Amy Wetherby

Research shows crucial intervention period for infants with autism spectrum disorder

New research from the Florida State University College of Medicine found that infants with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate social-communication differences with their peers by nine months. The research, which was published in Child Development, showed three unique patterns of social-communication development in infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and points to a crucial window for […]

FSU experts available to share research insights for Autism Acceptance Month

The Autism Society of America celebrates April as Autism Acceptance Month as part of the organization’s efforts to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms and realities of autism. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. […]

New website walks parents through early childhood development, alerts them to early signs of autism

Your baby delights you but he’s causing you concern. Why is it so hard to get him to look at you? Why doesn’t he gesture as much as other babies you know? Your relatives say you worry too much. They blame your parenting for the child’s frequent tantrums. Still, you wonder: “Could my baby have […]

Strategic classroom intervention can make big difference for autism students

Special training for teachers may mean big results for students with autism spectrum disorder, according to Florida State University and Emory University researchers. In a new study, children whose teachers received specialized training “were initiating more, participating more, having back-and-forth conversations more, and responding to their teachers and peers more frequently,” said researcher Lindee Morgan. […]

FSU leads interdisciplinary network created to help families respond to autism diagnosis

Florida State University researchers have been awarded a five-year, $10.2 million Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) network grant to test a two-part home intervention designed to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment. Their plan is to coach families and empower them with earlier and widespread access to cost-efficient information, education and support. “We are […]

FSU Autism Institute launches web-based family ecosystem to jump-start early intervention

Waiting for children to develop on their own is one reason so many toddlers with autism go undiagnosed. A delay in treatment can result in the loss of precious months or years when interventions are able to dramatically affect outcomes. The Autism Institute at Florida State University has launched a new early intervention approach called […]