TikTok
“Watching this episode in middle school was the sole reason i was terrified to tell my friends about my autism 💀”
Autistic People Are Finding Community, Confidence, And Acceptance On TikTok
Autistic people didn’t always have a platform or readily available community. Now, they’re using TikTok to make connections and teach others about neurodiverse communities.
This Neurodivergent Couple Planned A Sensory Friendly Wedding, And It's Challenging Traditional Wedding Ideas
"I think that people have strong ideas about what a wedding should be, and they were a bit confused at the beginning."
Autistic People Are Describing What Autism Is Really Like For Them And What They Wish Everyone Knew About Autism
"People have the misconception that we 'lack empathy.' We often have a hard time 'reading' people, but we certainly do not lack human empathy."
I, A Gay Autistic Man, Am Sharing 5 Things About My Intersectional Identity
Embracing my intersectionality.
I'm Always The First One Who Reaches Out To My Friends
"I literally can't remember the last time a friend just called or texted to say hello or check in."
Just 15 Celebrities Who Have Made Seriously Misinformed Statements About Vaccines
From Alicia Silverstone to Kat Von D.
How Autistic People Are Showing The Limitations Of Person-First Language
“We recognize that disability and personhood are not mutually exclusive. They are not oxymoronic.”
Elon Musk Said He's "The First Person With Asperger's" To Host "SNL"
Elon shared this in his opening monologue.
Sia's New Movie "Music" Is Here And Its Portrayal Of People With Autism Is Not OK
"It's not representation, it's not informative, and it's not helpful."
After A Bunch More Backlash, Sia Reportedly Apologized For Her New Movie — Before Deleting Her Entire Account
"Autistic people don’t have to forgive Sia for the dangerous movie she made."
Sia Responded Again To Criticism Of Her Decision To Cast Maddie Ziegler As An Autistic Character
"I realised it wasn't ableism — I mean, it is ableism, I guess, as well — but it's actually nepotism, because I can't do a project without her."
“I Barely Have Anything Left To Give”: What It’s Like Parenting Kids With Autism During The Pandemic
For parents of kids with autism, the unique challenges presented by the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic have sometimes been overwhelming.
17 Tried-And-True Remote Learning Tips For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs
From parents who are going through the same thing.
Thousands Of Families Who Sought Help For Their Kids With Special Needs Are Now Trapped In A Torturous Legal Process
Tory ministers promised that a new system for special needs education would be less adversarial. Instead, legal cases are soaring as desperate parents try to force local authorities to provide crucial services.
This 19-Year-Old TikToker Is Teaching Really Important Lessons About How Autism Presents In Women
"I get a lot that because I'm good-looking, nothing can be wrong with me."
These Heartbreaking Accounts Show How Families Are Being Pushed To The Breaking Point By A Failed System For Kids With Special Needs
To launch a major ongoing reporting project, BuzzFeed News spoke to more than 20 parents who revealed the stark human cost of an ambitious Conservative education reform that's gone disastrously wrong.
Pixar's First Short With Filipino-American Characters Is Here And I Am Bawling
"Seeing Filipino surnames in the credits made me cry. This is possible."
A Mom Has Gone Viral After Sharing The Heartbreaking Question Asked By Her Autistic Son
Kerry Bloch told BuzzFeed News the response to her son's story going viral has been overwhelming.
Autistic People Say Anti-Vax Misinformation Is Only Making Matters Worse
“Let go of the idea that it is better to risk killing your child or someone else’s with a vaccine-preventable disease than for the kid to be autistic.”
The School Where A 13-Year-Old Autistic Boy Died After Being Restrained Did So On Others Often, Parents And Former Staff Say
One parent said her son was restrained more than 50 times in five years for everything from not following directions to flipping over a desk.
The School Where A 13-Year-Old Autistic Student Died After Being Physically Restrained Allegedly Broke State Law
The California Department of Education has suspended the school's certification.
A 13-Year-Old Autistic Student Died After Being Physically Restrained At School
"The family is in terrible shock right now," the family attorney told BuzzFeed News. "They are suffering."
These Photos Show How Young People Navigate Their Own Sexuality And Disability
They chose what they wore and how they appeared in the images.
