Education & Behavior Sage

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In a breakthrough that could change how we understand autism, scientists now believe they’ve uncovered one of its potential root causes—and it lies deep within the brain’s development. Researchers studying early neural activity have identified a biological signal that goes off-course during critical growth stages, possibly setting the stage for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The discovery centers around a specific signaling pathway in the brain that guides how neurons grow, connect, and communicate during infancy. In children with autism, this pathway appears to be disrupted, causing neural circuits to form in unusual patterns. These changes could explain the early onset of symptoms such as difficulty with social interaction, communication, and sensory processing.

What makes this finding so significant is that it offers a physical, measurable target for future treatments. Until now, autism’s causes have remained largely mysterious—believed to be a combination of genetics and environment. This new evidence adds a critical piece to the puzzle by linking ASD to an identifiable biological process.

Even more promising, the researchers were able to correct this disrupted signal in lab models, leading to improved neural function. Though human trials are still far off, the study opens the door for potential therapies that work at the root, not just the symptoms.

For families, educators, and medical professionals, this could mark the beginning of a new era in autism care—where science brings understanding, and understanding brings hope.

First there was the movement away from Aspergers, which classified low support individuals with Autism. Now Autism is simply called a spectrum disorder. However, many feel that the broad over generalizing statements made by RFK Jr., are a misrepresentation of the autism community at large. Therefore, the label of autism alone is not enough. Diagnostically, most individuals with autism require low to moderate support and feel his statements are not a reflection of the entire autistic population. Who RFK Jr. does address are those with profound autism (Level 3).

This article brings some interesting perspectives to the autism advocacy community. What are your thoughts?

The link between vision and autism explained:

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Autism told by Autistic people #supportloveautism #autismawareness #profound #level3 #autism #nonverbal #fypシ

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It’s not always slower processing, it’s 42% more input leading to more detailed processing, which can take longer, but valuable. This also might tie into the theory of monotropism. Focus is more detailed but on less topics at any one time because of the level of data intake (and conversational exchange/reciprocal communication w small talk can be more difficult). Share thoughts below! #autism #neurodivergent #neurodiversityaffirming #slpsofinstagram #neurodiversity #speechpathologist #adhd #specialeducation #synapticpruning

This new little rescue has taught me a valuable lesson: perspective. Meet Re*****on “Remi,” my 1year old Brittany Spaniel I recently adopted. I am being challenged with playful aggression (biting), social skills deficits (does not understand verbal growls and body cues such as his fur sister fleeing the room when she doesn’t want to play), and property destruction (he chewed through his crate to escape… do we call that eloping as well).

While having a puppy is NOT the same as having a child with autism, what I have learned is that as a behaviorist, I HAVE all the tools to change his behavior. I CAN apply ABA to my dog, BUT I’m not. Why? Because I’m his mom. I hear him cry when I crate train him and know he has been traumatized. I know he has severe separation anxiety and these facts become barriers to me actually helping him. Instead, I do things to appease his behavior, which actually only reinforce the behaviors I want to extinguish.

So why am I sharing this? Because as a therapist, I get to go home at the of the day. I can turn my ABA brain off. But parents of children with autism don’t. So Remi, thank you. Thank you for showing me that these parents have a hard time at home doing ABA with their kids 24/7. It’s hard. Parents of autistic kiddos, I see you. You’re doing your best, and I will support you however I can.

Great source of information. I find that low support ASD individuals are the most difficult to diagnose because they mask so well. They are neurotypical enough on a surface level to get by without others noticing. Meanwhile, these individuals struggle privately with feelings of anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, self-doubt, perceived judgement from others, and fear of trying new things due to fears of rejection by peers or failure at a task or activity. These individuals are also hard to diagnose because they may present different in different environments, so when teachers and parents fill out assessment forms, the evaluator may get results with such discrepancies that a definitive diagnosis can’t be made (such was the case with my son). But I knew. My gut knew. Keep advocating for your children, your daughters, yourself, and anyone else who is unseen.

This is a very effective strategy to use with ASD kiddos. Choices, choices, choices. ❤️

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You might not be able to choose IF…but 90% of the time…you can choose HOW 🧠 #autism

The Behavior Analyst in me wants to know the operational definition of deficient parenting at Tocoa Riverside Restaurant 😂

Parents of older ASD kiddos: are you having difficulty finding ABA services because most clinics do early intervention for littles? If you have a COMP/NOW waiver or are eligible for Medicaid and can obtain the waiver, I can provide services. If you are unfamiliar with this funding resource, DM me, and I will happily share information with you. Sometimes it takes a village. ❤️

What I learned from our wonderful campers at Camp Friendship, a social skills camp for neurodivergent kiddos: when we are in the red zone and people are arguing, a nature walk helps. “Yeah, nature is nice Ms. Kerry. I wasn’t mad any more. I liked the ducks at the pond and we found an inchworm. Nature is good when you are mad.” I couldn’t have said it better myself buddy. Nature is a miracle mood regulator. 🌳🦆

School’s out and Summer is on! While the first week is a nice break for everyone, soon songs of “I’m bored,” will be heard by parents everywhere. If you haven’t signed up for camp yet, consider Camp Friendship. We are a social skills camp for neurodivergent kiddos and have been serving the Atlanta area for over 20 years! It’s not too late; we have a few spots remaining. DM me for a flyer and registration form. Camp is located off Lower Roswell Rd in Marietta.