Nearly three million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, one quarter of them children. Most of these are mild, resulting in concussion, but 50,000 deaths result from TBI annually. At the same time, one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder each year. Three and a half million Americans live …

The brain is a complex and wondrous organ whose basic structure is a web of electrical impulses. The early journey of brain development is vital to its functioning for the rest of its owner’s life. Brain development begins in utero and isn’t complete until roughly age 25. A baby is born with 85 billion neurons, …

One concept frequently lost in the education of autistic children is that the purpose of education is to prepare them, not only for managing childhood but for succeeding in adulthood as well. Autistic adults are seeking the same markers for happiness as neurotypical adults. They are looking for as much independence as possible—a job to …

I’ve written previously about how we misunderstand the intelligence of people on the autism spectrum. We evaluate their intelligence with tests and observations that measure a narrow slice of the intelligence continuum and then judge them by their ability to socialize with us. Neurotypical vs. Autistic Culture Neurotypical people—a term for individuals without autism coined …

Large corporations such as SAP, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Ford, IBM, and others have recognized the competitive advantage of neurodiversity and begun to utilize the special gifts and talents of individuals with autism and other neurological differences to improve the workplace. Small businesses as well can and should utilize these benefits.  The Rising Tide carwash in …