口がきけない自閉症の女性が性的虐待の被害に:アメリカの州営施設に潜む闇
発達上の問題を抱える人たちのための施設で暮らす入居者たちは、普通の人たちよりも高い確率で被害にあっている。しかし彼らは、虐待をどうやって報告すればいいのか教えてもらっていない。
A Woman With Autism Allegedly Endured Months Of The Most Horrific Abuse Imaginable — From Her Own Family
A 22-year-old woman with autism was allegedly abused and tortured at the hands of five of her relatives in Louisiana, according to a grand jury indictment.
Unspeakable: An Autistic Woman’s Family Says The State Exposed Her To Sexual Abuse
Residents in homes for people with developmental disabilities are rarely taught how to report abuse, despite being at high risk of experiencing it.
First She Escaped Syria, Now She's Searching For Medical Care In The US
The move from Syria to Texas was sure to be difficult, but Maryam had no idea how tough it would be.
The US Autism Rate Among Kids Is Still Rising, A New Report Says
The new report suggests that 1 in 59 kids fit the criteria for autism in 2014, up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Experts attribute much of the rise to better identification of black and Latino kids with the disorder.
【写真】自閉症の子どもたちをキャプチャーした美しい写真11選
「私たちの使命は、自閉症の子どもたちに自由と権利をもたらすこと。そして、これらの写真を通じて自閉症のことを知ってもらい、他のみんなと変わらないということを知ってもらうこと」
11 Beautiful Photos That Will Change Your View On Autism
"Our mission is to empower the population affected by autism, and educate those who are not, through the use of photography, which is relatable to everyone."
These Scientists Say A British Professor's Claim That Aluminium Is Linked To Autism Is "Absurd"
A professor at a British university has made controversial claims that aluminium in our environment is linked to autistic spectrum disorders – which other scientists have strenuously denied.
Strangers Gifted A Man With Autism Thousands Of Cards And Gifts For His Birthday
I'm not crying, you're crying.
This Kids Show Is Being Praised For How It Portrays Autism
The theme tune: "Pablo thinks differently / Sees the world in different ways."
This Celeb Took The Son She Thinks Is Autistic On TV And People Have A Lot Of Thoughts
Danielle Lloyd suspects that her son Harry has Asperger syndrome, and hoped the TV appearance would raise awareness of the condition.
How The Parents Of Autistic Children Are Being Targeted By Misinformation Online
“This thing about alternative facts and fake news… We’ve been living it in the autism community for 20 years.”
A Mom Has Been Charged For Killing The Teenage Daughter She Placed For Adoption As A Baby
The girl's remains were found in a burn pit and a meat grinder was found on the property.
20 Parents' Helpful Tips For Raising Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder
“Autistic children can learn anything and do anything with practice and patience. Don't give up on them.”
What Have You Learned As A Parent Of A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Your advice could help other parents.
Here’s How You React To Your Son’s Autism When Your Language Has No Word For Autism
At first, Nura Aabe avoided her son’s autism diagnosis. Now she uses her experience to change the lives of other families.
This Teen Just Got His First Real Haircut At 14 And It's A Big Deal
Looking good, Aidan!
This Celeb Couple Spoke Movingly About Their Twins' Autism
Paddy and Christine McGuinness hope to raise awareness and help other parents by being open about their experiences with their 4-year-old twins.
I'm An Autistic Lesbian, And No, I Don't Wish I Were "Normal"
Why should I want to like men? Why should I wish my brain worked like everyone else’s?
Shit Stirrers: Meet The People Doing Poop Transplants The Government Doesn’t Want Them To
The FDA has banned doctors from performing poop transplants for most illnesses. But a Tampa clinic is teaching the procedure to desperate patients with a variety of gut troubles — even kids with autism.
This Multimillion-Pound Charity Is Offering To Pay For Autistic Children To Have Pseudoscientific Treatments
Caudwell Children, which was set up by the billionaire Phones4U founder John Caudwell, is offering to pay for children to attend clinics offering pseudoscientific treatments and which appear to endorse unfounded links between vaccines and autism.
A Cop Has Been Jailed For 40 Years For Fatally Shooting A 6-Year-Old Boy
Derrick Stafford was one of two marshals who fired into a car 18 times in 2015, killing the 6-year-old boy inside and wounding his father. No weapon was found in or near the vehicle.
