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As Fairfax County faces a significant budget shortfall, proposed cuts are targeting a vulnerable segment of the community: neurodivergent young adults. Programs that help individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, transition into higher education and adulthood are at risk of being reduced or eliminated—sparking outrage and fear among families who rely on these services for […]

A growing concern is echoing across Fairfax County as parents and caregivers speak out against a proposed cut to a crucial support program for college students with disabilities. At the center of the conversation is the College Steps program, which offers individualized assistance to students with developmental disabilities, including autism, helping them navigate academic and

A newly released map showing autism rates by state has sparked national attention, highlighting a dramatic rise in diagnoses across the country. According to a study cited in Newsweek, Virginia ranks among the top three states with the highest percentage of adults living with autism, right behind Massachusetts and just ahead of Connecticut. This finding

Creating inclusive spaces isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. And now, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC) is leading by example, announcing major changes that will make it more welcoming for individuals on the autism spectrum. With its recent designation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), VMHC is setting a powerful precedent for

In a powerful step forward for inclusive education, Virginia lawmakers have passed a bill that could significantly change how schools support autistic students. The new legislation, introduced by Senator Bill Stanley (R-Franklin County), aims to equip educators and school personnel with advanced training to better understand and assist students with autism. This initiative couldn’t come

Navigating a traffic stop can be stressful for anyone—but for individuals with autism, flashing lights, loud sirens, and rapid communication can turn a routine encounter into an overwhelming experience. That’s why sheriffs across New York State are embracing a new initiative aimed at making these situations safer and more manageable: the Blue Envelope Program. This

For decades, many parents—especially mothers—have silently carried the weight of guilt, wondering if something they did during pregnancy could have caused their child’s autism. Infections, depression, stress, even a bout of the flu have all been scrutinized. But a groundbreaking study out of NYU Langone Health has turned that narrative on its head. After analyzing

For decades, many parents—especially mothers—have carried the emotional weight of wondering if something during pregnancy may have caused their child’s autism. Did a moment of stress, an illness, or a health condition somehow influence their baby’s brain development? A groundbreaking new study has finally put many of these fears to rest. Recent research from NYU

If you’ve heard that autism rates have increased dramatically since the 1990s, you’re absolutely right. Back then, autism was considered rare—affecting roughly 1 in 1,000 children. Today, the number is closer to 1 in 31. For many parents, this can feel overwhelming. Why are so many more children being diagnosed? Is something new causing it?

A transformative new program in New York City is setting a powerful example of what’s possible when students with autism are given not only support—but leadership. In a growing mentorship initiative, high schoolers on the autism spectrum are being paired with college students who also identify as autistic. This peer-led model is changing the conversation