Autism News & Insights

Traveling through busy airports can be overwhelming for anyone—but for neurodivergent individuals and families of children with autism, it’s often an exhausting and stressful experience. That’s why the latest update at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A is such a meaningful breakthrough: a newly opened post-security sensory room designed specifically to support travelers with sensory […]

For many families of children with autism or sensory sensitivities, a simple haircut can feel like an impossible task. The loud buzz of clippers, itchy capes, strong product smells, and bright lights can overwhelm children who process sensory input differently. That’s why the growing attention around Your Kind of Cuts, a Nutley-based barbershop, is such

It’s every parent’s nightmare—a child vanishes in a crowded city. For one mother visiting New York from Texas, that nightmare became a reality when her 7-year-old son, Ruwaid Karim, disappeared from a restaurant in Queens. Non-verbal and autistic, Ruwaid had slipped away in mere minutes while his mother stepped away, setting off a tense, hours-long

Autism rates are rising across the country—but in New Jersey, they’ve reached the highest levels nationwide, with 1 in 29 children now diagnosed on the spectrum. This means nearly 3.5% of 8-year-olds in the state are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For many New Jersey families, these numbers don’t just represent statistics—they reflect daily

Families across Middlesex County, New Jersey now have a new place to turn for safe, inclusive play: an indoor sensory gym specifically designed for children with autism, sensory processing differences, and other developmental disabilities. The newly opened facility in Piscataway offers specialized equipment like trampolines, swings, and zip lines, all created to encourage movement, regulation,

In a major step toward inclusivity, the New York Red Bulls recently unveiled a fully upgraded sensory room at Sports Illustrated Stadium—just in time for their Autism Acceptance match against Chicago Fire FC. Known as the Altec Lansing Sensory Room, this calming space offers a sensory-friendly retreat for fans who need a break from the

New York is at a crossroads. Proposed Medicaid cuts targeting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy could strip thousands of children with autism of the support they need to thrive. These reductions don’t just affect services—they threaten progress, equity, and the futures of vulnerable families across the state. ABA therapy in NY is widely recognized as

Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $252 billion state budget has sparked outrage—and for good reason. While the plan boosts spending for hospitals and labor unions, it simultaneously proposes a $30 million cut over two years to Medicaid coverage for ABA therapy, the gold-standard treatment for children with autism. That means some of the most vulnerable children

In New York City, a forward-thinking mentorship program is changing how high school students with autism prepare for the future. Known as “Making Mentors,” this initiative connects autistic high schoolers with autistic college students to build confidence, independence, and real-world skills—all while fostering meaningful relationships. Backed by a $1.29 million grant from the National Science

New York City’s vibrant arts and culture scene has long been a magnet for families, but for those with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities, navigating crowded, noisy venues can be overwhelming. Thankfully, many NYC museums and institutions have stepped up, offering sensory-friendly programs that create inclusive, welcoming experiences for children