This Mother Shares What It Was Like To Find Out Her Child Was Autistic
"He gives the best hugs.”
Julia, The First Muppet With Autism, Is About To Make Her Debut On "Sesame Street"
"It's important for kids without autism to see what autism can look like."
This London University Keeps Hosting Pseudoscientific Events
Anti-vaccination groups and people purporting to be able to treat autism with homeopathy have held events at Regent's University.
"Alternative Medicine" Charities Might Lose Their Charitable Status
In the wake of a legal challenge regarding charities promoting pseudoscientific beliefs, the Charity Commission is reviewing its approach to alternative medicine.
This Journalist Gave An Incredible Eye Roll While A Conservative Pundit Questioned Vaccines
The transitions... BRAVO.
Pregnant Women With Herpes May Be More Likely To Have Kids With Autism
A new study is the first to link genital herpes infection in pregnant women to autism risk in children, adding to a growing list of environmental risk factors for the disorder.
Amazon And Waterstones Sell Books That Promote "Dangerous" Treatments For Autism
Books claiming to be able to "cure" autism, as well as cancer and HIV, with unscientific treatments that have been linked to several deaths are available on the booksellers' websites.
An Antivaxxer And Robert De Niro Just Announced A $100,000 “Challenge” Over Vaccine Safety
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose vaccine safety claims have been widely denounced, said that Trump still wants a controversial vaccine safety committee.
This British Autism Charity Has Promoted "Dangerous" Unlicensed Treatments
Social media accounts for the Autism Trust UK have promoted unscientific treatments condemned as "harmful", and claimed false links between vaccines and autism.
People With Disabilities Are Expressing Disbelief That Trump Is President
"If I met Donald Trump, he'd be happy to mock my disability. Imagine what he will do to people like me."
Teaching Parents New Ways To Interact With Their Autistic Child Helps Reduce Severity Of Symptoms
For the first time, a "rigorous, gold-standard" study has shown a way of alleviating the symptoms of childhood autism, by helping parents become "super parents".
A Little Girl's Letter Went Viral After Someone Called Her Autistic Brother "Weird"
"Some people are different but we should all be treated the same."
People Are Crying Over This Mom's Photo Of Her Son Eating Lunch With A Football Player
"This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes."
Autistic Teen Stabbed Himself While Escaping From A Mental Health Hospital
The vulnerable 17-year-old boy managed to escape from psychiatric care three times in a month, including twice on the same day, BuzzFeed News can reveal.
Pokémon Go Is Helping This Autistic 6-Year-Old In The Most Amazing Way
"Thank you Nintendo!!!"
This Mom Posted To Social Media To Get Her Son To Take Out The Trash
"What do I have to do? Post a picture there to get the trash out?"
People Are Sobbing Over This Autistic Teen Who Celebrated Her Birthday Alone
"If there is anyone who deserves a great birthday, this is the girl."
This Kid Collected All The Evidence Showing Vaccines Cause Autism
This science whiz has had enough.
People Are Incredibly Moved By This Teacher Playing The Piano With An Autistic Man
"This brought tears to my eyes."
What The Parents Of Children With Special Needs Want You To Know
"She's taught me what is important in life: dogs, Cheetos and music."
Scientists Test Ancient Body-Warming Method as Depression Treatment
A new study finds that “hyperthermia” could be helpful in treating depression. It’s a century-old idea, but bigger trials are needed before it sees widespread use.
Special Needs Parents, What Do You Wish Other People Understood?
Beyond the fact that you're seriously tired.
This Woman Just Asked Channing Tatum All The Questions We're All Too Scared To Ask
"One of the hardest and scariest moments of my life is sitting next to you."
This Mum Had To Declare Her Autistic Daughter Homeless To Get Help
Nicky Clark said her local council did not respond for four months after she contacted them regarding help with care for the disabled 19-year-old.
This Short Film About An Autistic Woman And Her Sister Is A Total Feels-Fest
Damn those onion-cutting ninjas again.
Apple Made A Video About A Teen With Autism And It's Incredibly Moving
"Having a voice has changed everything in my life. No more isolation. I can finally speak with the people who love me. I can say what I think and let them know I love them too."
