The Autistic Brain

Looking for the latest from an expert in the field of autism? The autistic brain: Thinking across the spectrum by Temple Grandin offers genetic research linking brain science to behavior as well as introducing neuroimaging advances in the field. Grandin even shares her own brain scan to highlight which areas might help to explain behavior issues.

Want more information? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this book or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Autism as Context Blindness

Autism as Context Blindness is a plain-speaking guide to how the autistic brain functions and, in particular, how those with autism seem blind to the context in which things happen. The book examines context as it relates to observation, social interactions, communication, and knowledge. It makes recommendations on how to reduce context blindness in these areas.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

What blame can tell us about autism

Although most children develop theory-of-mind ability (the ability to infer other people's thoughts) around the age of 4 or 5, children with autism seem to have a much more difficult time developing this skill, if at all. A new study, released earlier this year, from MIT reveals that high-functioning autistic adults appear to have trouble using theory of mind to make moral judgments in certain situations.

To read more about this study, go to: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/autism-theory-mind-0201.html

New technique in brain assessment

According to a story from NPR, doctors have discovered a new way to scan our brains to help identify what happens in the brains of kids on the spectrum. Researchers have developed a "brain age scale" that shows a link between the age of the person and the age of his/her brain. If a 15-year-old has a brain age of 15, that person would be considered to be developing typically. If, however, that same 15-year-old had a brain age of 8, it would send up a red flag.

Read the entire article at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129754434