High vs. Low Functioning Autism

High vs. Low Functioning Autism

After a thorough history and physical examination, if there is an autism diagnosis, parents frequently ask the question, “So, do you think that my child is high or low functioning? How much autism does my child have?” They are especially thinking,...
Helping Pediatricians Understand Autism

Helping Pediatricians Understand Autism

I publish these essays for 4 principle reasons. 1. To learn. This is the main purpose. In order to provide educated answers and advice, it is necessary to delve into all of the science surrounding this epidemic. Basically, the blog is homework, and this venue is often...
Reading, Texting, and Arithmetic for Special Needs Children

Reading, Texting, and Arithmetic for Special Needs Children

While on summer vacation as a child in the middle of the last century, I would pass booths along the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ, where hucksters would proclaim their ability to accurately evaluate any personality by examining handwriting. Sloppy or tidy text,...
Antibiotics and Autism, too

Antibiotics and Autism, too

One of my most re-tweeted essays is The Law, Antibiotics, and Autism, which is a discussion involving a recent Federal Court ruling. The final verdict was that, even though antibiotics in our food are admittedly harmful, the LAW’s hands are tied, and the...
Premies and Autism

Premies and Autism

As a practicing neonatologist for over 25 years, it has actually come as bit of a surprise that premature infants are more likely to develop signs and symptoms that are associated with autism. In an earlier position as the Director of one of the largest neonatal units...