Creator Of BBC's Child Autism Drama Calls For An "Embracing Culture"
The programme, about a family dealing with a child's diagnosis of autism, was widely praised by audiences when it debuted on BBC One last night.
Autistic People Are Dying Young And There's Not Enough Money To Find Out Why
The main reasons are epilepsy and suicide, but a chronic shortage of funding is slowing researchers' efforts to find the underlying causes.
Autistic Boy To Be Moved After Six Months' Detention Under Mental Health Act
Matthew Garnett, 15, who is autistic and has learning disabilities, will be moved to a hospital placement to be treated and assessed after spending six months in an intensive care unit against his family's wishes.
Pressure Grows To Stop The "Systematic Abuse" Of Indefinitely Detaining Children Under The Mental Health Act
Families and politicians told BuzzFeed News that society must protect children with autism and learning disabilities from being caught up in a system that detains them and denies them treatment.
This Is How An Autistic Child Is Being Kept In "Prison" Under The Mental Health Act
Matthew Garnett, 15, who is autistic and has learning disabilities, has been detained in a psychiatric intensive-care unit for the last six months against his family's wishes. BuzzFeed News investigates why he and children like him end up stuck in a system they can't control.
This Canadian Teenager With Autism Is The Inspiration We All Need
"More people like Sam need to be seen, heard and given a chance to thrive and dance."
New Genetically Engineered Monkeys Show “Autism-Like” Behaviors
The mutant animals are anxious, have abnormal social interactions, and run in circles.
The Viral "Don't Touch Me" Vine Is Actually A Heartwarming Story
"Don't touch me!"
These "Sensitive Santas" Make Christmas Extra Special For Kids With Autism
"For a lot of our families it's their very first picture they’ve ever had with Santa."
9 Times Bollywood Spoke About Mental Illness
"There were days when I would wake up and feel like it was just too exhausting."
12 Special Educators Told Us Why They Teach Children With Special Needs
"I wanted to empower out-of-the-box minds."
This Story Of A Mall Santa And An Autistic Boy Will Melt Your Heart
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
A Mall Santa Did Everything He Could To Make An Autistic Child Feel Comfortable
"It was so wonderful to watch."
20 Heartbreaking Confessions From People With Asperger's Syndrome
The little things in everyday life can be a lot harder to tackle. Confessions courtesy of Whisper.
U.S. Autism Rates Are Way Up, Mostly Because Of A Change In The Survey
A Census Bureau survey published on Friday finds that 1 in 45 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, up from 1 in 80 in past reports. The increase is largely due to changes in how the survey was put together, say health statistics experts.
This Chennai Bakery Employs And Nurtures Adults With Learning Disabilities
"Our aim is not to earn profits but to empower and give a sense of respect and individuality to these adults who have been often ignored even by their own families."
A Barber Was Shocked When Pictures Of Him Cutting An Autistic Boy's Hair Went Viral
Now this is customer service.
This Is Julia, Sesame Street's First Character With Autism
Julia was introduced to the stable of cast members on Wednesday in an effort to fight the stigma associated with autism and provide families with more resources.
This Couple Just Got Married In A "Star-Studded" Autistic Wedding
Love is so beautiful, guys.
This Broadway Star Called Out His Audience For Shaming A Special Needs Child
The King and I actor Kelvin Moon Loh took to Facebook after an audience shamed a mother for bringing her autistic son to the matinee.
This Inspiring Short Film Will Make You Very Proud Of India's Differently Abled Athletes
The film will be showcased at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles later this month.
The Cat Who Fought Off A Dog To Save An Autistic Boy Just Won The "Hero Dog" Award
Tara the cat is now the dog of the year.
An Autistic Woman Has Bravely Shared A Video Of Her Dog Comforting Her
Danielle Jacobs' video has been viewed over 2.5 million times on YouTube.
Man Gets Four Years In Prison For Selling Toxic Bleach As Miracle Cure For Autism
The Department of Justice charged a man for peddling industrial bleach as a miracle cure for AIDS, cancer, autism, and lots of other ailments. The product, called Miracle Mineral Supplement, is still available to purchase from several websites.
These Trippy Works Of Art Are Made From Actual Human DNA
Photographer and biochemist Linden Glendhill makes psychedelic works of art from DNA to help raise money for autism research.